How Lisbon prepares for the winter season

Rumor of jingle bells and the hooves of Santa’s reindeer in the open are already starting to spread throughout town. There’s a general sense of anticipation of Christmas, so let’s see how Lisbon prepares for the winter season this year!

Predominantly Catholic, the Portuguese have a taste for Christmas and the entire array of happy bright days leading to the feast of the Birth of Jesus and the coming of the New Years, with all the hopes and dreams and the touch of melancholy that it entails.

Lisbon puts on its bright attire of electric lights, garlands and decorated trees much like any other European or American grand metropolis. Carols can be heard both outside, filling the streets with sound, and in the great concert halls, played by choirs.

There are Christmas Fairs and related events, particularly in in Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade. On the 4th of December 2015, for instance, you can attend the opening of the 4-day street Christmas Fair in Parque das Nacoes. Hot wine and roasted chestnuts, coffee and Christmas cake (baked after a Portuguese authentic recipe) will be available for the passers-by.

There are certain activities that bring us closer to the spirit of Christmas, one of them being attending a ballet show, such as that given by the Russian National Ballet, scheduled to perform at the Belem Cultural Center on the 11th and 12th of December 2015.

On December 13th 2015, you can attend Enrique Iglesias’ concert in Lisbon. Guys, take your girlfriends to a romantic and also entertaining musical moment!

As for the end of the month – which also marks the end of the year – in the night between December 31st and January 1st, come to Terreito do Paco to attend the concert and the display of fireworks.

And if you are traveling to Portugal for the season, we invite you to step into the winter holidays and the New Year with Lisbon airport transfers.