Portugal is a wonderful country located on the Iberian Peninsula. As the landmass of Portugal is very close to the Atlantic Ocean, different cultures and traditions prevail in this country.The country can be a great place to tour around if you want to soak yourself in history and beauty at the same time. Talking about celebrating Christmas in Portugal, be assured that it will be the best time of your life. You will experience a lot here, and the entire country will get drenched in the festive mood. Every corner of the country gets lit up, and the city’s beauty doubles. Many shows are organized, and Santa gives people gifts at certain places. If you plan your trip anywhere in December, make sure you meet the festival of Christmas in Portugal.
Weather In Portugal During Christmas
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The weather in Portugal during Christmas is delightful. The average high in December rises to 15°C during the day and drops to 8°C at night. There are even chances of rainfall, especially in the northern region. So, with Portugal experiencing dual weather conditions in December, it makes for a great time to visit during Christmas.
Best Places To Celebrate Christmas In Portugal
Now let’s glance at some of the fantastic destinations to visit during Christmas in Portugal that are famous for their Christmas celebrations. You should go to these places if you are wondering where to spend Christmas in Portugal. Also, it will be wise to keep the weather in Portugal at Christmas in check, as December is the coldest month in Portugal.
- Madeira
- Porto
- Campo Pequeno
- Rossio Square Christmas Market
- Obidos
- Alentejo
1. Madeira
It will be great to spend time at this place. You can easily stay for some days. The wildflowers and the spectacular coastal footpaths create an excellent scenario. You can also have a beautiful time relaxing in front of the sea. Machico is a small fishing village located nearby. The village holds historical significance, which is another good reason to spend your days here exploring this place. A trade centre in this village was very famous for exporting sugar and wine to other countries.
Where to Stay: There are ample hotels and suites available here. However, prior booking is mandatory, especially in December.
Special Events: Many events take place in Madeira during this time. Local people perform various types of live shows.
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2. Porto, Douro Valley And Lisbon
If you are in Portugal, these cities must be included in your itinerary. The entire Douro region is famous for wine production. Thus, if you are in this region, you should taste the diverse wine flavours. A cruise journey along the Douro Valley with the exclusive taste of wine is simply awesome. However, on the eve of Christmas, all the cruises are decorated beautifully and delicious dishes are served to the travellers on board. Also, never forget to discover the world’s best road, N222, that connects Peso da Regua to Pinhao.
Where to Stay: Porto has some of the best hotels, like Mercure Porto, The Artist, etc. On the other hand, the Turim Marques is one of the best hotels in Lisbon. The hotel remains overcrowded during the Christmas months, so book beforehand.
Special Events: Most hotels serve tasty lunch and dinner, especially during this time. The hotels also organize various types of shows and events for visitors.
3. Campo Pequeno for Christmas Market
It is in Lisbon, and the market has ample things to do. On Christmas in Portugal, a particular market is organized at Campo Pequeno. The whole market area is overloaded with various Christmas gifts and stuff. Different kinds of pastries adorn the market. If you are busy shopping for Christmas and New Year parties in this market, please don’t forget to buy the pastries because they taste great. The marketplace has various costume jewellery items, books, and designer apparel.
Where to Stay: If you want to visit the market, it is best to stay at nearby hotels. Avenida Barbosa Du Bocage 25, 1º andar, Avenidas Novas, 1000-070 Lisbon, Portugal is a very famous. Suites and luxury rooms are also available.
Special Events: In addition to marketing, most hotels offer various unique continental dishes during this period. Regular shows occur from the 1st day of December until the first week of January.
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4. Rossio Square Christmas Market
Still looking for the best places to visit during Christmas in Portugal? Rossio Square Christmas Market is open throughout the year, but during December, it turns out to be quite special. You will find small wooden huts busy selling wines. People usually taste the flavours of wine while marketing. A Christmas tree is planted at the centre of the market. During the night, the tree is fully covered with beautiful lights. The Christmas holidays in Portugal have become quite interesting for their unique decoration.
