Ho ho ho! The countdown to the lights switch-on in Porto is almost over. This Saturday, November 29, from 6pm, Avenida dos Aliados will be the destination for many Porto residents and visitors to watch the inauguration of the city’s Christmas program.
According to information from the Porto City Council (CMP), the festive season will be lived in the city until January 3, 2026, divided between two essential areas: Avenida dos Aliados and Cordoaria, where there will be the traditional Christmas Market, Santa’s House and much more.
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Lights switch-on with Mariza and video mapping
November 29th promises to be unforgettable, so it’s worth putting it in your diary. As well as the lights switch-on and the Christmas Tree, there are two other great moments that deserve your attention, namely a video mapping show and a very special concert.
The video mapping, entitled “Missão Nutcrackers, O Natal Chega à Cidade” (Nutcrackers Mission, Christmas Comes to Town ), will be projected onto the façade of Porto City Hall and elements will mark the entire Avenida dos Aliados.
On the same day, one of the highlights of the program: the concert by Mariza, accompanied by the Orquestra Jovens do Porto, starting at 18:30.
How long will the lights be on?
According to the information shared by CMP, the Christmas lights will be on for the following days and times:
- From Sunday to Thursday, between 5:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 0:00 a.m.
It should also be noted that the lights will remain on until January 6, 2026, when Three Kings Day is celebrated.
Christmas concerts in Porto
Mariza ‘s concert is just the first of several events, all of which are free to attend, set against the backdrop of Avenida dos Aliados. Captain Fausto (December 7, 6pm, with the Costa Cabral Music Academy Orchestra) and Vizinhos (December 14, 6pm ) will also perform there.
However, there are more surprises in store, such as the final show of CMP’s Sport in the Neighborhood project (December 20, 6pm). Young artist Rita Rocha will also be bringing music to Porto, with the participation of Guga (December 21, 6pm).
Christmas market and entertainment in Cordoaria
If Avenida dos Aliados is the stage for concerts, the Cordoaria area is where you’ll find the typical entertainment at this time of year. The Christmas Market, a meeting point for those looking for original gifts, returns to the João Chagas Garden. And the best thing is that this year it will be extended until December 30th.
Market timetables
If you want to stop by the Christmas Market, you should know the opening times:
- Monday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Fridays and the eve of public holidays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sundays and public holidays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Santa’s house, ice rink and more
The Cordoaria area is also home to Santa’s House, a favorite destination for youngsters, as well as the “Crystal Tent” – a space dedicated to workshops.
In Largo do Amor de Perdição there are two (almost) obligatory attractions in any Christmas program: the ice rink and the Parisian carousel.
Are you ready to feel the magic of the festive season in the Invicta city?
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