It’s that magical time of year again, and I know what you might be thinking… Does Lisbon, Portugal, even have Christmas markets?
Well, the answer is yes! I was pleasantly surprised to discover after moving to Lisbon in 2023 that Lisbon hosts Christmas markets, and festive markets are scattered throughout other towns in Portugal.
Although these markets aren’t as elaborate as those markets in Germany, their simplicity has its own charm, making them a delightful alternative. Plus, the Christmas Markets in Lisbon are more affordable than other cities!
Let this post be your guide to what these markets offer and which ones you don’t want to miss!
📍 Grab the Google Map of all these Libson Christmas Markets and download it directly to your phone!
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Best Christmas Markets in Lisbon for 2024: What to Expect
Rossio Square Christmas Market & Figueria Christmas Gourmet
- Location: Rossio Square
- Dates & Opening Hours: November 17th to December 23rd | From 10 am
- Admission: Free
The Rossio Square Xmas market in Lisbon is not the biggest but is the most conveniently located. You will find this market smack dab in the city center, which is reachable by metro at the Rossio train stop.
While a small market, it does contain idyllic little red wooden houses selling the usual suspects: mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
But here in Lisbon, you will also find Moscatel Sangria and Ginja at the Christmas markets. Isn’t that fun!?
A small selection of homemade crafts and gifts will also be sold at the market around the fountain.
On the other side of the newly opened Zara you will find the Figueria Christmas Gourmet market.
This market primarily sells gourmet foods and drinks. It also has an indoor tenanted area with a large picnic table where you can enjoy the food.
Essential Tips for Visiting Rossio Christmas Market
- I could use credit cards to purchase food & gifts from all the stalls I visited. I would have some cash on hand just in case.
- There is one thing missing at the Rossio Xmas Market, and that is a public toilet. A nearby toilet can be found at Starbucks at the main train station. The door is coded but typically is unlocked, just push to enter. I recommend you download the free Flush app for more options.
Wonderland Lisbon (Eduardo VII Park)
- Location: Parque Eduardo VII
- Dates & Opening Hours: November 30th 2024 to January 1st, 2025
- Admission: General admission is free. Rides & ice skating charges apply.
Now on to the biggest Christmas Market in Lisbon, Wonderland Lisboa. It is like the amusement park of Christmas Markets.
Here, you will find an ice skating rink, a big Ferris wheel, live concerts, and rides for small children.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is free to enter, as many things these days are not.
This is more of a family-friendly Christmas market, but I still recommend it for solo travelers to Lisbon.
Wonderland Lisboa has many food options, including options for vegetarians and vegans. Prices are average. I paid 5€ for a mulled wine and €7 for a veggie burger.
Although this market is a little further away from the center, it is reachable by metro from the Rossio market by taking the blue line just two stops from the Restauradores station to the Marques de Pombal station.
You can also take the 30-minute walk from the Rossio Market, which I recommend. The route down Av. da Liberdade will be well-decorated for Christmas!
Essential Tips for Visiting Wonderland Lisboa
- There are public toilets for use at Wonderland Lisbon (Eduardo VII Park) (maybe a fee)
- I would have some cash on hand for this market to be safe. A lot of vendors accept MB Way, which is from a Portuguese bank.
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market
- Location: Campo Pequeno
- Dates & Opening Hours: November 30th to December 3 & December 7th to 10. | 11am to 9Pm
- Admission: 2€
Check out the Campo Pequeno Christmas Market if you want a market with more unique gifts, gourmet foods, regional products, and less touristy vibes.
Only offered in 2 opening blocks during the season, the market requires a 2€ entry fee, but if you spend more than 10€, you get 1€ back.
Located at the Campo Pequeno metro station, this indoor event has over 90 market stalls!
Essential Tips for Visiting Campo Pequeno Market
- Go early to find the best products and avoid the crowds
Pop Up Christmas Markets in Lisbon
Aside from the most famous Christmas markets listed above, you might run into a few markets that pop up in parks and viewpoints throughout Lisbon.
A few I found last year were:
- The Spot Market – Located: Rua da Escola Politécnica nº56 / Avenida das Palmeiras, Lisboa. The spot market was free to enter and featured locally-made clothing, candles, and other unique gifts. A place in the back sold food and drinks.
- Mirari Market– Located: Av. 24 de Julho 170, 1350-352 Lisboa, Portugal. This Christmas market was free to enter, and though small, you could find some local artists and vendors selling their goods.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara —This is my favorite viewpoint in Lisbon. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset and drink mulled wine when these vendors pop up during the month of December. The city websites in Lisbon don’t seem to offer findable information on when these vendors will be around.
- Bandeira da Europa (located on the riverfront) usually has a pop-up of little vendors selling drinks like mulled wine, beer, and sangria and an assortment of snacks.
Best Christmas Markets Near Lisbon
If you are visiting Lisbon for more than a couple of days, make time to visit any of the 3 markets below!
Cascais Christmas Village
- Location: Av. da República, 2750-642 Cascais
- Dates & Opening Hours: Various Times (Check Site)
- Admission: Ages 3-11 10€, 12+ 12€
Located just a quick 40-minute direct train ride from Lisbon is the coastal town of Cascais.
A day trip from Lisbon to Cascais is very easy, and ideal if the weather is sunny since you are on the beach.
Imagine having a glass of mulled wine or a festive fruity drink by the sea at Christmas time. I sure enjoyed myself!
The Cascais Christmas village is very small, but they still managed pack a lot of little attractions. This one is good if you have kids you are traveling with.
If you don’t want to go to the village, you can still enjoy the big Ferris wheel and lots of local vendors selling food and homemade crafts. It is free to explore the market by the sea.
