We’re officially counting down to Christmas Eve. In this context, we’ve prepared a themed article with various suggestions, from Christmas events in Porto (and the surrounding area) to gift tips, so that you can celebrate to the fullest
There are options for everyone, whether you love sweets, markets or different cultural programs. So we’ve put it all together in one handy list, so you know how and where to experience Christmas in Porto and beyond.
Table Of Contents
- Attend concerts by candlelight
- Ideas for spreading magic to children
- Live an immersive Christmas experience
- See more than 90 illuminated streets
- Strolling through the Christmas Markets
- Take photos next to the most beautiful Christmas trees
- Watching the best family movies
- Devour Porto's most typical king cakes
- Buy original gifts
- Choosing the best cod recipe
- Warm your body and soul with hot chocolate
- Visit one of Natal's biggest theme parks
Attend concerts by candlelight
In December, Porto is filled with light and music with the Christmas Candlelight concerts, which transform iconic venues such as the Palácio da Bolsa into magical settings filled with candles.
A string quartet performs classics such as “O Holy Night” and “Let It Snow”, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The candles illuminate each chord and give winter back the charm that only Porto has.
Ideas for spreading magic to children
This guide brings together festive plans for families, from Santa’s Bus in Trindade to ice rinks, markets and WOW in Gaia, with dates stretching from the end of November to January. Suggestions such as the Christmas Tram, the circus at the Coliseum and Perlim Park guarantee entertainment with carousels, music, workshops and meetings with Santa Claus.
There are free and paid activities in various locations in Greater Porto, designed to delight kids and adults alike. The article indicates opening times and periods so that you can enjoy each program safely and without missing out on the highlights.
Live an immersive Christmas experience
The “Immersive Clérigos Concert – Spiritus Natalis” returns for six exclusive sessions that transform the Clérigos Church into a spectacle of light, music and Christmas emotion.
This audiovisual experience combines 360º projections and live interpretations of classics such as “Noite Feliz” and “Adeste Fidelis”. Music, art and technology come together in a unique setting that promises to enchant locals and visitors alike.
See more than 90 illuminated streets
On Avenida dos Aliados you can take pictures next to the Christmas Tree. However, this isn’t the only festive attraction in Porto.
In all, the city has more than 90 illuminated streets, an ice rink, a free carousel , markets and, of course, Santa’s House.
Strolling through the Christmas Markets
The city of Porto and the surrounding area are home to several Christmas markets, perfect for strolling around and doing a bit of shopping. But also to spend a good evening. After all, there’s always entertainment nearby, especially for children.
In this article you’ll find a complete list of some of the best Christmas markets in Greater Porto – and best of all, we update this themed guide frequently. However, we can already share a few suggestions here:
- Ágora Christmas Market in Jardim da Cordoaria
- Christmas Market in Praça da Batalha
- WOW Christmas Market in Vila Nova de Gaia, etc.
📍 Various places in and around Porto
🗓️ Generally speaking, between December and the beginning of January (but check on a case-by-case basis)
Take photos next to the most beautiful Christmas trees
For those who love looking at Christmas trees, we’ve prepared a themed itinerary with some of the most beautiful examples in Greater Porto.
From the Avenida dos Aliados to the shopping malls, not forgetting the “Largest Christmas Tree in the Country” (in Ermesinde), the possibilities for incredible photos are many.
Watching the best family movies
Spending time with the family is one of the best things about Christmas. So forget the cold outside, wrap up in your blankets and get ready to watch the best movies with your loved ones.
From comedies to classics, not forgetting a romance or two, in our list you’ll find several suggestions, all available on the Netflix streaming platform.
Devour Porto’s most typical king cakes
No Christmas Eve is complete without a king cake on the table, right?
So take a look at our list of some of Porto’s most typical king cakes. And remember to order in advance!
Buy original gifts
Already thinking about Christmas presents? Then you can always take a look at our itinerary which includes stores with original and different gifts.
Vinyl records, toys, vintage products, jewelry or even fragrances, Porto’s local shops offer so many options that it was impossible to include everything in one guide.
Choosing the best cod recipe
Cod is the king of Portuguese gastronomy and takes on an even more important role at Christmas time.
If you’re not in the mood for traditional boiled cod, you can always opt for other dishes. Boiled, baked, with cream, or à Brás, choose your favorite now so you don’t end up in ‘cod waters’.
Warm your body and soul with hot chocolate
The festive season in Porto is usually marked by rainy days. Fortunately, there is no shortage of places in the city where you can find warmth and a good hot chocolate.
From Arcádia da Boavista to Chocolataria Equador, not forgetting Leitaria da Quinta do Paço, you name it.
Visit one of Natal’s biggest theme parks
This next suggestion isn’t exactly in Porto, but it’s worth it and it’s less than a 30-minute drive from Invicta. In Santa Maria da Feira you’ll find none other than one of Portugal’s biggest theme parks – Perlim.
This year, the imaginary world of Perlim opened its doors to the public on November 29 and runs until December 30. There you’ll find a Christmas Market, a circus and even an ice rink for the bravest.