Christmas in Portugal 2025: Weather, Crowd, How & Where to Celebrate

Thinking of spending Christmas somewhere warm but still festive? Portugal is a wonderful choice! Compared to the icy cold of Northern Europe, its weather is super mild. Also, the holiday season brings a cozy, cheerful atmosphere to the country.

If you are planning a trip to Portugal during Christmas in 2025, keep reading. You will see the weather, what to pack, crowd levels, how and where to celebrate, holiday traditions, and everything else you need to know.

Weather in Portugal at Christmas

Spending Christmas in Portugal means enjoying a mild winter. The temperatures generally stay between 8°C and 15°C, with occasional rain, especially in the northern parts.

Region	Average Temps	Weather at Christmas (Late December)
Porto & North	7-14°C (45-57°F)	Chilly and quite rainy, with some sunny intervals
Lisbon & Central	9-15°C (48-59°F)	Mild, often cloudy with occasional rain
Algarve (South)	12-18°C (54-64°F)	Generally sunny, a few light showers possible
Madeira	10-16°C (50-61°F)	Pleasant, more sunshine than mainland, some holiday showers
Azores	11-15°C (52-59°F)	Unsettled, frequent rain but also sunny breaks
Serra da Estrela Mountains	0-8°C (32-46°F)	Cold and snowy, best chance for a white Christmas in Portugal

What to Pack for Christmas in Portugal

Although December in Portugal is not as cold as in other parts of Europe, comfort and warmth are still the key for your Christmas vacation. A simple ideal packing list: sweaters, a light coat or jacket, and long pants. For your feet, choose practical, non-slip shoes that are good for walking. If you plan to attend midnight mass at a church, please dress appropriately and decently, covering your shoulders and knees. Since it occasionally rains in winter, a lightweight raincoat or waterproof jacket is also a good idea. Don't forget a scarf and hat for extra warmth.

Crowds & Costs at Christmas

Though winter is thought to be the low season for tourism in Portugal, it is actually not for the Christmas and New Year holidays. During this period, popular cities and attractions can be crowded, and restaurants and accommodations can easily fill up. It is recommended to book at least 3 months in advance so you don't miss out on your favorite spots. Plus, since prices tend to go up during this season, planning early can help you manage your budget better.

How to Celebrate Christmas in Portugal

Attend Mass and Church Services

Join locals for the traditional Missa do Galo (Midnight Mass) on Christmas Eve, a meaningful way to experience Portuguese faith and festive spirit. Many churches are beautifully decorated and welcome visitors to take part in the celebration.

Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Feast

Sit down to a Portuguese holiday dinner featuring salted cod (bacalhau), roasted octopus, and sweet treats like Bolo Rei (King's Cake) and rabanadas (Portuguese-style French toast). It's the perfect way to taste the country's rich culinary traditions.

Shop at Christmas Markets

Browse charming Christmas markets in Lisbon, Porto, and smaller towns like Óbidos, where you can find handmade crafts, festive decorations, and local delicacies. These markets are ideal for picking up souvenirs and enjoying seasonal street food.

Admire Lights, Fireworks, and Music

Wander through streets glowing with dazzling light displays, enjoy live music performances, and, if you stay through New Year's, watch spectacular fireworks. In Madeira, home to one of the world's most famous firework shows, is a place that you can't miss.

Where to Celebrate Christmas in Portugal

Lisbon - See Europe's Tallest Christmas Tree

Lisbon is one of the most atmospheric cities for celebrating Christmas in Portugal. It has Europe's tallest Christmas tree, which lights up the night sky, and its streets are brilliantly decorated with lights. During the whole week, concerts and performances add to the winter nights' festive energy. If you like, you can attend midnight mass at the Lisbon Cathedral to experience how the Portuguese celebrate Christmas. The largest square in Portugal, Praça do Comércio, is especially sparkly during the holiday season. Lisbon's nights are considered among the warmest in Europe in December, and it feels very festive to go for a walk after dinner, visit the markets, and have a hot drink.

Madeira - Missas do Parto & Market Night

For lively markets, you can visit Matosinhos (a city north of Porto) or Praça da Batalha (a square in Porto), both of them provide various local products and handicrafts. As evening falls, consider a cruise on the Douro River, where you can enjoy dinner while taking in the city's illuminated night view. If lucky enough, you might even catch a festive fireworks display!

