As a Christmas-loving American expat mom in Portugal, I can’t resist the festive cheer that fills the air come December. I am the self-proclaimed Queen of Halloween here as well (as I LOVE Halloween) and working on becoming the Ambassador of American Christmas in Portugal. 🙂

Portugal may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of European Christmas markets, but there is still fun to be had.  France, Germany, and some of the other heavy hitters have much larger Christmas Markets to enjoy.  However, we’ve visited a number of them, and the goods sold tend to be all the same junk from China with a few exceptions.  Portugal tends to offer less, but the goods being sold are generally from Portugal!

From charming stalls filled with handcrafted goods to traditional Portuguese holiday treats, these markets bring a delightful mix of culture, food, and holiday magic. Here’s my guide to the best Christmas markets in Portugal, including how to get there, dates to mark in your calendar, and what to expect at each one.

Christmas Markets in Lisbon

1. Wonderland Lisboa – Lisbon

• Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026, running daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Location: Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon
• How To Get There: Take the metro to Marquês de Pombal, then walk five minutes to Eduardo VII Park. Parking in this area can be challenging, so I highly recommend using public transportation.  You can find parking garages, but they will be paid and can be very full on busy weekend nights.  The metro station is steps away from the market if you can snag the metro.

• Highlights: Lisbon’s Wonderland is one of the largest and most festive markets in Portugal, and as someone who adores Christmas, it’s become a must-visit for me every year! Set in the heart of Eduardo VII Park, this market is a winter wonderland with everything from a giant Ferris wheel offering views of the city to an ice skating rink, carnival rides, and an impressive Christmas tree that lights up the park.
  
  Visiting during the day is as enjoyable as in the evening, and my favorite time to go is near dusk to get an experience of both.  The goods being sold are mediocre, but the food is great!  Come hungry, and sample some bifanas (simple meat in soft, Portuguese bread), sausages, and more.  If you drink alcohol, cherry liquor is served in chocolate cups and is very traditionally Portuguese.  More favorites of ours are the roasted chestnuts (castanhas) or the delicious farturas (Portuguese doughnuts).

The market stalls feature a mix of traditional Portuguese items, handmade crafts, and international holiday decor, along with some cheap toys for the kids. Wonderland Lisboa also hosts live music and entertainment, adding to the festive vibe. Families, couples, and solo wanderers alike will find something to enjoy here, whether it’s shopping for unique gifts, sipping mulled wine, or just soaking up the atmosphere.

2. Campo Pequeno Christmas Market – Lisbon

• Dates: November 28 – December 1 and December 5–8, 2025. Running daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
  Location: Campo Pequeno Arena
• How To Get There: Conveniently accessible via the Campo Pequeno metro station and best accessed by Metro, you can find street parking if you are lucky.
  
• Highlights: Known for its unique gifts, gourmet foods, and regional products, this market hosts over 90 stalls and requires a €2 entry fee (thankfully kids up to 12 years old are free).  This is the market to go to if you want to do more shopping than eating!  Located within the historic Campo Pequeno Bullring, the market features over 100 exhibitors showcasing a variety of products, including handicrafts, books, toys, fashion, design, jewelry, art, photography, and gourmet foods. This setting provides a unique shopping experience, blending traditional and contemporary Portuguese culture.

3. Rossio Christmas Market – Lisbon

• Dates: November 15 to December 22, 2025 operating from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and extending to 11:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays.
• Location: Rossio Square, in Lisbon’s historic Praça Dom Pedro IV 
• How To Get There: Rossio Christmas Market is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Rossio metro station and various bus lines.  Parking is not easy in this area, and public transportation is recommended!

• Highlights: This market is on the small side but packs a lot of charm into this city square.  I love this area of Lisbon, as it is close to Baixo Chiado (the main drag of Lisbon), offers lots of shopping, and leads directly to the ocean.
  
  The market also features live music performances, a Santa’s house for children, and an exhibition of centenary dolls. A highlight for families is the Christmas Train, which provides free rides through the central streets of the city daily between 3:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
  
  I go to this market at least once a year for some amazing hot chocolate and to stock up on cheeses for Christmas charcuterie.  We love the cheese vendor!

