Christmas 2026
Christmas in Lisbon
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
20 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 12 ideas
- 3 for families
- 4 free
Don't miss
Christmas Lights Switch-On and Illumination
Wonderland Lisboa
Rossio Christmas Market
Saturday 21 November
Mercado das Cores - Especial Natal
A special Christmas edition of the Mercado das Cores, located in the Campo de Santa Clara. Specific opening hours are yet to be announced.
Tuesday 1 December
Public Holiday: Restoration of Independence
This is a national public holiday in Portugal, commemorating the end of the Iberian Union in 1640. Many businesses and public services may be closed.
Tuesday 8 December
Public Holiday: Immaculate Conception
A national public holiday in Portugal dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Portugal. Many businesses and public services may be closed.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve - Reduced Shopping Hours
On Christmas Eve (Consoada), many shops and supermarkets in Lisbon will operate with reduced hours, generally closing earlier. For example, Lidl and Continente supermarkets are expected to close by 18:00, and some shopping centers like Amoreiras and Colombo by 18:00 or 19:00.
Christmas Eve Dinner: Bacalhau da Consoada
Portuguese families traditionally gather for 'Consoada' (Christmas Eve dinner), with the main dish being 'Bacalhau da Consoada' (boiled codfish with potatoes, cabbage, and eggs, drizzled with olive oil).
Friday 25 December
Public Holiday: Christmas Day - Widespread Closures
Christmas Day is a national public holiday, and most shops, supermarkets, and public services will be closed. Many restaurants also close or operate with special holiday hours.
Christmas Day Lunch: Turkey or 'Roupa Velha'
For Christmas Day lunch, traditional dishes include roast turkey ('Peru Assado') or 'Roupa Velha' (a dish made from the leftovers of the Christmas Eve codfish). 'Bolo-Rei' (King Cake) is also a popular sweet enjoyed throughout the festive season.
Saturday 26 December
Lotaria Clássica de Natal 2026 Draw
The draw for the 'Lotaria Clássica de Natal' (Classic Christmas Lottery) 2026, offering a first prize of 12.5 million euros, will take place at 12:30. Tickets are available for purchase until 11:30 on the day of the draw. This is a significant national tradition during the Christmas season.
All season
Christmas Lights Switch-On and Illumination
The official Christmas lights switch-on ceremony in Lisbon typically takes place in Praça do Comércio in the second half of November, around 18:30, often accompanied by a concert and fireworks. The lights will illuminate approximately 182 km of streets across 46 locations, including famous areas like Avenida da Liberdade, Baixa, and Chiado, until early January. The lights are usually on from 17:30 to 23:00 (Sunday to Thursday) and from 17:30 to midnight (Friday and Saturday).
FamilyFree
Wonderland Lisboa
The Parque Eduardo VII hosts Wonderland Lisboa, a Christmas theme park featuring a giant Ferris wheel with city views, an ice skating rink, carousels, Santa's village, and stalls offering Portuguese food, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Entry to the park is free, but attractions are paid. Opening hours typically vary from 13:00/14:00 to 22:00-23:00, depending on the day of the week and holidays.
FamilyFree
Rossio Christmas Market
Located in Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio), this market features traditional wooden stalls with handicrafts, sweets, drinks, and entertainment. It also typically includes a free electric Christmas train and a Christmas exhibition from the Hospital das Bonecas. Opens from 10:00 to 22:00 (Sun-Thu) and 10:00 to 23:00 (Fri/Sat/holiday eves).
FamilyFree
Mercado de Natal de Alvalade
A local neighborhood Christmas market on Avenida da Igreja, Alvalade, offering a more authentic Lisbon Christmas experience away from the main tourist crowds. Entry is free, with typical opening hours from 10:00 to 20:00.
Free
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 26 Oct