Christmas and New Year in Lisbon – Full guide for 2025/2026

Christmas and New Year in Lisbon is a great idea to escape the Polish winter. December in Portugal’s capital is sunny, somewhat cool, but still pleasant. The entire city is decorated with beautiful lights, markets are held in almost every district, and prices there are often 30-40% lower than in more popular places like Vienna or Berlin. This is definitely a good time for a vacation. You can come here before the holidays or during the holidays themselves. I’ve personally been spending this time here for many years and I really love it. In this post, I’ll present the best places worth visiting during Christmas and New Year in Lisbon.

We all know Lisbon for its good, sunny weather and proximity to the sea, as well as its amazing architecture. Most tourists come here during spring or summer. It’s an ideal place for a short vacation in the summer season, but not for spending the holidays… Or maybe it is after all?

Save hours of planning! Download a ready-made map of Christmas Lisbon ​
​
🌲All Christmas markets with opening hours and prices
🌲The most beautiful illuminations and walking routes
🌲Restaurants open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
🌲Viewpoints for New Year’s fireworks
🌲Hidden places where there are no tourists

Download your map here

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I’m a huge fan of the holidays. I love this time. My first year – December 2017 in Lisbon was amazing. Lights were everywhere, as were markets, and something was always happening. I was really pleasantly surprised by this. This year for the holidays I’m not going to Poland, I’m staying here and I’m already super excited about how Lisbon looks, and it looks much more beautiful than in the first years when I moved here. Year after year, the city invests more in lighting and events, trying to attract more people interested in staying in Lisbon in December.

If you can’t decide whether to come to Lisbon for the holidays, don’t worry. There really are many things to do here during this time. Here’s what you can expect from Portugal’s festive capital.

Quick table guide for your Christmas and New Year in Lisbon

Aspect	Christmas Eve	Christmas Day	New Years Eve
Shops	Closed from 7pm	Most are closed	Open as usual
Restaurants	30% open	20% open	90% open
Transport	Until 8pm	Limited schedule	Open all night
Attractions	Markets open	Closed museums	All open

Weather in Lisbon during New Year and Christmas

One of the things that holds people back from coming to Lisbon for Christmas and New Year is the weather. I often get messages with questions about whether it mostly rains here and whether it’s very cold.

I must admit that the weather at this time changes a lot and you can never be sure if it will be good enough to wander around the streets. Normally it’s dry and sunny here, but it can also be rainy and foggy. The worst thing that can happen to you is rain. If it rains in Lisbon, it’s not only wet, but also humid and cold. However, rain happens rarely in December and you have a 90% chance of good weather.

Temperatures at this time range between 10 and 15 degrees during the day. In the evening it’s around 5 degrees. Compared to Poland, these are pleasant temperatures. However, when renting accommodation in Lisbon, make sure it has either air conditioning or heating. Here apartments often don’t have them and you can then freeze quite badly.

Christmas and New Year in Lisbon

If you’re thinking at all about spending the holidays outside your country, Lisbon certainly doesn’t come to mind first. Most people go to Germany, Austria, or even Italy. Portugal is somewhere at the bottom of the list. This city is famous for sun, not for Christmas markets or lights. Trust me though, a visit to this city in December will pleasantly surprise you.

Year after year, Lisbon is becoming more and more festive. The local government spends more and more on decorations to attract tourists. Winter is a time when fewer of them come here. That’s why every December new decorations and markets are added to the attractions that Lisbon offers at this time.

The city center is decorated with colorful lights. Tall Christmas trees and wooden stalls stand in the main squares, where you can buy wine and chocolate. Christmas songs can be heard everywhere. Temperatures are relatively low, but you can still feel a pleasant coolness. It’s really a great time!

Portuguese Christmas traditions and customs

Catholicism is the main religion in Portugal, so Christmas is quite an important holiday here. Although, to me it doesn’t seem like it’s as big as in Poland, Portuguese people have their own customs and traditions. 

