As December progresses, some people are already thinking about Christmas, especially the younger ones. The lights, trees and presents have the kids ‘on tenterhooks’. But what to do outside the house? It’s important to have a list of activities to liven up the children ‘s Christmas (even more).
Although the most eagerly awaited night is still a few days away, we have some suggestions that promise to make the festive season even more magical. Ice-skating shows, markets, carousels and theme parks. The options are many, so this is just a ‘short itinerary’ to enjoy with the family.
Table Of Contents
- Take the kids to the circus
- Take pictures with Santa Claus
- Sliding on ice rinks
- Stop by "WOW is Christmas"
- Watch Candlelight: Christmas Special with The Nutcracker and More
- Strolling through Christmas Markets
- Go to the "Nutcracker and the Kingdom of Ice"
- Visit exhibitions and/or light shows
- Take a trip to Perlim, the Christmas theme park
Without being a definitive guide, we’ve put together a few suggestions that take place, for the most part, in Greater Porto. However, there is also room for outside tips. Presented at random, these activities have the potential to liven up Christmas even more for the little ones and, by extension, the whole family.
Take the kids to the circus
The Christmas Circus returns to the Coliseu Porto Ageas, bringing magic to the festive season with a combination of tradition and innovation.
This show, with an original story created by Afonso Cruz and staged by Ana Luena, includes incredible performances such as daredevil flights, roller-skating and acrobatics in the heights.
It also features an international cast that promises to enchant all ages, but particularly the youngest.
📍Rua de Passos Manuel, 137
🗓️ From December 13 to January 5, 2025
Take pictures with Santa Claus
In this list of Christmas activities, we couldn’t miss a themed itinerary of where to take the children to visit Santa Claus.
From Jardim da Cordoaria to some shopping centers, the possibilities are many and this is a plan that promises to leave the youngest with a smile.
📍Various locations
📅 Usually in December
Sliding on ice rinks
In Portugal, there isn’t much of a tradition of ice rinks. After all, we’re not exactly a snowy destination, although some geographical points are filled with white in winter, such as the Serra da Estrela.
That’s why, when it comes to Christmas, one of the activities that both kids and adults most look forward to is sliding on ice. In fact, in recent years this type of offer has multiplied… And Greater Porto is no exception.
From the center of Invicta to Maia, not forgetting the municipality of Valongo, there’s more than one opportunity to skate to your heart’s content. Even if you don’t have a natural aptitude, this is certainly a plan to be enjoyed as a family and we believe the children will love it.
📍Various locations
📅 Usually between the end of November and the beginning of January
Stop by “WOW is Christmas”
WOW, Vila Nova de Gaia‘s cultural quarter, is a good place to take the kids… and what’s more, this year Christmas is coming early to this space.
From November 23 to January 6, 2025, there will be a themed program with Christmas activities for the whole family.
In particular, the younger ones will enjoy admiring the 13-meter-high Christmas tree, meeting Santa Claus and riding the carousel.
📍AM Arena – Mar Shopping Matosinhos, Av. Dr. Óscar Lopes
📅From November 23 to January 6, 2025
Watch Candlelight: Christmas Special with The Nutcracker and More
Looking for activities for the Christmas season? The Candlelight concerts bring the magic of the live music experience to an incredible atmosphere illuminated by a sea of candles. Secure your tickets now and rediscover the best of Christmas Special with The Nutcracker and More!
📍Santíssima Trindade Church – Rua da Trindade 115, Porto
📅 December 20, 2024
Candlelight Ballet: O Quebra-Nozes
Strolling through Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are an indispensable classic at Christmas time. On the one hand, adults love visiting the stalls to look for original gifts. On the other hand, children enjoy the many amusements on offer, such as..:
- In Porto, near the Jardim da Cordoaria, there will be a Parisian carousel;
- Maia will have a carousel, a train and, of course, Santa’s House, among other places.
📍Various locations in and around Porto
📅 Generally speaking, from the end of November to the beginning of January
Go to the “Nutcracker and the Kingdom of Ice”
“Nutcracker and the Ice Kingdom” promises to delight the whole family, especially children, between November 16 and January 5, 2025, at Mar Shopping Matosinhos.
Produced by AM LIVE, this is a creative adaptation of the original story, full of magic and adventure, based on the news of a “Canceled Christmas” that leaves everyone in shock.
“The Nutcracker and the Kingdom of Ice” features well-known faces such as Ângelo Rodrigues, Rita Rocha and Angie Costa. Tickets go on sale on October 26.
📍AM Arena – Mar Shopping Matosinhos, Av. Dr. Óscar Lopes
📅From November 16 to January 5, 2025
Visit exhibitions and/or light shows
This tip is literally for the whole family. As we’ve mentioned before, Porto has been the stage for several immersive experiences .
There are several options, from trips to the surrealist world of Dalí to ancient civilizations, not forgetting the Legends of Porto. These are some of our suggestions:
- “Dalí Cybernetics”, at Alfândega do Porto
- “Mysterious Egypt
- Wild Lights, at Santo Inácio Zoo
📍Various locations
Take a trip to Perlim, the Christmas theme park
Just half an hour’s drive from Porto, you can take your family to what is considered one of the biggest Christmas theme parks in the country, in Santa Maria da Feira.
Perlim will open its doors to the public on November 23rd and will continue until January 5th. There’sno shortage of attractions there, such as:
- Christmas Market;
- Ice rink;
- Circus, among many others.
📍Alameda Roberto Vaz de Oliveira, Santa Maria da Feira
📅From November 23 to January 5, 2025
Editor’s note: this list will be updated as and when appropriate. So keep an eye on our website so you don’t miss a thing!