The magic of Christmas and New Year in Lisbon
Festivities and light in Lisbon
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are special times in Lisbon. The mild weather allows you to stroll through the illuminated streets and visit the various Christmas markets that have been set up around the city.
The Terreiro do Paço-or Place du Commerce-hosts the traditional Christmas tree. A veritable icon, with its loud bells and whistles, it attracts like a magnet. It is made from recycled material.
In the adjacent streets, those of the Baixa, the lower town, you can admire the decorations. On Rua Augusta, presents are falling from the sky and parachuting down.
Avenida de la Libertad is also aglow with lights.
In Camoens, in 2024, visitors will be greeted by an enchanted castle.
And next to it, on rue Garett, the ‘Armazens du Chiado’ (the Chiado big stores) offer their Christmas enchantment, which is repeated every 30 minutes.
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Entertainment for young and old.
Once again this year, Wonderland Lisboa has moved to the Parc Eduard VII. At the top of the Avenue de la Liberté, the Ferris wheel and numerous attractions work like a magnet.
The ice rink and Christmas tree are also in demand.
The Christmas market and activities are great for family outings: admission is free. However, some attractions are not free.
Music, dancing, Father Christmas… everything you need to keep the little ones and others occupied.
Wonderland is open Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm to midnight and Mondays from 1pm to 10pm Sundays 15, 22 and 29 December and 5 January from 10am to 11pm. On 24 and 31 December from 10am to 4pm, and on 25 December and 1 January from 4pm to 10pm.
Festivities, shows and concerts: some great suggestions
The end-of-year festivities are important for the people of Lisbon, who want to offer the best to the tourists who choose the capital to end the year in style.
December is full of shows and concerts.
The programme is varied and www.lisbonne-affinités.com invites you to visit https://egeac.pt/musicas-natalicias-para-todos-os-ouvidos/ to find out more.
Holiday beautiful traditions
Traditions are very much respected in Portugal, particularly at Christmas, when family reunions are much appreciated.
The people of Lisbon travel to spend the ‘consoada’, or Christmas Eve, in their ‘lands’, the towns and villages of their origin.
It’s not easy to find something to eat in Lisbon on 24 December: shops and restaurants close.
You need to take precautions.
Take a look at this article https://www.lisbonne-affinités.com/fetes-de-fin-dannee-au-portugal/
It talks about the traditions that are so dear to the Portuguese.
And then, of course, there’s the famous King and Queen cake, the history of which can be found here
https://www.lisbonne-affinités.com/gateau-des-rois-et-reines-au-portugal/
www.lisbonne-affinités.com wishes you Happy Holidays.