Open any travel guides and you’ll see the same places mentioned when you look for cool day trips when you’re in Lisbon: Sintra, with its palaces and fairytale-like atmosphere; Cascais, the Portuguese Riviera; some will even suggest places like Óbidos, Fátima, or Évora. All of these places are, of course, well worth your visit. But there is one place that is often forgotten – Mafra.

Mafra is just 40 minutes away from Lisbon – just ten minutes more than Sintra and Cascais, and substantially less than Óbidos, for example. It’s a town that effectively grew around a man’s eccentricity and that became a playground for some kings. A place that offers anything a traveler could ask for: history, nature, discovery, and more importantly: the unexpected.

The “eccentricity” I speak of is, of course, the Palace-Convent of Mafra. It was built in the 18^th century when Portugal was receiving substantial amounts of gold from Brazil, its colony at the time. King John V was very fond of beauty and wanted Portugal to have its own Versailles, so when his first daughter was born he ordered the construction of the building as he had vowed to his wife.

But Mafra is also home to a unique place in Portugal, which is actually an extension of its palace: the Tapada Nacional de Mafra. It was created following the construction of the palace, as a hunting and recreational park for the Portuguese royalty and the court. Today, it is one of the leading organizations in preservation in the country and it is open to visits.

Finally, one cannot speak of Mafra and not mention Ericeira, the surfing paradise just 10 minutes away; the picturesque Aldeia Típica de José Franco, also built by a man with a dream; or the quaint Aldeia da Mata Pequena, the perfect place to relax away from the crowds, surrounded by nature. So just pack a few snacks and join me as we explore Mafra!

Getting There

By Air

There isn’t much of a choice here: you’ll land at Lisbon’s airport and after that, you’ll need to either take public transportation or arrange for a private car.

By Train

From Lisbon, the easiest way to reach Mafra by train is to head to the Rossio station, located right in the heart of the capital. There, you can take the urban train headed to Sintra, but you’ll need to switch to the regional train at Mira Sintra-Melecas. From there, it’s a 15-minute ride to Mafra.

By Bus

The bus is by far the fastest way to reach Mafra by public transportation if you’re coming from Lisbon. You can just head to the Campo Grande bus terminal and take the 2740 headed to Ericeira. It’s a 50-minute ride.

By Car

From Lisbon, just head north along the A8 highway for around 20 minutes. Once you reach Malveira, switch over to the A21 and, after about 15 minutes, you’ll see the signs directing you to Mafra.

What to See/Do

Mafra is pretty well divided when it comes to sightseeing: if you love history, head over to the palace (it’s hard to miss since it dominates the landscape and the whole town is built around it). If you’re looking to have some time in nature, visit the Tapada. If you’re a surfer, Ericeira is the place to go. And if you want to avoid people, go to Aldeia Típica de José Franco or Aldeia da Mata Pequena.

Mafra National Palace

The magnitude and beauty of the National Palace of Mafra, with its remarkable architecture from the Baroque period, its materials, and its contents, make this monument one of the most exciting sites in Portugal to visit. And, speaking of sites, both the Palace and the Tapada are, since 2019, UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As mentioned before, the National Palace of Mafra was built by King João V with funds from gold from Brazil, under the direction of the military engineer João Frederico Ludovice in the first half of the 18th century, and later other members of the Royal family benefited from the Palace in sculpture and painting.

The main parts of the National Palace of Mafra are the Royal Palace, the Basilica, and the Convent. The building has 1200 rooms and among its most important features are its Italian and Portuguese painting collections, one of the most important libraries in Europe with over 40,000 books, two chimes with 102 bells, six organs (the only set in the world), and an 18th-century hospital.

Tapada Nacional de Mafra

In 1747, the Tapada Nacional de Mafra became the place where royalty came to hunt. Nowadays, you’d be amazed at the scope of this place and its enchanted forest. It’s huge and, as a result, the wall that surrounds it is easy to lose sight of – about 21 km long. And it’s from the top – after a good hike – that one can best get a sense of its size.

The first royal hunts in the then Tapada Real were recorded in October 1750, by King José, and from then on, the royal family would come again and again, with particular interest from King Luís and King Carlos and his wife, Queen Amélia. Those were the golden days of the Tapada Real de Mafra.

Today, the over 800 hectares of the Tapada are home to deer, boars, eagles, foxes, and badgers, among hundreds of other species. The fauna found here is also unique and some of the trees there are centuries old.

