Disclaimer: Lisbon, like any metropolitan city, is always changing. All times, prices, and other details shared in the following post were accurate at the time of our visit in December 2023. As always, we highly recommend you check out the place online or give them a call to confirm details prior to your visit.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and holiday magic is everywhere in Portugal. With the mild temperatures and the Portuguese people growing increasingly interested in holding special holiday events across the country, a visit to a Christmas market is simply a must-do if you find yourself in Portugal at any point in the month of December. As night falls, witness the city transform into a dazzling wonderland of illuminations. Immerse yourself in holiday cheer by taking in the beautiful decorations and festive light displays while browsing stalls filled with local products and local cuisine. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

As you plan your trip or make your way through Lisbon, Sintra or the hundreds of towns and villages spanning the country, start your Portuguese Christmas holiday by checking out some of these dreamy markets and elaborate lights. The best part: there’s no cost to enjoy either.

There’s no shortage of festive fun in Portugal and after you read through this post, we hope you’ll agree!

Wonderland Lisboa

This is the most popular place to visit in Lisbon for a fun-filled holiday evening. Located in the famous Parque Eduardo VII, less than 2 kilometers from the heart-of-Lisbon, you’ll find a spectacular display of lights, stalls, interactive photo opportunities, a giant Ferris Wheel, Santa’s house, and even an ice skating rink. There are games for the kids and sometimes you can catch a live performance in the market “streets” or on the main stage. There’s no cost to enter this market with it being the biggest and most popular in the city, be prepared for serious crowds and long lines. This is also not an authentic Christmas market. It has a definite modern-twist and is excellent for kids and families.

Christmas Gourmet – Parque Praca da Figueira

If you find yourself interested in the best culinary experience at a Christmas market, then you absolutely must stop at Christmas Gourmet in Parque Praca da Figueira.

Sample decadent treats including pastries, baked goods and specialty cakes. Warm up as you sip a glass of hot mulled wine and fill up on local culinary traditions like hot cheese and Iberian ham sandwiches or Bacalhau, a salty smoked fish often served with together potatoes and cabbage. You’ll also find Bolo Rei or King Cake here. This is a traditional cake served at a Portuguese Christmas dinner. It is eaten between Christmas Day and Epiphany. It is kind of like a fruit cake in the U.S. Massa De Filhos or Portuguese Christmas donuts can also be found here. Although these can be found year-round in pastry shops, they are traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve in Portuguese households.

This was our favorite Christmas market in Lisbon. We think it’s unmissable!

Be sure to browse the stalls first before committing to the first unusual or delicious looking treat that catches your eye.

Also, while most Christmas markets in Lisbon run the final week of November through December, Christmas Gourmet was open in 2023 from November 23 to December 17.

Ribeira Grande (São Miguel Island, Azores)

On the northern coast of São Miguel Island – one of the nine islands that make up Azores in the Atlantic Ocean – is where you will find the picturesque town of Ribeira Grande. During the holiday season, the town goes into festive mode with holiday decorations everywhere – even in the airport!

The charming historic central square is transformed into a postcard-perfect Christmas scene complete with a towering tree made of lights in the main plaza. This central square and surrounding downtown area serves as the main hub of Ribeira Grande and is called Matriz. The central square is impossible to miss; framed by beautiful trees, medieval buildings, and towering churches. There is a small Christmas market open on the weekends and a few rides for kids. You’ll find an impressive nativity scene located near the main plaza, along the street that crosses the river, heading towards the Teatro Ribeiragrandense, an eclectic yellow and white building. Once you cross the river, you’ll be in the downtown section characterized by narrow streets which also are dressed up for the holidays with lights strung above. One of our favorite holiday touches in Ribeira Grande was the Christmas songs played throughout town over loudspeakers. It’s not something we see often in the states and amplified the cozy Christmas vibes we were already feeling while wandering at night.

Cascais

Situated on the Portuguese Riviera, along the Praia da Ribeira (Ribeira Beach) is where you’ll find this Christmas Market. It’s location along the water and in the center of the town of Cascais makes it easy to access and hard to miss. You’ll find a giant Christmas tree stretching into the sky, a few rows of the traditional Christmas market stalls filled with all sorts of good from modern to traditional fare, sweet treats, even freshly made pina coladas. There’s also a giant Ferris Wheel, a carousel and other festive art installations for you to enjoy like a large “Boas Festas” standing piece that makes for a great photo.