15 not-to-be-missed Christmas markets in Portugal

November 24, 2018

Article updated on 15/11/2019. Advent calendars are invading supermarket shelves and Christmas decorations are lighting up the streets. There’s no doubt about it, the countdown to Christmas 2019 is well and truly underway! As last year, here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the Christmas markets in Portugal that will delight young and old alike for the end of 2019.

Christmas markets in Lisbon

1. Campo Pequeno Christmas Market | Lisbon

The Campo Pequeno market has been running since 2012. It’s one of the biggest Christmas markets in Portugal. Within its arena, you’ll find over a hundred exhibitors, mainly local artisans, selling all kinds of products: fashion, toys, ceramics, jewelry, decorations and more. Enough to give you great gift ideas for Christmas!

When? November 29 to December 2, 2019
Where? Campo Pequeno bullring
Subway: Campo Pequeno
Eventwebsite here
Admission fee: €2 for one-day access, €5 for 4-day access (€1 is deductible from purchases.), free for children up to 11 years.

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market, in the bullring.

2. Wonderland | Lisbon

Discover Wonderland in Lisbon. The magnificent Parque Eduardo VII, which dominates the city of Lisbon, will be decorated with a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, Christmas chalets and more. And you can return to your childhood with cotton candy, churros and hot chocolate… You’ll be amazed!

When? November 30, 2019 to January 5, 2020
Where ? Parque Eduardo VII
Subway? Marqués Pombal
Eventwebsite here

Wonderland Christmas Market with its magnificent Ferris wheel.

3. Natalis | Lisbon

The world of Christmas is represented here by several small markets in the same space: a Santa Claus market, a sustainable development market, a chocolate market (for you gourmands!), etc. There are also plenty of games and activities for all the family, and a gastronomy area (as always in Portugal, gastronomy doesn’t take second place to food). There are also plenty of games and activities for all the family, and a gastronomy area (as always in Portugal, gastronomy doesn’t take a back seat).

When? December 4, 2019 to December 8, 2019
Where? FIL, Rua do Bojador, Parque das Nações
Subway? Oriente
Eventwebsite here
Free admission

Natalis Christmas Market.

christmas markets in Porto

4. Porto Christmas Village | Porto

This is the second year that this Christmas market has taken place in Porto’s former customs building. This indoor Christmas market will be filled with authentic Portuguese culinary and artistic products, and a large area for gastronomy. For children, there will be an ice rink and a toy factory.

When? November 24 to December 30, 2019
Where? Alfândega do Porto, R. Nova da Alfândega
Streetcar? Alfândega
Admission fee : €5 adults, €3.50 children aged 3 to 11.
Eventwebsite here

5. Feira de artesanato Artes e Ofícios do Porto | Porto

Some twenty artisans will be present, offering a wide range of handicrafts: jewelry, soaps, perfumes, traditional toys, recycled paper items, etc.

When ? December 8, 2019 to December 23, 2019
Where ? Praça dos Poveiros
Streetcar ? Batalha
Free admission
Eventwebsite here

6. Artesanatus Porto | Porto

This year, the São Lazaro garden, the oldest in the city of Porto, will be the venue for this major Christmas market. A lovely Christmas garden will be set up, with a host of activities. The market will feature many Portuguese artisans.

When? November 30 to December 22, 2019
Where ? Jardim de São Lázaro
By streetcar ? Batalha
Free admission
Eventwebsite here

The giant bubble from last year’s Artesanatus Christmas market.

7. Mercado da alegria | Porto

The so-called “market of joy” promises to delight young and old with its illuminations, Christmas trees, entertainment and workshops. 40 exhibitors will be selling a variety of handicrafts, from jewelry and clothing to handmade toys and regional food products.

When? November 30 to December 31, 2019
Where ? Praça da Batalha and Largo de Santo Ildefonso
Subway? São Bento
Streetcar ? Batalha
Free admission
Eventwebsite here

christmas markets in other cities

8. Vila Natal | Óbidos (90 km from Lisbon)

If we had to name just one Christmas market in Portugal, this would be it. This Christmas village is the most emblematic in the country. Here you’ll find all the characters from the Christmas story: Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, snowmen and more. Don’t miss this return to childhood and the enchantment that emanates from this event.

When? November 29, 2019 to January 5, 2020
Where? Óbidos
Eventwebsite here
Admission fee: €7 adults, €5 children(group discount) Tickets can be purchased directly online here

Óbidos Christmas Market.