Ericeira

It’s no coincidence that the American organization Save The Waves Coalition has classified Ericeira as a World Surfing Reserve. The beaches make Ericeira famous, but this fishing village has much more to discover. The best starting point for any stroll is Praça da República, known to all as Largo do Jogo da Bola, where tourists and locals gather to relax on a terrace, shop in the stores, or visit the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Interpretation Center.

A stone’s throw away is the beautiful building of the Jaime Lobo e Silva House of Culture, formerly the Ericeira Casino. In the surrounding area, it’s worth visiting Praia dos Pescadores, Santa Marta Park, right on the seafront, the numerous churches scattered around the town and, of course, its restaurants, which specialize in seafood and fresh fish.

Aldeia Típica de José Franco

At first glance, this village looks like any other. It has a castle, white houses with blue stripes, a mill and workshops. But it’s actually a recreation of a typical Portuguese village, built in the 1960s.

As a tribute to his land and his memories, the potter José Franco has reconstructed everything that characterizes a village, but on a smaller scale. It’s a curious and authentic space that will delight kids and adults alike in the Mafra and Ericeira areas.

There is no public transportation to reach the village, so you’ll need a car.

Aldeia da Mata Pequena

It’s a typical “saloia” village where you can stay overnight if you wish. Recovered for tourism, it is made up of a dozen little houses, all different, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the region. It also has a small farm with animals that the kids love.

If you’re there during summer, make sure to hike to the nearby Mourão Waterfall for a swim are to the Penedo do Lexim, a really cool rocky formation.

Where to Eat

Beija-me

Exceptional cuisine, with high-quality ingredients and expertly prepared, the filet mignon is incredibly wonderful and the fresh meats are the specialty. The personalized and very attentive service makes a meal at Beija-me a unique experience.

Restaurante Escondidinho

This restaurant is perfect if you decide to explore Mafra a bit further beyond the palace. It’s not located in the overcrowded main square area, and it serves food with the locals – not tourists – in mind. Its meals are a great fusion between modern cuisine and Portugal’s typical dishes.  

Mar à Vista

It comes as no surprise that a restaurant in Ericeira will be specialized in fish and seafood. And, boy, have they perfected their menu. From the crab to the shrimp and the lobster, this restaurant and its unique location are “the” place to go after a surfing session.

When to Visit

Mafra has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry and winters are mild. For this reason, the best time to go to Mafra in Portugal is from April to October. During this period, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures and almost no rainfall.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you say? Was I able to convince you? Back in the day, when I was in college in Lisbon, I used to go for a trek in the Tapada every other weekend. It’s the perfect place to clear your mind away from the crowds, get yourself surrounded by nature, and go for a mild trek to collect your thoughts. And the nearby villages are some of my personal favorites around Lisbon.

The best thing about Mafra is that it’s just 10 minutes further from the capital than Sintra and Cascais, which filters out a lot of the tourism, but it’s still close enough that it’s still a convenient and much cheaper option for headquarters during a trip around Lisbon, so do take it into account when you’re booking your accommodation.

Now all you need to do is to pack your hiking boots and your surfing board!

You’re spending your winter holidays in this extraordinary country, which offers delicious food and tasty drinks enjoyed alongside the friendliest people you’ve ever met. So how can you at least not consider attending a party or a Fado event for New Year’s Eve in the warm Portuguese capital?!

Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and found some amazing events you may want to attend. So keep reading to discover where you can celebrate New Year’s Eve in Lisbon!

Concerts and Parties – New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

Obviously, our first recommendation would be to attend the official party on Praça do Comércio, where everyone gathers for the fireworks and the joy. Alternatively, you can go to some festas in other locations around Lisbon, where you’ll have just as much fun! Opt for Almada or Setubal, for instance.

Furthermore, we definitely encourage you to check out our New Year’s Eve dinner recommendations – you never know, maybe you’re about to discover your new favorite restaurant in Lisbon!

But if you want to have an even more special evening… We’re here for you with the answers! We’ve found some Fado concerts, parties, and even an event with dance and game programs where kids will have the best time of their lives! Keep reading to discover more about each.

Attend a Fado Event

If you’re planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Lisbon by dining out, why not combine the dinner with a Fado event? This way, you won’t only enjoy a traditional meal but also immerse yourself in an atmosphere of saudade, of bittersweet longing, conveyed by the music.

