Christmas in Portugal

Magic takes over!

Christmas is a magical time, children are enchanted and adults sing. The whole family has fun.

I confess that I was really looking forward to spending my first Christmas in Portugal.

At the same time as the trees are shedding their autumn color and the branches are emptying, the streets come alive with lights and colorful Christmas trees.

There are the most diverse decorations, letting the imagination fly far and wide. Characters appear, elves are part of the magic and, of course, Santa Claus starts appearing in the stores.

Traveling at this time of year means getting to know a Portugal unlike anything you've ever seen. Every year the sites reinvent themselves.
This could be the best time to go on a trip and chase the Christmas spirit that's spread throughout Portugal and experience something unique!
I'm going to tell you about some of the places you can't miss.

Perlim

I'll start by talking about the biggest Christmas theme park in the country: Perlim! Last year a little seed was left and it sprouted these days near Quinta do Castelo, bringing all the magic and fantasy.

Santa Maria da Feira gives way to the inhabitants of Perlin, with lots of shows, attractions and characters who walk around with the visitors. It's something out of this world. Children can't contain themselves and adults are enchanted.
It's even possible to meet Santa Claus himself, and if it doesn't snow in Santa Maria da Feira, the people of Perlim will work their magic and anything can happen.

Priscos nativity scene

Another place that should not be overlooked is the Priscos Living Nativity Scene in the municipality of Braga.
There are 800 extras who bring to life the scenery that spreads over 30,000 square meters.

It's a real trip back in time, where Christmas is taken to a whole new level, and the emotion is palpable in the grotto where Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus are found. Everything is so real that the animals also accompany the biblical figures.
It's simply sensational, and such care has earned them the title of Europe's Largest Living Nativity Scene.

Christmas villages and towns everywhere

There are so many Christmas villages and towns in Portugal that we could travel all month and still not be able to visit everything.
Christmas villages with castles like in Óbidos, incredible decorations like in Sintra, or even completely indoor places like Porto Christimas Village, essential for rainy days.

Hotels decorated for Christmas in Portugal

Hotels are also making the most of this season to welcome their guests.

One decoration is more beautiful than the next. In Lisbon, even teddy bears served as inspiration, or even the famous Harry Potter.

HERE'S WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON

Lisbon and more Lisbon

But don't worry, it's not just the hotels in Lisbon that steal the show.

Avenida da Liberdade is completely decorated with surprises everywhere you look.
Wonderland Lisboa is a huge Christmas market with lots of fun.

The highlight is the beautiful Ferris wheel, which is illuminated at night.
Ahhh, have you ever thought about being inside a Christmas tree? Then don't miss the Praça do Comércio.

White Christmas

Christmas is a time when we think of snow and fluffy things. Now imagine an entire city dressed in white, with lights and more lights all over the city? That's how Castelo Branco dressed up in 2019.

You can take a train ride through the city and see the beautiful lights all over it. Even the Castle has been beautifully decorated, with lights that you can see from afar.

However, the highlight is the artificial snow and the Christmas market in the city center!
The decoration is beautiful! It's amazing how one detail makes such a difference. I never imagined that the simple fact that everything was white would make such a difference. Even Santa Claus is white, with beautiful clothes to match the setting.

The gigantic tree in the center of the square is made entirely of white lights. Of course! The swing, also in the central square, is charming and bears this year's Christmas motto: White Christmas.

Madeiro de Penamacor

If there's one thing I love about Christmas, it's the tradition! Now imagine: combining local tradition with Christmas tradition? Perfect! I think it's great to immerse yourself in cultures and experience cities. That's what happened in Penamacor. We had the privilege of taking part in the setting up of the Madeiro, which takes place every December 8th, only to be lit on the evening of December 23rd and remain lit until around Three Kings' Day.

However, I suggest you visit, both to set up the Madeiro and on the day it is lit! The party is guaranteed on both days!

But, Cris, what is the maneiro? It's a huge bonfire that's lit on Christmas Eve.
This tradition belongs to the Beira Baixa region in Portugal, and there's another curiosity. The madeiro of Penamacor. It's the biggest in all of Portugal! There's also another peculiarity: it's only in Penamacor that the wood is lit the day before, on December 23rd.

The town turns into a party on the day of assembly and the day before, when the youngsters go to collect the trees. Shows, bonfires and lots of fun are all part of the festivities, which last until the day of assembly, when there are tractor parades and more socializing in the town.

In addition to this beautiful festivity, the city also hosts other Christmas programs, making the kids happy with workshops, inflatables and lots of fun! Emmanuel loved making a Christmas cupcake, playing on the bouncer and even making his own old wooden toy.

Christmas in Portugal is truly incredible!

Christmas in Serra da Estrela

I almost forgot about the Christmas Village of Cabeça, in Serra da Estrela, which also attracts attention with its 100% sustainable decorations.
All the materials are taken from nature and made by the villagers. Preparing for the feast should be a joy among the neighbors.
Christmas in Portugal is truly incredible! So diverse, from theme parks to natural decorations.
Have you ever thought about seeing this Christmas and playing in the snow in the mountains?
of the Star?

Ahh! Serra da Estrela is the right place to visit this winter, click here to read the text with many surprises along the way!

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