During December, Portugal decorates itself with decorations, lights, typical food, entertainment, and seasonal songs. Winter markets across the country will bring the festive spirit to all of you! The holiday season is right around the corner, and it's evident. With this blog post, I'll share with you the most fascinating winter markets to explore this year in Portugal. Make your selection and embrace the festive spirit! ✨
*Source: Pexels
Wonderland Lisbon
In Eduardo VII Park, Wonderland Lisbon is ready to enchant from December 1 to January 1. This park has free entry for an Eco-friendly Ice Rink, a giant tree, carousels, and trampolines. In the market itself, you can find a wide range of crafts, regional products, and typical food.
Rossio Market
The Rossio Market, also in Lisbon, opens from November 18 to December 21, in Dom Pedro V Square, Baixa-Chiado. It offers a typically festive atmosphere for those who want to stroll or buy gifts. It features special lighting that you really can't miss! It offers crafts and traditional flavours of Portuguese cuisine in various wooden stalls.
Óbidos Winter Village
Óbidos is considered the most festive city in Portugal at this time of the year. It is where the largest market is located, offering more diversity in lights, food, and entertainment. You can visit this market between November 30 and December 31. Tickets can be purchased online, with a cost ranging from 6 to 12 euros, which includes almost all activities, except for the Carousel and Ice Rink. It's truly magical, and this year's theme is Harry Potter movies.
Leiria Winter Market
Leiria has its winter market from November 30 to January 1. The lighting of the main streets and avenues, shows, and entertainment is just some of the things you can find during your visit.
Coimbra Market
Directly from Praça do Comércio, it's a great way to explore the downtown area and the entire historic zone between December 8 and 23. You will find various artisans and local producers, solidarity, cultural and sports associations, schools, and institutions.
Palácio de Cristal Market - Porto
The Invicta City also dresses in lights at the Pálacio de Cristal until December 30. From handicrafts to sweets, the market will feature various concerts and performances.
Festive City - Guimarães
The entire city transforms into a true fantasy film until January 1. The lights and light shows are spread across different points in the city, where you can enjoy concerts, activities and performances.
Funchal Market
Starting on December 1 and ending on January 8, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere in Funchal. The market has more than 20 stalls where you can enjoy many traditional Madeira products. Additionally, in the city centre, there will be various concerts and performances of folklore and philharmonic bands.
Tell us if you've been to any winter markets and what Portuguese words you used to order hot chocolate or talk to locals -> Festive Portuguese Vocabulary Discussion Topic <- What's your favourite market so far?
Happy holidays ✨
Juliane, OLS Community Manager - Portuguese