4. Natalis – Lisbon

• Dates: November 22 to 24, 2025 (typically runs 4 days).
• Location: FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Lisbon
• How To Get There: Take the metro to Oriente Station, and it’s a short walk from there. Parking is available at FIL but can fill up quickly, so public transportation is your best bet.
  
• Highlights: Unlike traditional outdoor markets, Natalis is an indoor Christmas market held at FIL in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações. This one is especially fun for serious Christmas shoppers. It has everything from toys, crafts, and holiday decor to gourmet food stalls featuring Portuguese wines, olive oils, chocolates, and sweets.

There’s a special focus on Portuguese products at Natalis, so it’s an excellent place to pick up gifts with a local touch. For families, there’s an area specifically for kids, including a Santa’s house where little ones can meet Santa Claus. Although it doesn’t have the same ambiance as the outdoor markets, the variety and quality of items make Natalis a must-visit for holiday shoppers.

Pro Tip: Lisbon has many little Christmas villas that pop up around the city, such as Miraduoro da Sao Pedro da Alcantara and Principe Real.  You’ll find darling stalls with clothing, crafts, food, and more.  I grab some Christmas gifts from these each year.  Walking around Lisbon in December is a great day trip.

Christmas Tours in Lisbon

Christmas Lights Tour by Tuk Tuk in Lisbon: Perfect for returning visitors, this tour offers a magical way to experience Lisbon at night. Hop on a tuk tuk, and enjoy the festive Christmas lights illuminating the city’s streets and landmarks.

Private Christmas Lights Tour by Eco Tuk Tuk: Explore Lisbon’s festive charm on an exclusive eco-friendly tuk tuk tour. Marvel at the city’s Christmas lights as you pass iconic locations like Commerce Square, the Chiado neighborhood, and other beautifully lit landmarks.

A Merry Christmas Photoshoot at Rossio Square: Capture the magic of Christmas in Lisbon! Enjoy a festive photoshoot at the iconic Rossio Square—the perfect backdrop for your holiday memories.

Where To Stay in Lisbon

The Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection By Hilton: Located in Lisbon Old Town and near a train station. Tagged as the most Instagrammable hotel in Lisbon.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon: Located in the upscale Avenida da Liberdade district, this luxurious hotel has panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River.

Christmas Markets in Porto

1. Porto Aliados Christmas Market – Porto

• Dates: While specific dates for the 2025 Aliados Christmas Market have yet to be announced, it traditionally operates from early December until just before Christmas.
• Location: Avenida dos Aliados, Porto
• How to Get There: Take the metro to Aliados station, which drops you off right at the entrance to the market. Alternatively, buses and trams also serve the area. Driving isn’t recommended due to limited parking.
  
• Highlights: The Porto Christmas Market on Avenida dos Aliados is as charming and cozy as the city itself. With historic buildings and twinkling lights surrounding the market, Porto truly captures the Christmas spirit in its own unique way. One of my favorite parts of this market is the artisanal crafts and local products—you’ll find everything from hand-painted tiles and embroidered linens to locally-made soaps and perfumes.
  
  In addition to the market, Avenida dos Aliados hosts Porto’s main Christmas tree, which stands several meters tall and illuminates the square with thousands of lights that change color, creating a magical atmosphere.
  
  Food stalls here serve rabanadas (Portuguese-style French toast) and Port wine cocktails, both of which are perfect for warming up on a chilly night. Porto’s Christmas market also has a mini ice skating rink and a Santa’s village, which make it a popular stop for families. Compared to Lisbon’s Wonderland, Porto’s market is more intimate and traditional, giving visitors a cozy and authentic Portuguese holiday experience.

2. Mercado de Natal da Baixa (Downtown Christmas Market) – Porto

• Dates: November 20th to December 21st, 2025
• Location: Avenida das Tílias, within the Palácio de Cristal Gardens.
  
• Highlights: This market features numerous stalls selling artisanal crafts, local delicacies, and holiday decorations. The scenic gardens provide a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

3. Mercado da Alegria (Market of Joy) – Porto

• Dates: November 29th to December 29th, 2025.
• Location: Praça da Batalha

Highlights: With over 40 vendors, this market offers handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and regional specialties. Weekends feature street entertainment and performances, adding to the lively ambiance.