9. Cascais Christmas Village | Cascais (30 km from Lisbon)

After the success of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions, with over 100,000 visitors, Cascais is offering a 27-day Christmas village this year, with the theme “The Journey to Christmas Magic”. You’ll find Santa’s house, the “Enchanted Forest” where you can see real reindeer, the tree house with the Christmas tree and snow globe, not forgetting the Christmas carousel and a beautiful ice rink.

When? December 5, 2019 to January 1, 2020
Where? Parque Marechal Carmona, Cascais
Access from Lisbon: by car or train, “Cascais” stop
Eventwebsite here
Admission fee: €6 for children, €7 for adults(preferential rate for groups) Tickets can be purchased directly onlinehere

Cascais Christmas market with its elves.

10. Praça de natal Jogos Santa Casa| Vila nova de Gaia (10 km from Porto)

For the third year running, Gaia organizes 33 days of entertainment where all families can enjoy the magic of Christmas with Santa’s house, an ice rink, a Christmas market, shows, musical entertainment and more.

When? November 30, 2019 to January 1, 2020
Where? Jardim do centro cívico de Gaia
Bus? 11M, “Camara de Gaia” stop
Eventwebsite here
Free admission

Tobogganing at the Gaia Christmas Market.

11. Setubal Christmas Fest | Setubal (50 km from Lisbon)

The whole town of Setubal comes alive for Christmas! In the Parc de Bomfim, near the soccer stadium, you’ll find an ice rink, inflatable games, Santa’s train … 32 Christmas stalls will also be set up in Praça de Bocage, and don’t miss the city-wide illuminations and the beautiful Christmas tree on Avenida Luisa Todi.

When? November 23, 2019 to January 6, 2020
Where? Parque do Bomfim, Praça de Bocage and Avenida Luisa Todi
Access from Lisbon: by car or train, “Setubal” stop
Eventwebsite here

Christmas Market, Praça de Bocage, Setubal.

12. Mercado natal de Coimbra | Coimbra

Last year’s first edition of the Coimbra Christmas Market was a success. This year it’s back with an even more ambitious line-up. A year ago there were 60 exhibitors, this year there will be a hundred. You’ll find stalls selling a variety of Christmas-related products, plus the inevitable food and drink stalls. There’ll be entertainment every day, and an attractive carousel to turn your children’s heads.

When? December 7, 2019 to December 23, 2019
Where? Praça Heróis do Ultramar, Coimbra
Eventwebsite here

Coimbra Christmas Market at night.

13. Christmas theme park “Perlim” | Santa Maria da Feira (35 km from Porto)

The month of Christmas returns to Santa Maria da Feira with Portugal’s largest Christmas theme park, called “Perlim”. Set in a magnificent Quinta, musical performances, enchanting stories, animated floats and more will spark the imagination of young and old alike.

When? November 30, 2019 to January 5, 2020
Where? Quinta do Castelo in Santa Maria da Feira
Eventwebsite here
Admission: €7 adults, €6 children. Tickets can be purchased directly online here

Perlim Christmas theme park.

14. Castelo Mágico | Montemor-o-velho

The magic castle of Montemor-o-velho is back this year with a few new features, including Santa Claus’s big parade on December 1, the Xmas Neon Run & Party on December 14, the ice rink, and the magic train, which will provide a free link between the village and the castle.

When? November 30, 2019 to January 5, December 2020
Where? Montemor-o-velho
Eventwebsite here
Admission: €6 adults, €5 children.

Castelo Mágico Montemor-o-velho

15. Vila Vita Christmas Food Market |Algarve

In an authentic environment, get into the Christmas spirit with eight wooden huts full of suggestions for Christmas shopping: local products, Christmas wreaths, and many delicacies inspired by specialties from different countries: the delicious “Bolo de Rei”, traditional Raclette, waffles, hot chocolate, traditional mulled wine, etc.

When? December 20, 2019 to December 22, 2019
Where? Porches

Vila Vita Christmas Market

In conclusion

Christmas markets in Portugal – you’ve got a wide choice! From the north to the south of the country, from big cities to small villages, Christmas markets are everywhere. Dates range from late November to early January, so even if you’re only in Portugal for a few days, you’re likely to find a Christmas market to suit your dates. The one in Óbidos is of course the most famous, and it would be a shame to miss it if you’re in the area. I wish you all the very best for the festive season.

Have you made your choice? Which Christmas market will you attend?