Many families celebrate Christmas Eve with a traditional supper that consists of cod, boiled potatoes, and cabbage. If that doesn’t sound too appealing, you can always go for more dessert. There are several types of them. The one that you will see everywhere in the shops around Christmas, is bolo rei, which is a round cake decorated with fruit. Traditionally, it’s a cake eaten during the New Year’s Eve, but it has become more and more popular during Christmas time. In the cake, you will find two surprises: one is a little present, like a doll or a fake ring, the other is a raw bean. Whoever finds a raw bean will have to buy a bolo rei for everyone next year. 

Opening presents takes place on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day. On the 25th of December people normally eat stuffed turkey and some traditional desserts. 

The 26th of December is not a bank holiday and most people go to work as normal. 

What to do during Christmas in Lisbon?

Christmas Eve in Portugal starts in the evening. Until that time many places, especially those for tourists, are open. The streets are lit and busy, but after around 6:00 PM you can feel a calm that embraces everyone – a bit like in Poland. In the city center you’ll find open restaurants, but it’s worth making a reservation or calling ahead to make sure a table will be available.

Cascais, Guincho, Sintra: A day outside of LisbonDecember 25th is a day off from work and Portugal’s capital comes to a standstill. This is probably one of the few days of the year when you’ll see such quiet streets. Lisbon is a tourist city, so again, in the center you’ll find open bars and Christmas markets. Tourist attractions such as museums or St. George’s Castle are closed on this day. On this day many people drive out of Lisbon. I recommend renting a car and going on a trip, for example to Sintra or to the beach at Costa da Caparica. If you don’t have a car, you can also get to Cascais by train, but be warned here, because transport runs very rarely then.

Check out the best trips outside Lisbon.

Christmas markets in Lisbon

Rossio Market

At Rossio Square there are a few wooden stalls that sell mulled wine, sangria, ginjinha and a large amount of food. Try the chocolate that was made here and drink a cup of mulled wine with it. If you’ve never tried ginjinha, now you have a great opportunity to do so.

A Christmas tree always stands in the square, which beautifully reflects in the water surface of the fountain.

At the market there is also Santa Claus’s house and a nativity scene. Some tourist attractions also display their “live advertisements.” For example, the Doll Hospital (Hospital de Bonecas) has an exhibit here, where beautifully dressed dolls are displayed in a showcase in one of the chalets.

Duration: 14.11.2025-4.01.2026
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:00
Prices: mulled wine 3-4 Euro, ginja 1.50 Euro
What to try: mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sweet nuts and ginja.

Eduardo VII Park

Edward VII Park is located at the end of Avenida da Liberdade and leads up to a small hill, from where you can observe the entire market and the illuminated Avenida. It is one large strip of greenery, surrounded on both sides by a walkway. Every year stalls are set up here, selling food and drinks, as well as souvenirs and gifts.

For the youngest there are colorful carousels and swings, and each visitor can go ice skating on the rink or jump on the Ferris wheel and see Lisbon from above.

Duration: 28.11.2025-4.01.2026
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
Prices: mulled wine 3-4 Euro
What to try: pão com chorizo, bifana and imperial (small beer).

Other locations

Some markets can be found at viewpoints. One of them is São Pedro de Alcântara. It is a small Christmas market, but you’ll find the same things there as at Rossio Square.

Many smaller districts and towns in the Lisbon area also have their own Christmas markets. Stop by Belém, Cascais, LX Factory, located in the Alcântara district, or come to us, to Barreiro, if you want to experience a really local atmosphere.

Where to see Christmas lights in Lisbon?

Streets in Lisbon are beautiful without them, but decorated with so many of colourful Christmas lights they look even more stunning. 

If you want to see the best of them and feel the Christmas atmosphere, head to Praça de Commercio and follow the main street to Rossio. Walk around Baixa Chiado, Bairro Alto and don’t forget Avenida de Liberdade, which looks amazing at this time of the year. 

Going towards Praça Luís de Camões you’ll pass by the Armazéns do Chiado shopping center. It is always beautifully decorated, with a Christmas tree on the wall, and lights that show some story or characters. Inside there are larger stores like Body Shop, Sephora and Mango. Sometimes there is also Santa Claus, sitting on a large chair, with whom you can take a photo.

At Praça Luís de Camões there are always beautiful illuminations. For a few years there was an illuminated Christmas ornament there, which you could enter. For the last two years there has been a white castle, looking like it’s made of ice. In front of it there is always Santa Claus, with whom you can take a photo.