Luckily, Lisbon doesn’t lack New Year’s Eve Fado events, so there’s plenty for you to choose from.

Adega Machado

Location: R. do Norte 91, 1200-284 Lisboa, Portugal

Adega Machado is an iconic Fado House in Lisbon that served as a performing place for many famous Fado artists. Other notable personalities, like Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, or Don Juan de Bourbon, also stepped foot into this restaurant and probably liked it so much that they quickly returned!

Well, if Adega Machado has been inspiring the saudade feeling for almost a century, why stop on New Year’s Eve?! That’s why you can now book your seat for the 31st of December.

Their New Year’s Eve program starts at 8 p.m. and costs 150 EUR per guest, which, obviously, includes a Fado concert. Naturally, the menu is quite exquisite, providing a combination of various traditional dishes. It also includes drinks, desserts, and coffee or tea.

O Faia

Location: R. da Barroca 54 56, 1200-050 Lisboa, Portugal

O Faia, a restaurant founded in 1947, offers locals and tourists daily Fado nights held by famous Fado artists, including Lucília do Carmo, Alfredo Marceneiro, Fernando Maurício, and others.

At the moment, the Fado atmosphere is created by Lenita Gentil, Sara Correia, António Rocha, Maura Airez, and Beatriz Felício. They are accompanied by Fernando Silva and Paulo Ramos.

On New Year’s Eve, you can, of course, have the best night of the year at o Faia, savoring their delicious dishes and allowing the Fado music to get to your heart!

The menu costs 220 EUR per person and includes drinks, starters, main course, and desserts. At midnight, you’ll welcome 2024 with a glass of Champagne Moet & Chandon!

Cafe Luso

Location: Tv. da Queimada 10, 1200-365 Lisboa, Portugal

One of the most historically and culturally enriching locations in Bairro Alto – Café Luso, located in the old wineries of Palácio Brito Freire. The restaurant’s interior design and decor are undoubtedly worthy of a New Year’s Eve dinner served on a background of Fado music.

The Fado concerts usually begin at 8 p.m. and last until 2 a.m., although we recommend checking with the restaurant beforehand to ensure you’ve got the correct details.

The New Year’s Eve menu at Café Luso costs 150 EUR. It includes a wide variety of dishes, starting with mini tartelle with foie gras and fig in syrup and a salmon or shrimp dish for the main course and ending with coconut and mango panna cotta, accompanied by a delightful coffee or tea. These are only some options you’ll find in the extensive menu.

Maria da Mouraria

Location: Largo da Severa 1 e 2, Largo Severa 2, 1100-588 Lisboa, Portugal

Maria da Mouraria, a fado house and restaurant managed by the Fado Museum, offers locals and tourists Fado nights held by Hélder Moutinho, as well as Bela and Carlos Silva.

The restaurant prepared a selection of dishes for those who want to step into the new year outside their houses or hotels. They offer a welcome drink, starters, first and second courses, as well as dessert and drinks.

Additionally, Maria da Mouraria has vegan options, including spinach pastries with seaweed risotto and lagareiro-style tofu.

The dinner will be accompanied by Fado music, as well as fireworks at midnight. The menu costs 175 EUR per person.

If you want to make a reservation, you’ll have to pay a 50% deposit. Don’t hesitate to contact the restaurant for more reservation details and/or information regarding their cancellation policy, in case you’re not sure of your plans.

Have the Ultimate New Year’s Eve party on a Cruise

Location: Depends on each cruise

If you want to do something more special than a dinner at a restaurant, why not go for a New Year’s Eve Cruise?! That’s undoubtedly much fun and can make for a memorable experience in a coastal country!

You can look for a cruise that suits your preferences, as there are plenty. For example, you can choose one that is shorter (2 hours) and includes drinks only and a possibility to watch the fireworks right from the Tagus River.

On the other hand, some cruises also include cheese and charcuterie board, as well as dessert options. The prices usually vary between 100 and 150 EUR.

If you want to attend a dinner cruise, though, you should probably book one right now (if you do manage to find one that still has available seats) because most of them are already sold out! It is quite an extraordinary experience – no wonder people do not even hesitate to buy their tickets!

Welcome New Year – Estufa Fria

Location: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal 

The party at Estufa Fria is probably the most popular New Year’s Eve party in Lisbon. It’s been inviting people to have fun since 2013!

