If you're looking for moderate winter weather and beautiful illumination, Lisbon is a perfect destination for the holidays. The city is dressed up in millions of twinkling lights, and there are several Christmas Markets that will help you get into the holiday spirit.
Wonderland (December 1, 2023–January 2, 2024)
Wonderland Lisboa is located in Eduardo VII Park in the center of Lisbon. The premier holiday destination in the Portuguese capital features a Christmas Market, a Ferris wheel with 360º views from a heated cabins, and an ice skating rink. The market consists of cozy wooden stalls, offering apparel, accessories, crafts, and regional products. There's plenty of international and local foods to try. Kids can make a picture with Santa and other favorite characters in the Christmas Village.
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market (November 30– December 3, December 7–10, 2023)
The former bullfighting arena, Campo Pequeno, offers a jolly Christmas market with over 140 stalls. Fun activities and workshops are available for the whole family. Vendors offer delicious foods, Portuguese trinkets, toys, apparel, decor, and various crafts. The market, which always takes place during one weekend in late November or early December, is a popular place to look for Christmas presents thanks to a great number of artisans in one place. The market is usually open from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm. Admission costs € 2.
Natalis (canceled in 2023)
Natalis is a popular free indoor Christmas Market, which takes place during a weekend in late November or early December at Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL). One of the best places to shop for Christmas gifts and taste local delicacies, Natalis consists of several sections: the Santa Claus Market, the Sustainability Market, the Brincadeiras Market, and the Gastronomy section, focused on chocolate and sweets. Thanks to workshops, demonstrations, and entertainment, the market is a fun experience for all participants.
Cascais Christmas Village (December 2023, unconfirmed)
Every winter Cascais, located about a half-hour drive from Lisbon, becomes a Christmas village for 27 days. A real reindeer, a 26 ft (8 m) Christmas tree, a skating rink, and a vibrant Christmas market attract about 160,000 visitors annually. Christmas Village, located at Parque Marechal Carmona, is a perfect place for kids, where they can visit The Santa Claus' House (Casa do Pai Natal), walk through the Enchanted Forest, and see the House of the Tree Magician. An old-fashioned merry-go-round and the Christmas Train are also among kids' favorite attractions.
