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.
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Without being a definitive guide, we’ve put together a few suggestions, most of which take place 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.
Visit Santa’s Bus
Santa’s Bus, one of STCP ‘s new Christmas initiatives, will be parked at Trindade Station this December 8th.
The attraction promises to delight visitors of all ages with a vehicle decorated to perfection with lights, music and lots of entertainment. During the day, it will be possible to take part for free, take photos and celebrate in a festive atmosphere between 9am and 1pm, and from 2pm to 6pm.
📍 Trindade Station, Porto
🗓️ December 8th
Taking 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 Marta Pais Oliveira and music by Bruno Pernadas, includes incredible performances centered on the mythical figure of the Circus Presenter.
It also features an international cast that promises to enchant all ages, but particularly the youngest.
📍Rua de Passos Manuel, 137
🗓️ From December 12 to January 4, 2026
Sliding on ice rinks
Portugal doesn’t have a great tradition of ice rinks. After all, we’re not exactly a snowy destination, although some geographical areas 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
Ride the Christmas Tram
Between December 3 and January 6, 2026, the historic Christmas Tram will once again run through Porto, connecting line 1 on weekdays and line 18 on weekends, in a themed experience ideal for living the festive spirit with the family.
In this edition, inspired by the theme “Around the table”, the streetcar is transformed into an artistic setting that celebrates the tables, memories and traditions of Portuguese homes, in collaboration with artist Eva Halfers.
On board, the Tram Museum promotes various special activities, such as Santa’s Ride with musicians, the “Building Wishes” workshop with illustrated postcards and the “A Special Passenger” theater, which enlivens the route with Christmas stories.
For those looking for a different program this season, this themed Christmas streetcar ride through the streets of Porto is an enchanting way to discover the city from a new perspective.
📍Lines 1 (Infante – Passeio Alegre) and 18 (Clérigos – Passeio Alegre), Porto
🗓️ December 3, 2025 to January 6, 2026
Stop by “WOW is Christmas”
WOW, Vila Nova de Gaia‘s cultural quarter, is a good place to take the kids.
From November 22 until January 6, 2026, there is 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.
📍WOW, Vila Nova de Gaia’s cultural quarter
📅From November 22 to January 6, 2026
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
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 Jurassic odysseys to ancient civilizations, not forgetting the Legends of Porto. These are some of our suggestions:
- “Impressive Monet & Brilliant Klimt”
- “Spiritus
- Immersive Clérigos Concert – Spiritus Natalis
- Wild Lights.
📍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 opened its doors to the public on November 29 and will continue until December 30. Thereis no 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 29th to December 30th
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!