Near Porto, there are several Christmas attractions, such as Portugal’s “Biggest Christmas Tree” (in the municipality of Natal). However, the ‘surprises’ don’t stop there. Right next door, Christmas in Matosinhos promises to shine brighter than ever.
According to information on the Matosinhos City Council (CMM) website, the Christmas season will feature a total of 16 km of lights, thanks to 1,611,170 LED bulbs, illuminating 88 locations throughout the municipality.
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When will the lights go on and off?
The long-awaited moment is scheduled for this Friday, November 22, at 6:30 p.m., with the exception of São Mamede de Infesta where they will be switched on on December 1.
If you want to stop by Matosinhos to enjoy the lights and other Christmas decorations, then you should know that they will be on until January 7, 2025.
What to expect at Christmas in Matosinhos?
As well as the 16 km of lights, the Christmas season promises other entertainment and attractions for visitors of all ages, such as:
- The ‘tunnel’ made up of lights, with digital visual effects and music, installed outside the Paços do Concelho building
- “Enchanted Wishes Tree ” –an immersive selfie point with an arrangement of lights that invites visitors to become part of the interactive installation
- A giant 30-meter-high Christmas tree with more than 50,000 LED lights, installed in Praça Guilherme Pinto, among others.
Market, Christmas Village and more
The Christmas in Matosinhos program also includes a number of cultural events, including concerts and the Municipal Book Fair, which runs until December 22 at the Matosinhos Memory Museum and the Quinta de Santiago Museum.
Also noteworthy is the Christmas edition of FAMA (Matosinhos Handicraft Fair) until December 23rd and, of course, the always fun Christmas Village.
Located in Praça Guilherme Pinto, children can visit the house of the ‘white-bearded old man‘, ride a carousel and many other things that promise to leave a smile on their faces.