Christmas Markets in Portugal: The 2026 Edition

Portugal, known for its rich cultural heritage and unmistakable festive charm, transforms into a bright and spirited destination every holiday season. 

From north to south, Christmas markets fill cities and towns with handcrafted gifts, regional flavours, enchanting light displays and joyful entertainment. 

Whether you're visiting bustling the bigger cities or exploring quieter towns, Portugal offers some of the most atmospheric and affordable Christmas markets in Europe. 

Here is an updated guide to the main Christmas markets in Portugal for 2025.

Portugal embraces cultural diversity, yet the country’s deep-rooted Christian traditions continue to shape its holiday season. As early as autumn in Portugal, streets, squares and avenues across the country come alive with festive decorations, cheerful music and the unmistakable scent of seasonal treats. From major cities to small villages, you can expect welcoming atmospheres, charming displays and a warm sense of community.

It’s the perfect setting for those who want to experience the magic of a winter holiday without the harsh temperatures or high prices of northern Europe or New York City. 

With Portugal’s mild climate and growing selection of Christmas markets, exploring the Portuguese regions during the festive season feels like stepping into a Christmas film, albeit one much sunnier and far more budget-friendly.

Set in one of Lisbon’s most historic and lively squares, the Rossio Christmas Market brings a traditional, old-world charm to the city’s festive season. 

For 2025, the market once again transforms Rossio Square into a warm and bustling holiday hub, complete with wooden cabins, handcrafted gifts, regional delicacies and festive decorations that illuminate the entire downtown area. 

Known for its accessibility and central location, this market is ideal for those who want to enjoy a Christmas experience while exploring Baixa’s iconic streets.

With more than 70 stalls, seasonal food stands and weekend live entertainment, the Rossio Christmas Market feels both intimate and energetic. 

Families can also enjoy the ever-popular Christmas train, which in previous years has taken visitors on a cheerful ride through Lisbon’s historic centre. Its cosy atmosphere and easy walkability make it one of the most beloved Christmas markets in Lisbon.

Wonderland Lisbon remains Portugal’s largest and most iconic Christmas market, returning in 2025 with an even more festive atmosphere in the heart of the capital. 

Set in the expansive Eduardo VII Park, this Christmas village offers plenty of family attractions, winter-themed activities and open-air shopping experiences that appeal to both locals and visitors. 

The event is known for its panoramic Ferris wheel, spacious ice-skating rink, Santa’s Village and dozens of wooden stalls selling seasonal gifts, artisanal products and classic Portuguese treats.

The illuminated park, framed by views over Avenida da Liberdade and downtown Lisbon, becomes one of the city’s most photogenic holiday spots. 

With extended opening dates and daily entertainment, Wonderland Lisboa is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy Christmas in Portugal at its most vibrant and dynamic.

The Porto Christmas Market returns in 2025 as one of the most atmospheric festive events in northern Portugal. 

Set against the striking façade of the Church of Saint Ildefonso, the market brings a wintry charm to Batalha Square, filling the historic centre with wooden stalls, artisanal crafts and traditional Portuguese Christmas sweets. 

Its inviting layout, combined with Porto’s famously warm hospitality, makes this market a highlight of the season.

Visitors can expect handcrafted gifts, gourmet products, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and daily entertainment that ranges from live music to children’s activities. 

The market’s central location also places travellers within walking distance of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city during the holidays. 

With its blend of festive lights and regional flavours, the Mercado de Natal do Porto offers an authentic and memorable Christmas experience.

Each year, the medieval town of Óbidos transforms into one of Portugal’s most enchanting Christmas destinations, and 2025 promises another magical edition of Óbidos Vila Natal. 

Within the town’s historic stone walls, visitors find a fully themed Christmas village complete with wooden stalls, festive foods, craft shops and family-friendly attractions. 

The setting itself is spectacular: narrow cobbled streets, castle views and twinkling lights create a fairytale atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country.

Óbidos Vila Natal goes far beyond a traditional Christmas market. Highlights typically include an ice-skating rink, an ice slide, a Christmas train, interactive performances and dedicated areas for children.

It’s one of Portugal’s most immersive festive events, drawing families, couples and travellers from around the world. 

With its stunning backdrop and variety of activities, Óbidos offers a Christmas experience that feels both cinematic and authentically Portuguese.

Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest and most tradition-rich cities, hosts a charming Christmas market every year at the heart of its historic centre. 

In 2025, the Braga Christmas Market returns to República Square, filling the city with festive lights, regional flavours and a warm seasonal spirit. 

Known for its welcoming atmosphere, this market offers a blend of handcrafted goods, local delicacies and Christmas entertainment that appeals to families, travellers and residents alike.

Visitors can expect beautifully decorated stalls, artisanal products, traditional sweets and cultural performances that reflect Braga’s strong heritage. 

The entire city centre glows with holiday lights, transforming the streets into an inviting and picturesque backdrop for browsing, tasting and celebrating. 

With its balance of authenticity and festive charm, the Braga Christmas Market remains one of northern Portugal’s most delightful holiday events.

Perlim hosts one of Portugal’s most beloved family-focused Christmas events. The Christmas market returns in 2025 with its signature mix of magic, theatre and festive charm. 

Set in the enchanting grounds of Quinta do Castelo in Santa Maria da Feira, Perlim transforms the estate into a vibrant Christmas kingdom filled with themed areas, live shows and immersive experiences designed especially for children. 

Unlike traditional markets, Perlim has an interactive Christmas park, making it a standout destination for families seeking a full-day festive outing.

Visitors will find beautifully decorated stalls, seasonal foods, workshops, musical performances, dazzling light displays and character-led storytelling that brings the holiday spirit to life. 