Estufa Fria, as you probably already know, is a fantastic greenhouse located in Parque Eduardo VII. Imagine dancing your way into 2024 in such an awe-striking location, as if in a jungle!

The Welcome New Year event in Estufa Fria starts at 11 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m. You’ll have to hurry up with the tickets because they’re selling out quickly – check them out here. Only a few at the price of 45 EUR are left – the price includes the entrance fee and three drinks.

However, we must mention that you won’t be able to book your ticket directly on the website. You’ll have to contact the organizers first and ask them for an access code that will allow you to complete the reservation.

The party is private, with a limited capacity, so you don’t have to worry about it getting out of hand.

Fábrica Braço de Prata New Year’s Eve Party

Location: R. Fábrica de Material de Guerra 1, 1950-128 Lisboa, Portugal

Fábrica Braço de Prata is a Lisbon cultural center founded in 2007 that hosts an incredible New Year’s Eve party! If you’re visiting the capital with your children, don’t even hesitate to book a ticket for it, as kids are welcome!

While other parties do not allow children (for obvious reasons), this one is excellent for them, as the program includes various concerts, dancing events, game spaces, and even mattresses where they can take a nap!

Additionally, kids under 8 years old can enter for free. Please don’t forget that the organizers advise families to contact them beforehand to inform them how many children will attend. This way, they can keep track of the available spots.

The event begins at 9 p.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. The ticket prices vary between 20 and 45 EUR, depending on whether you want them to include food and drinks.

We must admit – if you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Lisbon, you’re quite lucky! You’ll have the opportunity to see for yourself how much fun Portuguese people have!

Be it that you want to welcome 2024 from your hotel room or spend it wandering through the lightened streets of the historical center engulfing you with their magic – we’re sure you’ll have the greatest time!

If you want to see the fireworks somewhere in the city but haven’t decided on the best spot yet, we’re here to help you! Keep reading to discover where to see the fireworks in Lisbon on New Year’s Eve!

4 Places to Watch Fireworks in Lisbon

We must warn you that whatever place you choose, it will probably get pretty crowded. Therefore, we advise you to prepare your New Year’s Eve journey beforehand, taking into consideration this aspect. Maybe you can schedule your arrival early or go for a more unpopular spot.

We also recommend checking the festivity programs beforehand to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Furthermore, don’t forget to check the program of the metro (and other types of public transport) to make sure you have the means to arrive at the spot you’ve chosen. Finding an Uber or a Bolt will likely be quite challenging on the 31st of December and the 1st of January.

Here’s another tip from us – although Lisbon can get quite warm and even springish during the day, nights are cold and sometimes windy, so don’t forget to wear a warm sweater and pack a scarf, especially if you watch the fireworks from one of the viewpoints, which are located at higher altitudes where it’s windier.

1. Praça do Comércio

The main New Year’s Eve event in Lisbon takes place in Praça do Comércio, the city’s most iconic place that marks the heart of its historical center. It is also the spot where the city meets the water!

Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço, is located at the end of Rua Augusta, which opens toward Praça do Comércio through the famous Rua Augusta Arch. So why are we sharing all these architectural and technical details?

We want you to envision just what a delightful experience you’ll have if you spend New Year’s Eve in such an iconic location, enjoying not only the fireworks but also the pure joy of locals and tourists, thus experiencing the capital in a truly authentic way!

Not to mention that Lisbon’s Christmas tree is (unsurprisingly!) installed in Praça do Comércio (which, by the way, is also Europe’s tallest Christmas tree!).

On the night of the 31st, the location will be strictly monitored and people will only be able to access it by foot. There will be six entries and seven exits. The entrances and the exits are located on Rua Augusta, Rua do Ouro, Rua do Arsenal, Rua da Alfândega, Avenida da Ribeira das Naus, and Rua da Prata.

Ensure to arrive there on time, check your bags for any prohibited items, and prepare yourself to be pushed around by people because it’s probably going to be quite crowded! Nonetheless, the fun is guaranteed!

2. Viewpoints

If you want to see the fireworks from a slightly different point, you can head instead to any of the viewpoints that overlook the Tagus River – luckily, there are plenty!

For example, you can choose Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which offers a splendid view of the city, the river, and the famous 25th of April Bridge. It is located in the Alfama neighborhood, on Largo Santa Luzia. In fact, Alfama has several excellent viewpoints, so there are multiple choices in the neighborhood.

