Portugal at Christmas is so beautiful. It is warmer than most European countries, and the Christmas spirit and atmosphere is so lovely. At night, the Christmas lights are so festive. Below is a list for what to do on Christmas Day in Lisbon Portugal, and a few tips to know before you go!
NEW for 2023: Watch a Cirque Du Soleil Performance
From December 20 to 30th, 2023 Cirque du Soleil is performing their “Ovo” show in Lisbon. Cirque du Soleil is absolutely incredible, and have multiple performances and different shows all over the world. The artistry, visuals, music, and stunts that the performers do are breathtaking. If you are lucky enough to be in Lisbon while Cirque du Soleil is performing, then RUN don’t walk to get yourself a ticket here: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/portugal/lisbon/shows
Attend mass
The majority of celebrations occur very late on Christmas Eve, but they also occur on Christmas Day too. A few of the larger cathedrals only allow the locals to enter (like the Lisbon Cathedral).
The sounds on Christmas Day are so festive – the church bells play Christmas carols! Follow your ears and you may find a church that is open for tourists. There are churches around every corner in Lisbon so you are sure to find something. And if not, then enjoy the music! We had a coffee next to a cafe that was open next to the Lisbon Cathedral and listened to the bells ring.
Only locals are allowed in on Christmas Day, but there’s a cute cafe next to it!
Have lunch
You will be surprised by how many restaurants and cafes are open on Christmas Day! Especially in the touristy districts. In the district of Alfama and Rossio there are quite a few restaurants open. So don’t worry about going hungry, because you will be sure to find something.
Explore Lisbon
Lisbon isn’t as busy on Christmas day, so take the time to walk around, explore and look at the Christmas lights and architecture. It won’t be as busy either since the majority of locals will be at home.
During the day, walk around the narrow alleyways of the Alfama district. Make your way up the hill towards the viewpoint located next to the Quiosque das Portas do Sol (a small kiosk offering pastries and drinks – available on Christmas day!).
Then walk over to the Castelo de S Jorge. You won’t be able to go in the castle on Christmas day, but there are also nice views from there too.
Another viewpoint is the Miradouro da Graca, also near the Alfama district and next to a church and cafe.
Admire the Christmas lights in Lisbon
In the evening, walk around Lisbon to admire the Christmas lights! It is fun to walk around during the day, and then again at night to see how the city transforms!
Places to see the Christmas lights in Lisbon:
- Rossio Square
- Baixia-Chiado district
- Praca do Comercio
To see these Christmas Lights, walk to the Praca do Comercio square. This square has a giant Christmas tree, and is at the start of the Arco da Rua Augusta. Continue up this street and make a detor to Baixia-Chiado to see the jelly fish Christmas Lights. Then, continue up Rua Augusta until you reach Rossio Square. From Rossio Square continue up Rua Augusta until you reach the Monumento aos Restaradoes.
Go swimming
A lot of hotels in Lisbon still have their pools and spas open. Relax in the warm waters of their pools, and enjoy a Turkish bath and sauna! Email ahead to check what the entrance fees are, and to confirm they are open. This activity can be done during the day before dinner, or after a Christmas lunch!
Visit the Lisbon Aquarium (Oceanário de Lisboa)
The Oceanário de Lisboa is about an hour outside of the main centre of Lisbon via public transport (which operates on Christmas Day!). If you have children, or have already had your fill of walking around the main city centre, then heading to the local aquarium is a great way to spend Christmas Day in Lisbon (or any other day!).
The hours on Christmas day on from 11am to 8pm (last entrance at 7pm). Check their website before going.
Tickets for the aquarium can be purchased here.
Have Christmas day dinner
The majority of hotels are open for Christmas Eve dinner and on Christmas Day for lunch and dinner. These meals are usually buffets and are so festive.
You do not need to be a guest of the hotel to attend a meal, but reserving a table is usually required. Email the hotel in advance to make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
A few recommendations for hotels offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners (that also have spas/pools!):
Go on a Christmas Boat tour
There are a couple of companies that offers either day-time or sunset sailing cruises along the river on Christmas day. What better way to spend an evening than by admiring the the city from the water?
Companies that offer Christmas Day Cruises in Lisbon:
- Lazy Lisbon Cruises – Christmas Day sunset cruises available.
- Palma Yachts (offered through GetYourGuide) – daytime, sunset and night-time cruises available.
- Bloo-Boat Charter – also offers cruises during the day, evening and night.
Things to know BEFORE you spend Christmas Day in Lisbon Portugal
Is there public transportation in Lisbon on Christmas Day? Yes, Public Transportation is open on Christmas Day but with reduced hours. Use apps like Citymapper to plan your routes.
What restaurants are open in Lisbon on Christmas Day? A lot of restaurants in the touristy districts will be open on Christmas Day. Even though a lot of restaurants will be closed, you will find something open. We had lunch in Alfama. Convenience stores, souvenir shops and a lot of restaurants were also open.
Will it rain in Lisbon on Christmas? Normally Portugal is sunny, but during the winter months the chance of rain is much higher. It is important to bring an umbrella with you just in case.
Also important to know: If you go swimming in Lisbon, bring a swim cap, pool shoes (these can be flip flops), and a one-piece bathing suit. Items like a swim cap and pool shoes can usually be purchased from the hotel, but email their spa in advance to make sure.
Are you planning to spend Christmas Day in Lisbon Portugal, or have you already? If so, let me know what your favourite thing to do was in the comments below!
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