What to wear to Cascias Christmas Village
Weather in Cascais in December is a mixed bag. While you should expect cool weather with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 16°C (61°F), you could get lucky and it could be warmer.
Play it safe and have a warm jacket and layers will keep you comfortable, especially near the coast where it can be windy.
The streets are mostly flat, but it’s still a good idea to wear comfortable shoes with grip in case it rains and the sidewalks get slippery. Bringing a light raincoat or umbrella is smart for any sudden showers.
Sintra’s Magical Christmas Experience (Reino de Natal)
- Location: Historic Old Town
- Dates & Opening Hours: December 1st to 30th | Weekdays 9am to 5pm, Weekends 11am to 7pm
- Admission: Free Entry
Just 40 minutes from Lisbon, Sintra is enchanting year-round, but it becomes even more magical during the Christmas season.
The “Magical Christmas Experience” offers family-friendly activities throughout Sintra’s parks and palaces, blending history, nature, and festive cheer.
Highlights include Christmas-themed events at the stunning National Palace of Pena and Monserrate, treasure hunts, and the beautifully reconstructed royal Christmas tree.
I will admit it is hard to choose between Sintra and Cascais, but if you are looking for more traditional Christmas vibes, you will find that in Sintra.
If you’re looking for a Christmas experience steeped in tradition and charm, Sintra’s combination of festive fun and historical beauty makes it a must-visit.
What to Wear to Sintra Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Sintra in December, it can be chilly, with average temperatures between 8°C (46°F) and 14°C (57°F). It’s a good idea to wear a warm jacket and layers, as it can get colder in the higher parts of town.
The paths in Sintra can be steep and slippery, especially if it rains, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
A hat and scarf will help keep you warm, and having a raincoat or umbrella is smart in case of rain.
Óbidos Vila Natal – Christmas Village
- Location: Castleo de Óbidos
- Dates & Opening Hours: December 6 to January 6 -Weekdays : 9:30am to 5:30pm | Weekends and holidays : 9:30am/12:30pm | 1:30pm/5:30pm | Closed : December 25th
- Admission: 5€
I was most enchanted with Obidos in Portugal, and it wasn’t even Christmas time! Obidos is located just over one hour from Lisbon by bus (there are no trains).
While making this a day trip would be easy, I highly recommend just staying the night.
The village of Obidos is free to visit and access many of its viewpoints. If you want to visit the castle’s interior where the main market is you will need to pay an entrance fee. Last year it was 5€ (2024 rates are not listed)
Remember that it will be very busy, and you will need to pay for extras like the rides. Before visiting I read a bunch of reviews from people who loved it and hated it. Most of everyone that didnt like it were annoyed because it was so busy. So i just want to set your expectation now.
What to Wear Óbidos Vila Natal – Christmas Village
It’s going to be cold, so dress appropriately. Visiting Óbidos Vila Natal in December, the weather is cool.
Average temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) to 15°C (59°F), so it’s best to wear a warm jacket, scarf, and hat.
Comfortable shoes with good grip are important because the old town has many cobblestone streets and tiles that can get slippery, especially if it rains.
Dress in layers so you can adjust to the indoor and outdoor areas. Don’t forget gloves to keep your hands warm!
Christmas Attractions in Lisbon
Christmas Lights in Lisbon
I have to say, I was very impressed with how Lisbon decked those halls! There are Christmas lights everywhere!
They are most impressively located in Key spots like Avenida da Liberdade, Rossio Square, and Praça do Comércio. The giant Christmas tree is located in Praça do Comércio.
If you are here in late November, you might be here in time for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Though the date has yet to be announced, you can check here for an update.
Traditional Portuguese Holiday Celebrations
If you want to dive into local culture, Lisbon offers some unique Portuguese holiday traditions.
One of the highlights is the “Presépio,” or nativity scene, which you’ll see everywhere. These can be incredibly detailed, sometimes taking up entire squares!
There’s also “Missas do Galo” (Midnight Mass) on Christmas Eve, and don’t forget about the traditional feast of “Consoada,” where locals gather for bacalhau (salted cod) and plenty of sweets like “Bolo Rei” (King Cake).
Experiencing these traditions really adds something special to your Christmas market adventure!
Christmas Market Foods To Try
- Bolo Rei – A traditional Portuguese king cake filled with dried fruits and nuts
- Filhós – Fried dough dusted with sugar and cinnamon
- Rabanadas – Portuguese-style French toast, typically served with sugar and cinnamon
- Roasted Chestnuts – Warm and freshly roasted, a festive winter treat
- Chorizo Bread – Portuguese chouriço baked into bread for a savory snack
- Pastel de Nata – The iconic Portuguese custard tart, served warm
- Hot Chocolate – Rich and creamy, perfect for sipping on a chilly evening
Practical Tips for Visiting Lisbon Christmas Markets
- Go early to avoid crowds
- Download the Flush app to find nearby toilets
- Have cash just in case
- Wear slip-proof shoes
- Eat elsewhere if you are looking for healthy choices
- Bring a reusable shopping bag for any gifts or treats you pick up at the markets.
- Check the weather forecast and dress in layers—Lisbon can be chilly in the evenings.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, as pickpockets can be active.
- Try traditional Portuguese snacks like roasted chestnuts and “Bolo Rei” while at the markets.
- Look for local crafts as unique, handmade gifts from Portuguese artisans.
Where to Next?
Are you thinking of heading to northern or southern Portugal for the Christmas markets?
While Faro does have a well-decorated old town and a few spots where you can find traditional wooden market stalls, it is better to visit Porto.
Porto has a lot more to offer those who are interested in Christmas markets! You can find more official information on the city’s website here.
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