However, don’t expect that you’ll be the only one thinking about this! The viewpoints, particularly those in Alfama, which are quite famous among tourists, will likely be filled with people, so we recommend arriving earlier and booking your seat!

Another viewpoint you can opt for is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. It is located on Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara and offers quite a spectacular view over the city. However, it is located farther away from Praça do Comércio than Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

The same is valid for Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, which is located in a churchyard. Although farther away from Praça do Comércio, it is the highest point of the neighborhood, ensuring a decent panoramic view over the historical center and the river.

Another popular viewpoint in Lisbon is Miradouro da Graça, located near Igreja Paroquial da Graça.

3. Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações is Lisbon’s region known as Expo. It overlooks the Tagus River and the iconic, lengthy Vasco da Gama bridge.

The neighborhood has a splendid riverfront walkway equipped with a myriad of restaurants and several green spaces. It starts right from the bridge and ends close to the Oceanarium. In short, it’s not only an excellent location to lose yourself in the magic of the New Year’s Eve fireworks! It also makes for an excellent destination to visit during a regular day.

We particularly love the location for its splendid sunsets! During the winter, the panoramic view of the river crossed by the lengthy bridge and united with the sky at the horizon is of incredible beauty! If the sky is clear, it is filled with the most beautiful shades of pink, violet, and blue.

Therefore, you can go for a walk in the evening, enjoy the sunset, dine out at one of the restaurants nearby, and, at midnight, watch the fireworks!

Like the fireworks in the historical center, those at Parque das Nações will enchant locals and tourists for approximately 10-12 minutes.

Here’s another tip from us! At Casino Lisboa, located right beside the Oceanarium in Parque das Nações, you’ll be able to listen to Xutos & Pontapés on New Year’s Eve. It’s a famous Portuguese rock & roll band with four decades of fans behind them! However, the event hours are still to be announced, so keep an eye on their website!

4. Other Places in Lisbon to See the Fireworks

Besides the two spots where fireworks will be set off at midnight and the myriad of viewpoints you can choose from, you can also consider these ideas:

• Terraces or rooftops. If you’re planning to attend a New Year’s Eve event at a restaurant, make sure to choose one that overlooks the city.
• Hotels. If you’re lucky enough to book a room in a hotel which offers panoramic views over the city, you can watch the fireworks from there. Maybe you can even book a room with your own panoramic view, so you could welcome the new year from the intimacy of your room!
• Belém region. While there won’t be fireworks in that region, it’s a less crowded location where you can watch the ones that will be set off from the city center.
• Almada. If you open your Google Maps, you’ll see that Almada is located right in front of Praça do Comércio (on the opposite side of the river), except that you’ll have to cross the bridge to get there. If you have a car, you can take advantage of this opportunity because Almada will probably be less crowded than Lisbon’s historical center. Or you can take the ferry boat from Lisbon to Cacilhas, which usually runs until 2 am on that night. You may even like spending New Year’s Eve there more than in Lisbon. Why so? Easy! Because it will probably have a more local touch than the party in Lisbon’s city center!

Where to Watch Fireworks Around Lisbon

If you want to get away from the busyness of the capital, you can always choose a region outside Lisbon. For example, you can go to Setúbal, a city south of Lisbon known for its adjacent beaches that attract hundreds of thousands every year.

On the 31st of December, starting at 10:30 pm, locals will have the best time of their lives at a party close to Doca dos Pescadores. At midnight, the fireworks will set off over the river, after which the party will continue until 3 am. People in Setúbal definitely know how to have fun and will make you feel at home!

Another excellent location to watch the fireworks and party till morning is Sesimbra. The New Year’s Eve program begins at 10 pm, lasts until 4 am, and will include multiple shows and, naturally, the midnight fireworks, which you’ll be able to watch from one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches.

If you don’t want to cross the bridge toward the south of Lisbon, you can go to Sintra, the famous castle-filled region. The top destination in Sintra is Praia das Maçãs, where locals organize festivities and set off fireworks at night. People are even said to have made a tradition of taking their first baths of the year on the night of the 1st of January!

Let’s not forget about Cascais! However, if you do decide to spend New Year’s Eve in Cascais, you must expect slightly more luxurious prices, especially if you plan to attend a party, book a hotel, or dine out for New Year’s Eve. 