4. Artes e Ofícios do Porto (Porto Arts and Crafts Fair) – Porto

• Dates: November 15 to January 6, 2025
• Location: Avenida Dom Afonso Henriques, near São Bento Station.
• Highlights: Organized by the Santa Clara Association, this fair showcases local handicrafts, including ceramics, stone crafts, and homemade liqueurs, ideal for unique holiday gifts.

5. Fundação de Serralves Christmas Market – Porto

• Dates: Opens first week of December 2025.
• Location: Serralves Foundation.
• Highlights: Emphasizing sustainability, this market offers organic and seasonal foods, sustainable gifts, and workshops suitable for all ages.

6. Urban Market Porto (Christmas Edition)

• Dates: November 29 to January 5, 2025.
• Location: Ateneu Comercial do Porto
• Highlights: This market features a range of products from fashion and wellness to jewelry and paintings, making it a great spot for holiday shopping.

7. Praça de Natal Gaia (Gaia Christmas Square)

• Dates: November 30th to December 1st, 2025
• Location: Vila Nova de Gaia Civic Center.
• Highlights: Although located across the Douro River from Porto, this event offers a mini Christmas train, carousel, performances, an ice rink, and wooden market stalls with handmade gifts, making it worth the short trip.

8. Matosinhos Christmas Market

• Dates: November 22 to January 6, 2025.
• Location: Parque Basílio Teles.
• Highlights: Showcasing nearly 90 artisans from across Portugal, this market offers products ranging from cheeses and sausages to handmade jewelry and decorations.

Pro Tip: Porto’s Christmas markets are well-connected by public transportation. The city’s metro, buses, and trams provide easy access to most market locations. For markets in neighboring areas like Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos, local trains and buses are convenient options. Driving is also feasible, but parking can be limited during peak times, so public transport is recommended.

Christmas Tours in Porto

Porto’s Festive Lights: A Holiday Wander: Fill your heart with joy and experience the magic of Porto.

Porto: Christmas Desserts Baking Class: Dive into Portuguese holiday traditions by learning age-old Christmas dessert recipes.

Where To Stay in Porto

Veneza Hotel: Modern 4-star hotel located in the heart of Aveiro, just steps away from the central canal. Offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities, perfect for families looking for a convenient and quality stay.

Hotel Aveiro Palace: Charming historic hotel situated right on the main canal, offering stunning views and a taste of Aveiro’s Art Nouveau heritage. *On a budget*

Other Christmas Markets in Portugal

1. Óbidos Vila Natal – Óbidos

• Dates: November 28 to January 4, 2025, Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM and open later on weekends
• Location: Within the walled medieval town of Óbidos, which is about an hour’s drive from Lisbon.  It’s best to have a car to access this market, and parking can be tricky, but not impossible.  Getting there earlier helps with finding parking.  
• How to Get There: Driving is the most convenient option, and there are designated parking lots outside the town. Alternatively, you can take a train from Lisbon to Óbidos, but the train station is about a 20-minute walk from the main area.
  
• Highlights: Óbidos is a picturesque medieval town that turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Known as Óbidos Vila Natal, the Christmas village here is something out of a fairytale. This little town is one of my favorites in Portugal!  It’s got an entire city wall, and the wall is decorated with lights for Christmas!
  
  The town’s cobblestone streets and ancient walls are decorated with festive lights, and you’ll find a Christmas market that offers handmade gifts, local wines, and traditional sweets.
  
  What makes Óbidos Vila Natal unique are the various themed zones set up within the market. There’s a Santa’s village, an ice skating rink, and even a small snow slide for kids. In 2023, Obidos did a Harry Potter-themed Christmas Market, but it looks like this year will be back to just Christmas-themed.
  
  If you’re traveling with family, this market is ideal. And for those of us who simply can’t get enough holiday charm, the magical atmosphere of Óbidos is worth the trip. It’s like stepping into a storybook, and the setting alone makes it one of my favorite Christmas markets in Portugal.  Be sure to book a dinner reservation in advance at one of the darling restaurants.  You can even stay in the village overnight or book a day trip tour!

2. Braga Christmas Market, “Braga é Natal” – Braga

• Dates: November 29 to December 24, 2025.
• Location: Praça da República and Avenida Central, Braga
• How To Get There: Take the train from Porto to Braga, which is about an hour’s journey. From the train station, it’s a short walk to the city center. Driving is also an option. However, parking can be limited near the market, and you may need to walk in a bit.

