A Complete Guide to Lisbon Christmas Markets and Lights

Many of us imagine sun-drenched hills and balmy temperatures when we think of the Portuguese capital, but don’t let this fool you into thinking Lisbon doesn’t have some superb Christmas markets.

Whenever I mention on my Lisbon food tours that the city is a lovely spot for a festive trip, I’m met with puzzled expressions! Most people opt for cities like Munich, Vienna, or Strasbourg for a winter break, but I’m here to show you how perfect Lisbon is for anyone planning a visit to some Christmas markets.

In this guide, I’ll run through the top Lisbon Christmas markets and their magical light displays, including when and where to find them. 

Lisbon’s Best Christmas Markets

Wonderland Lisboa

Photo credit: Wonderland Lisboa

Wonderland Lisboa takes place every year in Parque Eduardo VII, which is connected to various parts of the city by metro and bus.

This festival is all about family fun and features a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, Santa’s Village, and some of Lisbon’s most dazzling Christmas lights. It’s also a fantastic place for shopping, with various stalls dedicated to clothes, crafts, and trinkets.

All of the Christmas classics like roasted chestnuts and crêpes are up for grabs when you get peckish, as are leitão sandwiches made from mouthwatering suckling pig.

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market is an annual festive get-together in the Campo Pequeno shopping hub just steps from the nearest metro station. For the first few weeks, the focus is on crafts before it switches to a more food-centered festival.

Gourmet foods and sustainable goods play a starring role in this stylish market. Accessories, homeware, books, and ornaments are just some of the pieces for sale from Portuguese producers, alongside homemade jams, sauces, and cheeses.

There are also plenty of on-the-go bites and beverages to enjoy as you meander through the stalls, including Portuguese sausages and regional wines.

Rossio Square Christmas Market

Held in the heart of Lisbon in the bustling Baixa-Chiado area and close to numerous metro stations, the Rossio Square Christmas Market is as festive as you can get. It’s also a super short walk from the Figueira Christmas Gourmet in Praça da Figueira, allowing you to easily explore two markets at once.

You and your little ones will be in for a treat when it comes to shopping and attractions. Picture Christmas trains, yuletide exhibitions, lights, live performances, and assorted handicrafts.

While you’re here, you have to sample some culinary creations, ranging from fruity mulled wines and cured meats to pastéis de bacalhau and rabanadas.

Óbidos Vila Natal

Photo credit: Óbidos Vila Natal

There are some sensational Christmas markets outside of Lisbon, too, most of which can be reached from the city by bus or train. Óbidos Vila Natal is one such market, and it’s hosted in Parque Cinegético de Óbidos.

No matter your age, you’ll be enthralled by the wonders of this Christmas market. Inside, you’ll find a carousel, a funfair, fairytale-style cabins, a theater, and so much more, and that’s all before mentioning the market itself and its variety of Portuguese goods!

The food options are wide-ranging, blending local and international flavors. Aside from the designated dining area with fast food-style offerings, there are dozens of stands specializing in waffles, chocolates, coffee, and pastries throughout the park.

Cascais Christmas Village

Photo credit: Cascais Christmas Village

Cascais is undeniably gorgeous as it is, but there’s a real sense of magic in the air when the Cascais Christmas Village gets up and running in Parque Marechal Carmona. The town is around an hour from Lisbon, and the bus and train are convenient transport options.

This market is particularly appealing to families, thanks to features like Santa’s Grotto, Goblin’s workshops, ice rink, and carnival rides. That’s not to say that adults won’t have a blast, too, as the enchanted forest, Christmas train, and picture-perfect markets are equally inviting for grown-ups!

After you’ve stocked up on handmade products and artisanal keepsakes, make your way over to the food court and fill up on burgers, chestnuts, hot chocolate, and Portuguese liqueurs.

What to Buy and Try at Lisbon’s Christmas Markets

Food and Drinks

Sardinhas doces de Trancoso – Despite their fishy name and shape, sardinhas doces de Trancoso are actually Portuguese desserts. These doughy treats are filled with a creamy mix of egg yolk, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar. When cooked, they’re sometimes dipped in chocolate or doused in sugar.

Bolo Rei – Known as the king cake, bolo rei is a Christmas classic in Portugal. Shaped like a crown, bolo rei is similar to brioche, and its fluffy, buttery dough is contrasted with crunchy nuts and chewy candied fruits.

Broas Castelares – Somewhere between a cookie and a cake, these sweet potato-based delights are ideal for snacking between stalls and are infused with orange, ginger, and coconut.

Rabanadas – Rabanadas is a Portuguese twist on French toast, typically soaked in custard or condensed milk before being fried.

Roasted Chestnuts – A Christmas staple in many European countries, roasted chestnuts are warm, sweet, and super soft. They’re available in almost every market in Lisbon.

Mulled Wine – Is there anything more Christmassy than mulled wine? Locals and visitors are equally fond of this festive drink, known in Portugal as vinho quente.

Ginjinha – Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur that’s made from ginja berries and sugar. It’s celebrated for its sour cherry flavors, and the addition of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives it punchy, wintery notes.

Shopping

Portuguese Ceramics –  Portugal is famed for its ceramics, particularly the ornate azulejos tiles, some of the popular items you’ll spot at the markets.

Cork Products – Bags, coasters, notebooks, and shoes made from cork are signature products from various pockets of the country.

Handmade Crafts – Every kind of craft is available at the Lisbon Christmas markets, from decorative ornaments and wooden goods to artisanal jewelry and colorful textiles.

Important Dates and Timings

The specific dates and timings for most of the Lisbon Christmas markets vary slightly from year to year, but these are roughly when each event takes place.

Wonderland Lisboa: Late November until January 1st

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market:  Late November until mid-December

Rossio Square Christmas Market: Mid-November until late December

Figueira Christmas Gourmet: Late November until late December

Óbidos Vila Natal: Early December until early January

Cascais Christmas Village: Late November until early January

Tips for Visiting Lisbon During Christmas

• To experience the festive lights in all their glory, make sure to plan your visit for the evening or any time after around 5:00 pm. If you want to escape the worst of the crowds, try to arrive shortly before sunset.
• Another great way to ensure you avoid the crowds is to visit on a weekday. There’ll likely still be a lot of people around, but it’ll be far less busy than at weekends.
• Lisbon doesn’t experience the below-freezing winters of Eastern Europe, but you should still come prepared with several layers and a waterproof jacket.
• Parking at many of Lisbon’s Christmas markets can be a nightmare, so you might be best off sticking to public transport. Luckily, the city has efficient metro, tram, and bus systems.
• Make sure you try out some of the local or regional specialties, as these will be hard to come by in other Christmas markets.

Conclusion

If you’re craving festive fare, searching for the perfect gift, or simply needing some holiday cheer, Lisbon’s Christmas markets will have everything you’re looking for! There are plenty of markets in and around the city to give you and your loved ones all the Christmas vibes.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Lisbon food tours and activities. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/lisbon/

TVI. (n.d.). Wonderland Lisboa. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://tvi.iol.pt/wonderland/

Visit Lisboa. (n.d.). Campo Pequeno Christmas Market. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/events/campo-pequeno-christmas-market

Visit Lisboa. (n.d.). Rossio Christmas Market. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/events/rossio-christmas-market

Óbidos Vila Natal. (n.d.). Óbidos Vila Natal. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://obidosvilanatal.pt/

Cascais Christmas Village. (n.d.). Cascais Christmas Village. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.cascaischristmasvillage.pt/