The Missa da Galo, or the Rooster’s Mass, in Portugal is the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. According to tradition, Jesus was born at midnight and a rooster crowed at the same time, announcing the arrival of the Messiah. Like the roosters calling out at midnight, people are called into churches by the bells ringing at midnight. This is called the annunciation. For this important midnight tradition, special songs and prayers are sung. 

There is a saying that the Rooster’s Mass takes so long that, by the time it is over, the rooster is already crowing. Actually, the Rooster’s Mass takes anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours.  

If you’d like to celebrate the Rooster’s Mass with Lisbon locals, here are five places to attend this religious ceremony:

5 Places to Attend Missa da Galo (Christmas Eve Mass) in Lisbon

1. Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral)

Location: Largo da Sé, 1100-585

2. Igreja de São Roque

Location: Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470

Igreja de São Roque is one of the first Jesuit churches in the world and the first in Portugal. The church opened in 1618 and was one of the few buildings in Lisbon to survive the 1755 earthquake. The church is known for its lavish interior with gold leaf, intricate wood carvings, and exquisite paintings. The painted, flat wood ceiling here is really special and will be a highlight of your visit to the Rooster’s Mass.

3. Basílica da Estrela

Location: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667

The Basilica da Estrela is a significant historical and architectural landmark in Lisbon. Its construction began in 1779, under the orders of Queen Maria I of Portugal, as a fulfillment of her vow to build a church if she bore a son to succeed her. The Basilica was completed in 1790, after the birth of her son, Prince José.

The Basilica features a late Baroque and Neoclassical style, evident in its ornate facade and twin bell towers. The interior is equally impressive, with its marble and jasper decorations and a large dome. Notably, the Basilica houses a nativity scene crafted by sculptor Machado de Castro, comprising over 500 figures.

4. Church Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha

Location: Rua da Alfândega 108, 1100-585

Originally a medieval church, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha was reconstructed in the 16th century in the Manueline style, a Portuguese architectural style of the late Gothic period. This style is known for its ornate and intricate detailing, characterized by maritime elements, reflecting Portugal’s prominence in the Age of Discoveries.

Despite suffering damage during the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the church retains much of its original charm and elegance. The interior of the church was rebuilt in the 18th century and is decorated with tiles and stucco work.

5. Igreja de São Domingos

Location: Largo São Domingos, 1150-320

The Igreja de São Domingos (Church of Saint Dominic) dates back to the 13th century. Originally built in 1241, the church has witnessed several significant events, including royal weddings and the initiation of the 1640 revolution against Spanish rule. It showcases a mix of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, reflecting its various reconstructions, particularly after the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake and a major fire in 1959.

Despite these disasters, the church retains its grandeur, with notable features such as the ornate altar, the Manueline portal, and the remnants of its original medieval layout.

Due to its central location next to Rossio Square, this church could be easy to access for the Rooster’s Mass.

With the large number of churches scattered throughout the city, you are sure to find a Rooster’s Mass to attend. Just be sure to get a nap or drink a strong coffee before you begin as the Christmas Eve celebrations in Lisbon can go long into the night, maybe even until the rooster crows!

As the year draws to a close, Portugal takes on a new shine. Known as the warmest winter spot in Europe, it’s no wonder: you can always count on pleasant winter sunshine, mild weather, and light winds from December to February. It’s not out of the question to stroll along the beach during the Christmas season or spend the afternoon on a beautiful terrace.

But the whole country comes alive with Christmas entertainment, starting with the lights that bring joy and color to urban centers – and beyond. You hear Christmas carols, you see the delights of the season filling the shop windows, from Bolo Rei to Filhoses and Rabanadas; it’s magical to experience Christmas in Portugal.

At the heart of this magic are the Christmas markets and fairs, which animate localities from the north to the south of the country. From confectionery to local products, handicrafts, and Christmas souvenirs, you can find everything at these events, which usually feature Santa Claus, often elves, and other entertainment dedicated to the theme, providing unforgettable moments for the whole family.

The markets have a different, very Portuguese glow with welcoming people, with their own genuineness that comes through in the stalls. The sweets are made with care, and delivered with a smile; the souvenirs last a lifetime and are sustainable, even if the local handicrafts are made from materials that are unique to our country, such as cork and recyclable fibers. And this year, the big events of the season are returning to Portugal!