• Highlights: Braga is known for its strong religious traditions, and the Christmas market here feels like a celebration of both faith and festivity. Located in Praça da República and Avenida Central, Braga’s Christmas market is beautifully decorated with a huge Christmas tree and nativity scenes that add to the holiday feel.
  
  The stalls offer a wide range of traditional products, including handcrafted ornaments, Portuguese cheeses, sausages, and, of course, bolo rei, a Portuguese Christmas cake. Braga’s market has a family-friendly vibe, with a Santa’s house, a carousel, and live performances throughout the season. The smaller size of the market makes it easy to explore, and the surrounding architecture of Braga adds a touch of history to the festive experience.
• Accommodation: Given the popularity of the event, booking accommodations in advance is recommended.
• Weather: December in Braga can be chilly; dressing warmly will ensure a comfortable visit.  It’s a totally different climate this far north than it is in Lisbon!
• Local Delicacies: Don’t miss the opportunity to sample regional specialties such as “rabanadas” (Portuguese-style French toast) and “bolo-rei” (King’s cake).

3. Cascais Christmas Village – Cascais

• Dates: November 22 to January 4, 2025, daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Location: Parque Marechal Carmona, Cascais
• How To Get There: Take the train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station to Cascais (about 45 minutes), then walk 10-15 minutes to Parque Marechal Carmona. Driving is possible, but parking fills up quickly.
  
• Highlights: The Cascais Christmas Village is a beautiful market that feels festive but relaxed. Cascais is an upscale coastal town just outside of Lisbon, and this Christmas market brings a unique charm, with stalls set up amidst the natural beauty of Parque Marechal Carmona. There’s an ice rink, a carousel, and even live reindeer, which make it a huge hit for families.  You can even meet Santa in Santa’s House!
  
  The stalls here feature Portuguese holiday treats, handmade crafts, and unique gifts. Cascais itself is a lovely place to visit any time of year, but the Christmas Village transforms it into a wintery escape that’s perfect for holiday lovers. The setting, right by the sea, gives it a special feel that’s different from other markets, and the lights against the park’s greenery make it a cozy, magical experience.
• Admission and Tickets: Admission fees are as follows:
  • Adults (12-65 years): €14
  • Children (3-11 years): €12
  • Seniors (over 65 years): €12
  • Children under 3 years: Free
  • Family packages are also available, offering discounted rates for groups. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue

Tips for Visiting Portugal’s Christmas Markets

1. Dress Warmly: Even though Portugal has a mild winter compared to other parts of Europe, the nights can get chilly, especially by the coast. Bring a warm coat, gloves, and a cozy scarf for outdoor markets.
2. Plan Your Transport: Public transportation is usually the easiest option for getting to Christmas markets in Lisbon, Porto, and Braga. For places like Óbidos, a car can be more convenient but prepare for limited parking.
3. Cash Is King: Although card payments are becoming more common, many smaller vendors still prefer cash. Bring some euros to avoid any issues with payments.
4. Try the Local Treats: From bolo rei to farturas and rabanadas, Portugal’s Christmas treats are not to be missed! Make sure to try at least one new festive treat at each market.

5. Weekday Visits: If you can, visit the markets on a weekday. Weekends can be crowded, especially in the larger markets like Wonderland Lisboa and Óbidos Vila Natal.

6. Portuguese. Some basic Portuguese can go a long way!  Unlike some of its European neighbors, Portugal embraces English and makes life easy for tourists.  However, knowing a few things will delight your Portuguese vendors:

1. Boa targe: good afternoon (noon to 9 pm)
2. Boa noite: good evening (9 pm on)
3. Obrigado/a: thank you (depends on your gender.  Use obrigado for male speakers and obrigada for female speakers)

Portugal’s Christmas markets may be smaller than some of Europe’s famous markets, but they’re filled with charm, warmth, and festive spirit. Whether you’re browsing handcrafted ornaments, sipping on mulled wine, or simply enjoying the holiday lights, these markets have something for everyone. As a Christmas enthusiast and expat, I can’t think of a better way to embrace the holiday season in Portugal!

Additional Reading

12 Things To Do for Families in Lisbon

Best Medieval Festivals In Portugal

23 Hidden Gems Of Portugal For Families + Bonus Spots