Not far from the square, where you will also find the famous café Brasilieira, there are a few buildings with nicely lit decorations outside.

I really like the Rato and Príncipe Real areas. Near the Embaixada shopping center there is a tiny kiosk that is beautifully lit every year. Unfortunately it’s hard to get a table here, because it’s a popular place especially among expats, but walk down this street. You’ll definitely like it here.

Save hours of planning! Download a ready-made map of Christmas Lisbon ​
​
🌲All Christmas markets with opening hours and prices
🌲The most beautiful illuminations and walking routes
🌲Restaurants open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
🌲Viewpoints for New Year’s fireworks
🌲Hidden places where there are no tourists

Download your map here

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

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Christmas shopping in Lisbon 

Lisbon may not have as many shops as London, but you can still do good Christmas shopping here. If you’re looking for shops like Zara or H&M, go to Baixa Chiado, where you’ll find them all on one street. You can then combine shopping with the Christmas market, which is just around the corner.

If you’re looking for something really unique as a gift, I recommend A Vida Portuguesa – a shop that has beautiful and high-quality products – from chocolates, through notebooks and azulejo tiles, to warm blankets and scarves.

You’ll find delicious teas at Companhia Portugueza do Chá. This is an entire shop dedicated to tea and you’ll find it here in loose leaf, in bags and in probably every flavor and scent. The quality is really unbeatable.

Benamôr is a shop with high-quality Portuguese cosmetics. There are creams, deodorants, perfumes or air fresheners here, smelling wonderful.

If you’re looking for popular stores like H&M or Zara, I recommend going to the Colombo shopping center, located outside Lisbon’s center. This is the only center of this type, where most chain stores are.

Cozy bars and restaurants

There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants in Lisbon. Most of them look very cozy and you can eat a quiet dinner there or drink delicious, local wine.

My favorite bars are Pavilhão Chinês, Livraria, Pensão Amor. Recently I also discovered Foxtrot thanks to The Lisboner.

Christmas Eve and the first day of Christmas are very quiet in Lisbon, but you’ll definitely find a few open bars and restaurants. If you want to eat a good dinner in the city, you can do it for example at Sacramento, Bastardo, or Cervejaria Trinidade. In most places you’ll pay 50 Euro per person for 3 courses.

New Year’s Eve in Lisbon

Free events

On New Year’s Eve Lisbon turns into a party capital. You can celebrate in a club, or on the street. Below are only a few options available. 

Praça de Commercio is the centre point in Lisbon. On New Year’s Eve there is a free street party, where you can watch performances and dance the night away. Beers and wine are sold in small stalls around the square. 

Once I celebrated the New Year on the viewpoint Sao Pedro de Alcantara. There was a DJ and the party was for free. The market also provided food and drinks. I am not sure if other viewpoints have the same, but if you’re not too bothered with walking from one to another, you can always check and choose the one that you like most.

You can also choose other viewpoints, for example the viewpoint Graça would be great for this.

Tascas are small Portuguese diners, which serve cheap food. They are almost on every street. They are meeting points for those living in the area and you will only see locals there other than tourists. During the New Year, some Portuguese people go to tascas and celebrate together. If you want to eat a cheap dinner and meet the locals, a nearby tasca would be a good place. 

Clubs and bars 

I probably don’t need to tell you that there are many bars and clubs in Lisbon. In some places you need to reserve in advance. Remember that in Lisbon parties start late. Portuguese people usually meet first at homes, and only go out around midnight.

The most popular club in Lisbon is Lux Frágil, which is famous for good DJs. Other popular clubs are MusicBox and LAV – Lisboa Ao Vivo. You can also go to the famous Pink Street, but I warn you here that there will probably be crowds, and the average age is around 25 years.

Bairro Alto also offers a selection of small bars and clubs, where you can party until dawn.

Practical information

Business operating times 

On the 24th of December most businesses close down early on that day, 7pm the latest. The city is quiet during that time. A lot of places are also close on the 25th. The 26th is a not a bank holiday here. However, some restaurants and bars offer great deals for Christmas dinner. 31st is a normal working day. The 1st of January is a day off and many places are closed. 