Lisbon

In Lisbon, Wonderland returns to the heart of the city, in Parque Eduardo VII, between November 30 and January 1, 2024, and with it the huge Ferris wheel and the sustainable ice rink. In Baixa, the Rossio Christmas Market is back until December 23, promising lots of fun for all the family, as well as the traditional craft and food stalls of the season.

Take the opportunity to attend one of the many Christmas concerts that are returning to the city as part of the “Christmas in Lisbon” program.

Cascais

Cascais will also be transformed into a real “Christmas village” from November 30 to January 2, 2024, with a market, Santa’s House, an ice rink, and, of course, the usual Ferris wheel in Cascais Bay.

The region is known as the Portuguese Riviera, so don’t skip a stroll along the beach our a drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in mainland Europe.

Porto

In Porto, the well-known Christmas Market takes place on Avenida das Tílias, in the Crystal Palace Gardens, from December 1 to 23, with lots of music, entertainment, workshops, handicrafts, and regional products; while in the renovated Bolhão Market, from December 14 to 16, don’t miss its first Christmas fair, an event dedicated to celebrating the colors and flavors of traditional products this holiday season.

Before you go, make sure you give our Ultimate Guide to Porto a read, so that you enjoy the city to the fullest.

Viseu

In Viseu, from December 8 to January 7, 2024, the city will once again experience the magic of Christmas through a program full of initiatives, such as the Christmas Market, workshops, shows, and concerts for kids and adults.

In addition to the magnificent historical and cultural heritage that alone justifies a getaway to Viseu, the “Garden City” has museums worthy of your visit, colorful flowers in every nook and cranny, leafy and cheerful gardens for pleasant strolls, monumental squares that invite contemplation, a gastronomy to drool over, a creative scene expressed in the performing arts and street art spread throughout the district.

Bragança

Elsewhere in the country, you’ll find the same Christmas atmosphere: in Bragança, the Land of Christmas and Dreams returns, from December 1 to January 7, 2024, which, in addition to a vast program throughout the city, has a great novelty of a 40-meter natural ice ramp, which will certainly provide a lot of fun.

Bragança is such a pure and picturesque city that we highly recommend you take your time to explore. Its castle is one of the coolest sights along the border with Spain and the hilly landscape is breathtaking.

Santa Maria da Feira

In Santa Maria da Feira, Perlim – Uma Quinta de Sonhos returns once again with various attractions that promise a lot of magic.

And just around the corner lies one of the most beautiful walkways in Portugal: the enchanting Passadiços do Rio Uíma, commonly known as Passadiços de Fiães. Four delightful kilometers reveal the charms of the lush, leafy forest through which the Uíma River, one of the many tributaries of the Douro River, flows. Along the way, there are small waterfalls, streams, a dam, and even an observation tower to study the local fauna, so make sure you don’t miss it.

Águeda

In Águeda, the famous and welcoming umbrellas and the World’s Largest Santa Claus await you from November 18 to January 7, 2024.

But the Umbrella Sky Project is far from being Águeda’s only attraction. There’s also one of the largest natural lagoons on the Iberian Peninsula to discover, one of the best railway museums in Portugal, a centuries-old bridge, and an educational village rich in heritage, traditions, and scenic beauty. Just to name a few.

Serra da Estrela

In Seia, the Aldeia Natal de Cabeça is a unique festival, as it only uses decorative materials extracted from nature and is run by the residents, who welcome visitors from December 8 to January 1, warmed by wool from the Serra da Estrela.

These mountains are by far the most “Christmassy” region in Portugal, with their fresh air and frequent snow, and we have just the perfect read to inspire you to visit.

Óbidos

And of course, Óbidos Vila Natal which, from November 30 to December 31, will be transformed into the School of Wizards to welcome all the little and big apprentices of magic.

To ensure that you don’t miss a thing while you’re there, make sure to give our Óbidos City Guide a read and find out all the hidden corners of this historical town.

Penamacor

In Penamacor, from December 7 to 25, the “Vila Madeiro” celebrates Christmas with various attractions, but the highlight is the arrival of the madeiro and the lighting of the bonfire in the churchyard, which brings together not only the locals but also tourists.

This tradition was one of our choices as one of Portugal’s Most Unique Christmas Traditions, so make sure to check that article, you never know what will pique your interest!

Madeira

On the island of Madeira, from December 1 to January 7, the atmosphere is festive and the entertainment is daily, with the highlight being the night of the Market on December 23 and, of course, the famous fireworks display on December 31 in the bay of Funchal.