Madeira's Christmas cheerfully kicked off on December 1st. As the holiday gets closer, local churches hold Childbirth Mass (Missa do Parto) every morning from about 5 to 7 am, starting on the 16th and going until the 24th. It ends with Midnight Mass, showing the local traditions. The capital, Funchal, is brilliantly lit up throughout December, with colorful lights hanging on every street. The biggest highlight is Noite do Mercado (Market Night) on December 23rd, a bustling event where you can sing, shop, and celebrate all night.

Porto - Admire the Spiritus Lightshow

There are many worthwhile activities to experience for Christmas in Porto. The Clérigos Church hosts a Spiritus Lightshow, where lights are projected onto the arches and walls of the centuries-old church, creating a stunning visual effect. For a musical treat, the Casa da Música (concert hall) typically holds special concerts from December 19th to 23rd. Be sure to check their official website for the program, as it changes yearly.

Obidos - Explore the Christmas Village

In Obidos, the Vila Natal (Christmas Village) is the town's annual highlight. The village is a wonderland of festive fun, featuring an Enchanted Adventure Park, Santa's Cabin, and an elf village. If you are celebrating Christmas with children, they can meet Santa and tell him their wishes here. You can also enjoy a carousel, an ice-skating rink, and a snow slide. In addition, there are magic shows, puppet shows, and circus performances. The entire town is filled with joy, and people of all ages will love it.

What to Eat During Christmas in Portugal

For the Christmas Eve dinner, Bacalhau com Todos (salt cod with everything) is a must, usually served with potatoes, cabbage, and eggs.

For Christmas Day lunch, people often eat Roupa Velha (also called old clothes), which is a dish made by re-cooking the leftover cod and vegetables from the night before, showing the Portuguese creativity in reusing food.

As for desserts, you can find Rabanadas (Portuguese French toast) topped with sugar and cinnamon, the delicate Aletria (sweet pasta dessert), and Bolo Rei (King Cake), which contains candied fruit and nuts. Traditionally, a dried fava bean is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds it is responsible for buying the cake for the next year.

Christmas Traditions in Portugal

In Portugal, Christmas Eve (December 24th) is a time for family reunions. People gather for a traditional dinner known as "Consoada" and attend midnight mass. Children receive gifts, sometimes from a family member dressed as Santa Claus. Christmas Day (December 25th) is focused on a festive family lunch and a variety of delicious holiday desserts. Homes are decorated with Christmas trees and other ornaments, while town streets have festive lights and markets.

In Braga, there is a special tradition: people first go to an old tavern called Casa das Bananas for a glass of Setubal Moscatel wine paired with a banana (which you can bring yourself or buy there), before going home to have dinner with their families.

In some regions, especially inland areas, people still continue the tradition of the Madeiros Bonfire. Huge piles of wood are lit in front of churches, and these bonfires burn all night long.

FAQs to Christmas in Portugal

Does It Snow in Portugal at Christmas?

Snow at Christmas is rare in most parts of Portugal, especially along the coast and in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, you can visit the Serra da Estrela, the country's highest range. Ski resorts there sometimes have snow in December, but it is not guaranteed every year.

Are Christmas Markets Big in Portugal?

Markets in Lisbon, Porto, Óbidos, and Madeira are festive but smaller than those famous in Germany or Austria. Anyway, you can still expect plenty of local crafts, food, and fun.

Is Everything Closed on Christmas Day in Portugal?

No, not everything is closed.

• On December 24, most shops, restaurants, and bars close early because it is the main day of celebration for Portuguese families.

• On December 25, you can still find some restaurants and bars open, mainly in tourist areas or large hotels, Convenience stores will keep open but may runs on a reduced schedule.

• From December 26, businesses and services will almost return to normal.

Celebrate Christmas in Portugal With Odynovo

Christmas in Portugal 2025 promises warm lights, soulful traditions, and joyful gatherings. From the twinkling streets of Lisbon to Madeira's market celebrations, every corner offers a different festive charm.

To make your trip stress-free, Odynovo will create the perfect itinerary for you, arranging all the details, including accommodation, activity tickets, and land services. That way, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying an unforgettable Portuguese Christmas.