Transportation in Lisbon during Christmas and New Year

Metro in Lisbon runs until around 12:30 am, but on the 24th it finishes work early. There is a reduced service on the 25th. On the 31st it also works normally and then there is reduced service on the 1st of January. During the Holidays it’s best to use Uber or Taxify. 

If you’re planning to travel around Portugal, check out Omio – my trusted travel partner, which you can find cheap tickets for different modes of transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car, I advise using Discover Cars. It’s also a comparison site. They have a lot of offers from different car rental companies.

Find out more about transportation in Lisbon.

Where to eat in Lisbon during Christmas and New Year?

• Varanda da Lisboa – with a beautiful view over the city.
• Mensagem – with a good view and very elegant.
• Maxime Restaurant – they also organise shows and concerts.
• Capitulo – beautiful decor, perfect for celebrating Christmas.

Accommodation 

Lisbon might not be the most popular city to visit during Christmas and New Year, but the rooms sold out quite quickly. Remember to book ahead! Here are some nice options for you to choose from, or you can also look for your hotel using this form:

Lisboa Central Park – just by the Eduardo II Park, which is perfect for visiting Winter Wonderland. Avenida de Liberdade is round the corner and you might be able to see the Christmas lights from your window! 

Turim – this hotel is located on Avenida de Liberdade, which gives you a great chance to get to the Rossio Square in minutes. You can admire Christmas lights from your hotel window! 

At Ease Inn – a more affordable option, also situated by Avenida de Liberdade. Rooms are very clean and cozy. Perfect for a Christmas getaway in Lisbon. 

Alternatively, go to Booking.com and look for your dream accommodation there.

Save hours of planning! Download a ready-made map of Christmas Lisbon ​
​
🌲All Christmas markets with opening hours and prices
🌲The most beautiful illuminations and walking routes
🌲Restaurants open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve
🌲Viewpoints for New Year’s fireworks
🌲Hidden places where there are no tourists

Download your map here

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Built with Kit

FAQs – the most frequently asked questions about Christmas and New Year in Lisbon

Is it worth going to Lisbon for Christmas?

Definitely yes! Lisbon in December offers mild weather (average 10-15°C), beautiful Christmas illuminations, authentic markets and significantly lower prices than popular destinations like Vienna or Berlin. The city is not crowded with tourists, so you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without crowds. The only downside is that on December 25th most restaurants and attractions are closed.

What is the weather like in Lisbon in December and for New Year? December in Lisbon means temperatures from 10 to 17°C during the day. Nights are cooler (around 8-10°C). Rain falls on average 5-7 days per month, usually short showers, not all-day downpours. The chance of sunny weather is around 70-80%. Pack a light jacket, umbrella and comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot on slippery, stone streets.

Are there fireworks in Lisbon on New Year’s Eve? Yes! The main fireworks display takes place at Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) at midnight. It lasts about 15-20 minutes and is completely free. Additional fireworks can be seen from viewpoints such as São Pedro de Alcântara or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Arrive around 22:30 to get a good spot – by 23:30 it’s already very crowded.

How much does New Year’s Eve in Lisbon cost? It depends on your travel style:

Budget option: 0-50€

• Free party at Commerce Square
• Beer/wine bought in store: 3-5€
• Late meal at a tasca: 10-15€

Mid-range: 50-150€

• Dinner at a good restaurant: 40-70€ per person
• Drinks at a bar: 30-50€
• Optional: club ticket 20-30€

Premium: 150-300€+

• Dinner at a restaurant with a view: 80-150€ per person
• VIP spot in a club: 50-100€
• Champagne and cocktails: 50-100€

Which restaurants are open on Christmas (December 25)? Most restaurants are closed on December 25, but these are open (book in advance!):

• Cervejaria Trindade – traditional Christmas menu, around 50€/person
• Sacramento do Chiado – elegant Portuguese cuisine, 60-80€/person
• Bastardo – modern fusion, around 55€/person
• Most hotels serve Christmas brunches and dinners for guests

December 24 (Christmas Eve) more places are open, especially until 20:00-21:00.

Where are the best Christmas markets in Lisbon?

