30 Portuguese gift ideas for all
From fabulous or unusual gifts to little ones... For him, for her or for the little ones... Discover 30 Portuguese gift ideas for Christmas
The best Christmas markets in Porto and Lisbon
If you are looking for a temperate climate in winter and feel the need for light, Lisbon or Porto are ideal destinations for a few days in December.
The cities are decked out in millions of bright lights and several Christmas markets put you in a festive mood.The Christmas markets ("Mercados de Natal" in Portuguese) are an opportunity to meet craftsmen, designers, producers and shopkeepers at the heart of their trade, in a festive and warm atmosphere.
The Christmas stalls offer visitors the opportunity to give Portuguese Christmas gifts, made from the country's authentic crafts.Discover our recommendations for visiting the most beautiful Christmas markets in Lisbon and Porto.
The best Christmas markets in Lisbon
Lisbon's nightlife takes on a special sparkle at this time of year, with colourful lights all over the historic centre and on its main streets and avenues.
In addition, Lisbon's special Christmas programme is packed with exhibitions, shows and other free activities organised by the city.
Christmas lights - Lisbon 2021
The inauguration of the Christmas lights usually takes place between the last days of November and the beginning of December, on a Friday or Saturday. It is the most awaited moment for locals and tourists alike.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of Portuguese Christmas markets that you can visit throughout the month of December.
Wonderland Lisboa
Located in the Eduardo VII Park, at the very top of Avenida de la Libertad, you can't miss it thanks to its big wheel. It is probably the biggest and most beautiful Christmas market in the city.
Wonderland Lisboa has many attractions for children and adults alike. The most eye-catching one is the Ferris wheel. During the weekend you may have to queue for a few minutes, but we guarantee that the view from the top is worth it!
An ecological ice rink, an ice ramp, a huge Christmas tree and carousels are some of the other attractions offered by Wonderland Lisboa.
At the Christmas market, you will find handicrafts, regional products, fashion and accessories as well as sweets. Take the opportunity to do your Christmas shopping!
Alvalade Christmas market
On the Avenida da Igreja, wooden houses are lined up and street entertainment stirs up the town from November onwards.
The famous Alvalade Christmas Market returns with stalls, crafts and gastronomy, Santa's house and plenty of street entertainment.
More than 40 creative craftsmen will be there to help you buy beautiful and authentic Christmas gifts. You will find typical Portuguese jewellery as well as Portuguese textile crafts.
Natalis Christmas market
Natalis is a Christmas market that takes place in a covered area for the more chilly, at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Rua do Bojador.
Natalis is the biggest Christmas market in Lisbon. The event gathers the most varied Christmas items, from decoration, gifts, handicrafts, to traditional and gourmet gastronomy, without forgetting fashion accessories and jewellery.
It is an opportunity to discover typical Portuguese products, to be tempted by local products and to discover typical animations.
The Christmas Kingdom in Sintra
Sintra, less than an hour from Lisbon by train or car, is a magical town in normal times. During the festive season, it holds a market and entertainment that makes it a favourite place for Lisboners.
The "Mercado do Reino de Natal" in Sintra offers its inhabitants and visitors a magical journey to the heart of the Portuguese Christmas.
You will be able to enjoy a fantastic night-time stroll through the Christmas lights with more than six hundred thousand lights. The Botanical Garden (Parque da Liberdade) will be the place to be for the little ones, while the main square in the city centre (Largo Rainha Dona Amélia) will host Portuguese producers and craftsmen offering their most authentic Christmas gifts.
The best Christmas markets in Porto
The Christmas markets in Porto are the best way to find original gifts. You will find sweets and bakery products, cheeses and sausages, dried fruits and nuts, spices and herbs, honey and jams, wines and liqueurs, clothes and shoes, gloves and scarves, toys and dolls, table textiles, works of art and even figurines to adorn the cot and colour your home with the magic of Christmas. All in illuminated and decorated markets, to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Praça da Batalha Christmas market
On the Praça da Batalha there is a year-round craft market and at Christmas craftsmen and small producers present the most typical Portuguese products in pretty wooden huts.
You will find original Christmas gifts such as dolls, wooden toys, filigree jewellery, hats and scarves made of Portuguese wool. But this market will also offer you the opportunity to taste many regional delicacies: honey, jams, cheeses, sausages, port, preserves and dried fruits.
Arts and Crafts Christmas Market
The second Christmas market in Porto is located in Avenida D. Afonso Henriques. It is the traditional arts and crafts market entirely dedicated to Portuguese handicrafts.
Located near the São Bento train station, this market, organised by the Santa Clara Association, offers a wide variety of Portuguese products and handicrafts. Ceramics, wool, linen, wood, leather, traditional Portuguese toys and games, handmade soaps, cloth dolls and homemade liquors are just some of the items that will be found on Santa's stalls.
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