We’re officially counting down to Christmas. So you can take advantage of this season to travel. Whether it’s with family, friends or your partner, there’s no shortage of incredible places to ‘dive’ into on a Christmas trip.
Ferris wheels, ice rinks and enchanting castles are the suggestions in this article. From the north to the south of Portugal, there are many places where you can feel the Christmas magic. However, one of the highlights takes you across the border, about a 1h30 drive from Porto. Shall we take a look at the list?
Table Of Contents
Vigo, the best Christmas in Galicia (and beyond)
Located about 1h30 by car from Porto, Vigo is one of the Portuguese’s favorite destinations for a short Christmas trip. After all, the news keeps coming in about the massive turnout on the other side of the border. But is it really worth it?
We went there and we can assure you that it is! With around 11.5 million lights and a giant Christmas tree 44 meters high, the Galician city has no shortage of glitter and attractions. In every nook and cranny, you’ll find plenty to entertain you, such as:
- The Ferris wheel;
- Cíes Market – the Christmas market;
- The ice rink;
- Tourist trains;
- Parisian carousel;
- Santa’s house;
- Christmas boat;
- And one of this year’s great novelties: the exhibition dedicated to Harry Potter – “The Magical Miniworld Experience by Miniverse”, and much more.
📍Vigo, Galicia, Spain
📅 From November 16 to January 12, 2025
Enchanted Forest
Have you ever heard of the magic of the “Enchanted Forest”? This year, the event was in danger of not taking place, but it’s now official: not only will it return, but it will have a new location, at the gates of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
This time, the initiative promoted by the Cabana Maior Parish Council has decided to set up the “Enchanted Forest” at the Mezio Gate.
As well as the change of location, there are other new features. For example, the route will be longer. In addition, Porta do Mezio will host a Christmas Village, a light show and more.
📍Porta do Mezio, municipality of Arcos de Valdevez
📅From December 1st until January 12th, 2025
The largest Christmas theme park in the country
Right next door, in the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, you can find nothing less than the “biggest Christmas theme park in the country”. Until January 5th, Perlim promises lots of fun for the whole family.
As well as the usual Christmas market, the space has an ice rink, circus and many other amusements. One of the new features this year is the free parades with Santa Claus on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
In this case, although it’s not a distant journey, it’s worth the trip. There are paid and free activities. So it’s best to check out the full program before getting in the car and heading to this municipality in the Porto Metropolitan Area.
📍The historic center of Santa Maria da Feira
📅From November 23 to January 5, 2o25
“The biggest and smallest Santa Claus in the world”
Located about an hour’s drive from Porto, Águeda is a good destination for a short Christmas trip. After all, there you’ll find none other than “the biggest and smallest Santa Claus in the world”.
The Christmas lights will remain on until January 12, 2024 and have attracted many visitors. The “biggest Santa Claus” measures 21 meters in height and is illuminated by more than 250,000 LED lights.
The “smallest Santa Claus”, which fits through the eye of a needle, is only visible through a microscope. It is a nano-structure by artist Willard Wigan. As well as the “World’s Biggest and Smallest Santa Claus”, this year the municipality of Águeda has decided to install a Giant Snowman.
With these motifs and the usual colorful umbrellas, here’s a tip for a pleasant getaway!
📍Águeda, in the district of Aveiro
📅From November 16 to January 12, 2o25
Christmas trip to Óbidos
Óbidos is always a good idea, whatever time of year it is. In this medieval destination, located about 2 hours’ drive from Porto, you’ll find plenty of entertainment to liven up your Christmas even more.
This year, the theme of “Óbidos, Vila Natal” refers to the “magic of the kingdoms of fairies and elves”.
These are just some of the surprises you’ll find there:
- Santa’s hut
- Christmas Market
- Enchanted Adventure Park
- Frozen Mountain and the famous Ice Rink, among others.
📍Óbidos
📅From December 6 to January 6, 2025
Full steam ahead on the Vouguinha
The Vouga Historic Train, affectionately known as the Vouguinha, is another experience you can have with your family this holiday season. Between November 23 and January 4, 2025, CP – Comboios de Portugal is promoting a special Christmas edition.
Departing from Aveiro station, the Vouguinha will run at full speed towards Águeda, where the “Biggest and Smallest Santa Claus in the World” will be found. During the journey, the program also includes entertainment, regional products and a guided tour of the Macinhata do Vouga Museum.
📍Departure from Aveiro train station (but trips must be booked in advance)
📅From November 23 to January 4, 2025