Rossio Square (Praça do Rossio)

• Most accessible, central
• 15-20 stalls
• Mulled wine 3-4€, churros 3€
• Open: 1.12-6.01, daily 10:00-22:00

Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII)

• Largest: Wonderland Lisboa
• Ice rink, carousels, 40+ stalls
• Free entry, attractions paid (3-8€)
• Open: 30.11-7.01, 12:00-23:00

São Pedro de Alcântara

• Small, intimate, with city view
• 10 stalls
• Fewer tourists
• Open: 1.12-31.12, 14:00-22:00

How does public transport work during the holidays?

December 24 (Christmas Eve):

• Metro: until 20:00 (instead of 1:00)
• Buses: reduced schedule from 19:00

December 25 (Christmas):

• Metro: very limited service, 8:00-21:00
• Buses: Sunday schedule
• Best option: Uber/Bolt – normal prices, good availability

December 31 (New Year’s Eve):

• Metro: extended until 3:00-4:00 am!
• Buses: night lines run all night
• After 2:00: Uber/Bolt more expensive (surge pricing 2-3x)

January 1:

• Metro and buses: holiday schedule like 25.12

Do you need to book a hotel well in advance? Yes, definitely! Especially for New Year’s Eve. Here’s the timeline:

Christmas (24-26.12):

• Book: minimum 1-2 months in advance
• Prices: +20-40% higher than normal
• Best hotels sell out in November

New Year (30.12-2.01):

• Book: minimum 2-3 months in advance
• Prices: +50-100% higher (especially 31.12)
• After mid-November selection very limited

Pro tip: Look for hotels in Marquês de Pombal or Areeiro – close to the center, but cheaper and better availability.

What is open on December 25 in Lisbon?

Open:

• Christmas markets (shorter hours: 12:00-20:00)
• Selected hotel restaurants
• Some viewpoints (free)
• Parks and public spaces
• Mini-markets in shopping centers (from 12:00)

Closed:

• Most museums (including Oceanarium)
• All shops (except some Pingo Doce)
• Most restaurants
• All offices and government buildings
• Most tourist attractions

December 26 is NOT a holiday – everything operates normally!

Is December 26 a day off in Portugal? No! Unlike Poland, December 26 is a normal working day in Portugal. All shops, restaurants, museums and attractions operate according to standard opening hours. It’s a good day for sightseeing, because the city returns to normal, and you can still see Christmas decorations.

Where is the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Lisbon? It depends on your style:

For families and quieter people:

• Viewpoints: São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro da Graça (fireworks from above)
• Dinner at a restaurant with a view (book in November!)

For party lovers:

• Commerce Square – free concert + fireworks (50,000+ people)
• Pink Street – clubs and bars open until morning
• Bairro Alto – more local vibe, tascas and tiny bars

For mid-range budget:

• Clubs with entry fee: Lux Frágil (40-60€), Ministerium (30-50€)
• New Year’s Eve cruises on the Tagus (80-150€ with dinner)

Pro tip: Portuguese go out late – before 23:00 most places are empty!

How many days is it worth staying in Lisbon for Christmas? Minimum 4-5 days to see everything comfortably:

Sample plan:

• Day 1 (23.12): Arrival, markets, illuminations
• Day 2 (24.12): Sightseeing until 19:00, then quiet in the city
• Day 3 (25.12): Walks, viewpoints (most things closed)
• Day 4 (26.12): Full sightseeing – Alfama, Belém, museums
• Day 5 (27.12): Backup day or excursion (Sintra, Cascais)

If you’re staying for New Year’s Eve, add 2-3 days (30-31.12 and 1.01).

Do I need to rent a car for Christmas in Lisbon? No, absolutely not in Lisbon’s center! Parking is a nightmare, streets are narrow, and public transport is sufficient. A car is only useful if:

• You’re planning trips outside the city (Sintra, Óbidos, Évora)
• You’re staying outside the center
• You’re traveling with small children

Better options in the city:

• Metro + Uber/Bolt
• 24h transport ticket: 6.80€
• Lisboa Cards: transport + attraction entry

If you’re renting: Do it in advance (November), prices during the holidays are 2-3x higher!

Did I forget something? Do you have questions, or suggestions? Would you like to share your opinion? Don’t be shy! Leave a comment!