Its fairytale setting, complete with castle views and forested paths, creates an atmosphere that feels both whimsical and cinematic. 

Perlim remains one of the most memorable Christmas experiences in Portugal, offering something unique for every age group.

In 2025, the historic city of Coimbra once again hosts its charming Christmas market in the picturesque Praça do Comércio, one of the oldest and most atmospheric squares in the city. 

With its blend of traditional kiosks, regional products and festive decorations, the Coimbra Christmas Market offers a warm and family-friendly setting that highlights the cultural richness of central Portugal.

More than 40 wooden stalls typically line the square, showcasing handcrafted gifts, local delicacies and seasonal treats that celebrate Coimbra’s artisan heritage. 

The market also offers entertainment for children, including live performances and small activities that add to the cheerful spirit. Surrounded by centuries-old architecture and illuminated streets, the Coimbra Christmas Market provides a cosy, authentic festive experience that complements the city’s historic charm.

Cascais brings festive magic to the Portuguese Riviera each year with Cascais Vila Natal, one of the most picturesque Christmas events near Lisbon. 

Returning in 2025, the Christmas village once again takes over Parque Marechal Carmona, transforming it into an enchanting winter setting complete with themed zones, illuminated pathways and family-oriented attractions. 

The event is known for its balance of natural beauty and seasonal charm, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Highlights typically include an enchanted forest, Santa’s house, a life-sized nativity scene, ice-skating, sledding, a Christmas carousel and multiple live performances throughout the season. 

The market also features wooden stalls selling festive treats, handcrafted gifts and traditional Portuguese products. 

With its scenic backdrop, relaxed atmosphere and wide range of activities, Cascais Vila Natal remains one of the most popular Christmas destinations in the Greater Lisbon area.

Sintra, already known for its fairytale landscapes and misty hills, becomes even more magical during the holiday season with the return of Reino do Natal in 2025. 

Held at Terreiro Rainha D. Amélia, near the entrance to the National Palace, this Christmas kingdom blends traditional market elements with festive entertainment, creating an immersive winter experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Stalls decorated with seasonal motifs offer handmade crafts, regional sweets, mulled wine and thoughtful holiday gifts. Children can meet Santa Claus, ride the Christmas train, join creative workshops and enjoy live storytelling sessions. 

Meanwhile, adults can explore cultural performances and festive concerts that highlight Sintra’s artistic heritage. 

Surrounded by the town’s romantic architecture and lush woodland scenery, Reino do Natal remains one of Portugal’s most atmospheric Christmas events.

Madeira’s capital city, Funchal, hosts one of the most vibrant and culturally rich Christmas markets in Portugal, attracting visitors from around the world. 

In 2025, the Funchal Christmas Market once again transforms the island’s historic centre into a festive showcase of Madeiran traditions, local flavours and colourful holiday displays. 

Set in Praça do Município and the surrounding streets, the event offers an immersive celebration of the island’s unique Christmas spirit.

Visitors will find traditional wooden stalls selling regional crafts, handmade decorations and iconic Madeiran delicacies such as honey cake, sugarcane rum and the famous poncha. 

The market is also known for its elaborate nativity scenes, daily entertainment, folklore performances and vibrant music that reflect Madeira’s cultural heritage. 

With its subtropical climate, illuminated streets and lively festive programme, Funchal offers a Christmas experience unlike anywhere else in Portugal.

The Faro Christmas Market brings a warm southern twist to Portugal’s festive season, making it an ideal stop for anyone visiting Faro in December. 

Set in the charming Jardim Manuel Bivar, right in the heart of the historic centre, this cosy market offers a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere surrounded by palm trees, marina views and traditional Algarve architecture.

Visitors can browse stalls filled with regional crafts, handmade gifts, seasonal foods and local delicacies. The market is especially appealing for travellers drawn to the Algarve’s mild climate, with the Faro temperature in December typically ranging from 12°C to 18°C, exploring the Christmas stalls outdoors feels comfortable and inviting. 

Festive lights, occasional live entertainment and the intimate setting make this one of the most pleasant holiday experiences on Portugal’s southern coast.

If you take a quick survey among our team of experts, composed of by Portuguese citizens and residents that have been living in Portugal for many years now, you will hear from many that these biggest and most famous markets are must-see events, with a unique aura. 

However, they will also warn you that after one or two visits, you may be a little tired of the big crowds forming long lines on the food stalls and main attractions.  

Fortunately, we have a great tip for you: Other than these well-known markets, it is very common for mid-size neighbourhoods of larger cities like Lisbon and Porto to host small Christmas markets of their own. They also beautifully themed decorated, have many options regarding food, beverages and gifts and are way easier to navigate. 

Some of them even have live shows and other entertainment options. They usually take place in the main square or nearby the local church.

Check out the official communication channels of your freguesia to keep an eye on if and when you might see a cosy Christmas market popping up next to you and enjoy the season with extra ease.  

From mid-November until the 6th of January, Portuguese cities literally light up with seasonal decorations, turning this into one of the best times to visit Portugal for those who love the holiday mood. 

As an extra holiday bonus, you can simply skip the markets and go for a stroll around town, checking how beautiful and magical the streets are.  

From smaller towns to big cities, there is a great chance that the downtown area as well as the main square will have a special Christmas décor assembled.  

Also, some shopping malls, like Armazéns do Chiado in Lisbon, become go-to sight-seeing spots as they put on a show every year as far as Christmas lighting goes. However, take note that the biggest Christmas Tree in the capital is not found near the biggest market; instead, it stands tall in Praça do Comércio.