Where to Stay: There are many hotels and suites near the market. If you wish to roam around the market, then planning for accommodation near the market is best. Online booking is always available at the hotels. Duque’s Apartment is a very famous hotel in Rossio Market.
Special Events: Try out the special served items during Christmas.
5. Obidos
A trip to this place is a must to celebrate Christmas in Portugal. It is a small village, and it hardly takes one hour to reach this village from Lisbon. The speciality of this village is that it converts itself to a Christmas village during this time. This village has ice skating, Santa‘s House, and an ice slide. All these are mainly created for Christmas. It can be an enjoyable day trip. There is some ancient architecture that you can explore too.
Where to Stay: If you wish, you can stay one night at Obidos. Many hotels have been established here, including Hotel Rainha Santa Isabel. The atmosphere is very homely, and the tourists can spend quality time with their loved ones.
Special Events: In addition to the local foods prepared in these hotels, the hotel owners also organize some shows.
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6. Alentejo
If you want your Christmas celebration to be far away from the maddening crowd in Portugal, then Alentejo must be your destination. The place is famous for its untouched rustic life with a serene and peaceful ambience. You can spend days looking at the beauty of the surrounding area while getting indulged in the food and local wine. On the eve of Christmas, hotels and resorts offer traditional food, and a few stalls are set up on the beach side where you can spend your night in the celebration as well.
Where to Stay: There are many hotels and resorts available in the region, but you must make the booking beforehand to avoid the rush.
Special Events: Traditional food, celebration on the beach side, and wine tasting.
Christmas Traditions In Portugal
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The famous Christmas traditions in Portugal are as follows –
1. Going to Missa do Galo—This religious tradition of attending midnight mass is still going strong in Portuguese. It is called Missa do Galo and is held at midnight on December 24th. After the mass, families get back home and exchange gifts. As a tradition, these gifts are brought by the little Jesus, and they also put the baby Jesus in the family Creche.
2. The Dining Table—Another prevalent tradition in Portugal is the Christmas table, where families gather around to enjoy simple yet tasty dishes. In each house, the table is dedicated to desserts, which are savoured over days to greet relatives and exchange Christmas presents. Arroz doce and Portuguese rice pudding are some of the popular desserts kept at the table.
3. Build a Presépio – Building a Presepio with children is another popular tradition of Christmas celebrations in Portugal. For some Christians, Christmas means the birth of Jesus; hence, recreating his birth has become a tradition in many homes. The Presepio includes six central figures – baby Jesus, Maria, José, and the three Wise Men. It even contains more elements for families who like to go all out creatively.
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Portugal is a country of ancient times, and its lands are epitomes of untouched natural beauty. Being a land of customs and traditions, you will experience the unique yet customary way of celebrating the Christmas holidays in Portugal, which is an experience in itself. So, if you are intrigued by the options and traditional way of celebrating Christmas, plan your trip to Portugal as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Portugal
How do they celebrate Christmas in Portugal?
In Portuguese families, there’s a huge gathering around the Christmas tree and the Crèche to celebrate the spirit of this festival and the birth of Jesus. Being one of the main religions in Portugal, Crèche carries significance to people.
What is Christmas called in Portugal?
Christmas doesn’t have a different name in Portugal. However, a Christmas dinner is called as Consoada.
What is a traditional Portuguese Christmas dinner?
A traditional Christmas dinner in Portugal is called Consoada. One of the main options for a Christmas dinner is bacalhau which you will find in almost all the conventional Portuguese dinners.
What do they call Santa Claus in Portugal?
‘Santa Claus in Portugal is known as ‘Pai Natal’. He is believed to bring gifts for children on Christmas Eve.
Where should I go for Christmas eve in Portugal?
Some of the best places to visit for perfect Christmas vibes are Porto, Alentejo and Obidos.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
