Celebrate Christmas 2024 in Lisbon

Lisbon really comes alive during the festive season, with one particular activity that you cannot miss: Hop on the free Christmas train, which is sure to delight the youngest members of the family. Spreading Christmas cheer, the train departs from Rossio Christmas Market and runs through the streets of downtown Lisbon until the 22 December, between 3pm and 10pm.

Christmas in Lisbon is a truly magical time of year when the city transforms into a spectacle of lights and colours that delights residents and visitors alike. This year, Lisbon will be illuminated with an incredible 1,987,125 low energy lighting, using LED technology, which will allow energy savings of around 80% compared to traditional incandescent lights. The low energy lighting will be dispersed in 45 locations, namely squares, streets and avenues of the city, which will add to Lisbon’s festive atmosphere.

Among the various attractions, you will want to visit Praça do Comércio, which is home to the iconic 30 metre tall Christmas tree. On Rua Augusta, suspended gifts decorate the skies, to resemble the season of gift giving, and a friendly reminder to do your Christmas shopping, with Lisbon being one of the best places in Portugal for this occasion.

In Largo de Camões, the Christmas spirit comes to life with an impressive installation in the shape of a Christmas Palace and on Rua do Carmo, a tunnel of light and colour recreates the history of the Christmas illuminations made in 1959.

According to the municipality, the Christmas lights hours are from 17:30 to 24:00 on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 17:30 to 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays; and from 17:30 to 02:00 on Christmas Day and on New Year's Eve.

Christmas Markets

During this festive season, Lisbon has a multitude of Christmas markets dotted around the capital, that are beloved by many, with visitors travelling from afar to enjoy their offer. At these markets, you can find unique artisanal products, Christmas decorations and presents as well as plenty of typical Christmas delicacies, just make sure to wrap up warm.

Some of the most wonderful Christmas markets include the Rossio Christmas Market which will run until 22 December, Campo Pequeno Christmas Market which will run until 8 December, Wonderland Lisboa and Cascais Christmas Market until 5 January 2025, the Great Lumiar Festival from the 6 to 29 December and Alvalade Christmas Market from 6 to 17 December, Christmas Market at the São Pedro de Alçântara Viewpoint until 6 January, Santa Clara Christmas Market from 19 to 22 December and Figueira Christmas Gourmet Market until 21 December.

Festas de Natal

Festas de Natal which translates to Christmas parties promises a joyful and diverse programme of free musical performances, which will take place in three churches (in the parishes of Campo de Ourique, Misericórdia and Areeiro) and at the Capitólio. All of the concerts are free entry but they are subject to available space at the venues, with prior ticket collection at each venue necessary to reserve your seat.

The memorable programme includes four concerts and a DJ set, offering a variety of styles – from baroque music and electronic sounds to Portuguese music and popular international hits from the 1930s to the 1960s. It’s a musical journey through time, transporting us back to the moment of Jesus’ birth, to Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe, as well as the brilliance of the Bach family and the swing and rock ‘n’ roll eras.

The full programme includes: ‘Os Bachs: Nova Era Vocal Ensemble & Orquestra’ which will be under the direction of Maestro João Barros. The free concert will take place on the 6 December at 9pm at Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês. The programme includes pieces by a choir, soloists, and an orchestra, all set against the backdrop of the era’s characteristic spirituality.

Following this, ‘Batida x Tigerman’ is an unprecedented DJ set blending the Afro-electronic sounds of Batida with the blues of Tigerman. The free concert will take place on 7 December at 9:30pm at Capitólio. For this DJ Set in Back to Back with Tigerman, Batida also invited Piny and André Cabral, who accompany him in his practice of transforming any DJ moment and space into something else.

On the 13 December at 9pm, there will be a wonderful free concert at Igreja de São João de Deus called ‘Lyvro da Illha de Mactan’ which will present music from Iberian Christmas and of its diaspora from the XV and XVI centuries.

Finally, on the 14 December at 9:30pm, the fantastic Lucky Duckies return with their anticipated ‘Lucky Christmas’ free concert at Capitólio. In addition to the Lucky Duckies original songs, classic hits from the era will also feature, including Santa Baby, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Jingle Bell Rock, and Feliz Navidad. There will also be a tribute to António Variações, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the artist's death.

For more information, please visit https://egeac.pt/festas/festas-de-natal/

Electric RFM

From 16 to 22 December, RFM Lives Christmas in Lisbon thanks to the support of Lisbon City Council. Let yourself be charmed by the spirit of the season, with RFM’s entertainers hitching a ride on the back of a tram, bringing live programmes and lots of RFM music in order to liven up this Christmas, so make sure to join them by hopping on route 15, with stops on Santo Amaro, Praça da Figueira, Belém, Cais do Sodré and its final destination Praça do Comércio. This is one of the many ways Lisbon innovates and keeps traditions alive.

New Year’s Eve

Lisbon will welcome 2025 in style! Celebrate New Year’s Eve (31st December) at the iconic Terreiro do Paço, which is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Lisbon. It is one of the city’s most iconic squares and best of all its celebrations are free. The 31st of December promises an unforgettable party night with music and entertainment which brings together thousands of people to this energetic party. Not forgetting, the spectacular fireworks they host, as we anticipate the countdown to 2025.

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes