Immigrate to Portugal and experience life in Portugal: It is once again the Christmas season, and the streets of Portugal are filled with lights, creating a festive atmosphere. Major shopping centers are adorned with colorful lights and Christmas trees to enhance the shopping experience. The music, lights, and fountains in the squares, along with the magic shows, markets, and falling snow, make this season warm and engaging. Take your children to watch puppet shows or participate in fun parent-child activities. Of course, food, reading, and taking pictures with Santa Claus are all easily accessible joys during this holiday season.
Lisbon
Brilliant Light Show at the Commercial Square (Terreiro do Paço)
From December 14 to 23, when night falls, a spectacular multimedia light show returns to Terreiro do Paço. The dynamic lights will be projected onto the arch and the square's surroundings, accompanied by lively music, providing a visual feast for all. The performances will take place at 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00.
Christmas Magic Show at Jardim da Estrela
This year's Christmas season at Jardim da Estrela features mysterious magic performances on December 13, 14, 20, and 21 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, which are not to be missed! Additionally, the garden's market has creative goods from across the country, including fashion, jewelry, decorations, illustrations, and design products. Admission is free.
Feira Popular Reopens
The abandoned public amusement park reopens during Christmas, allowing people to reminisce about their childhood innocence. This reopening lasts until January 25. In addition to various fun amusement facilities, there are also spectacular circus performances not to be missed.
The amusement park operates daily from 14:00 to 23:30 until January 25. Admission is free.
Photography Exhibition: The Dreams of the Homeless (Cais do Sodré)
Curious about the dreams of the homeless? At Cais do Sodré station, you will see a themed photography exhibition organized by creative photographers Catarina and João Porfírio entitled “I Always Wanted to Be...”.
They searched the streets of Lisbon for the homeless, engaged in conversation, took their pictures, and listened to their voices, as each homeless person has their own dreams. The exhibition runs until December 28.
Centro Colombo
Whether it is the giant Christmas tree towering 18 meters or the ubiquitous exquisite decorations, the Christmas atmosphere has permeated every corner of Colombo. There are many activities waiting for you to participate in, to experience a truly traditional Christmas. The mall experiences “next snow” every half hour, allowing everyone to feel the winter Christmas spirit in a non-snowy Lisbon. Santa Claus plays with children and takes pictures in the mall every day.
Centro Vasco da Gama
This year's Christmas lighting at Vasco da Gama is particularly eye-catching, illuminating the entire mall with a dazzling display. As a tradition, the Christmas choir will perform at various times each day, immersing everyone in the joy and beauty of Christmas.
Museum of the Orient's 7th Book Fair
Organized by the Museum of the Orient in Lisbon, this event will take you on a journey through Asian culture.
Event Dates:
From November 21 to December 14, every Tuesday to Sunday (excluding Fridays)
>From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with Fridays from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM,
>The fair primarily sells novels, poetry collections, and other titles by renowned Asian authors across a variety of genres at affordable prices, where you can find books about the society, culture, and art of Asian countries. The museum also features an Asian cuisine corner, making it a great opportunity for those craving familiar foods or Korean and Japanese dishes to see what delicious options are available!
Porto
Mar Shopping Center's Joyful Sundays in December
As Christmas approaches, every weekend in December from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, bring your children to Porto's Mar Shopping Center on the ground floor Moda Infantil walkway, where unexpected surprises await you.
Children can receive exquisite Christmas gifts by drawing a picture, playing small games, and besides that, they can participate in various fun activities, read interesting children's stories, and watch wonderful animated performances, as well as engage in educational crafts or experiments with other kids.
>Do not hesitate, as children can fully enjoy a delightful Sunday hour here, experiencing the fun that the children's paradise brings, and they can gain knowledge while having fun.
Around Lisbon
Puppet Show in Almada
In December, there will be three wonderful puppet shows in the Almada area, held at the Municipal Romeu Correia – Auditório Fernando Lopes-Graça, with free admission. However, due to limited seating, it is best to arrive a little early.
The first performance is called A Tourada (The Bullfight), taking place on December 14 at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The second performance is Portucale – A História de D. Afonso Henriques, narrating the story of Portugal's first king, on December 20 at 4:00 PM. The last show is on December 21 at 4:00 PM, named O Senhor (A Gentleman).
Parents with children who love puppetry should seize the opportunity to bring their kids to appreciate Portugal's puppet shows.
LoureShopping's Santa Claus Awaits You
From November 29 to December 24, Loures near Lisbon has prepared a variety of Christmas activities at the LoureShopping center where Santa Claus will appear unexpectedly. If your children encounter Santa Claus, make sure they express their Christmas wishes promptly.
>Additionally, children can enjoy animated performances, conduct small science experiments in the shopping center, while you select Christmas gifts for family and friends, all while listening to beautiful songs and admiring special Christmas dances and performances. Hurry and experience the joyful atmosphere of Christmas, and enjoy a unique Christmas experience.
CascaiShopping's Colorful Experience
Cascais has always been everyone's ideal holiday city. This Christmas, take your family and children to experience the festive atmosphere in Cascais! CascaiShopping has meticulously prepared for this special occasion, with Christmas lights everywhere, an 11-meter tall Christmas tree adorned with various exquisite and adorable ornaments, and vibrant Christmas decorations filling the passageways, undoubtedly capturing your attention.
The most special thing is that CascaiShopping will let you feel the true "scent" of Christmas, as a unique fragrance will waft through the mall, allowing you to genuinely experience the essence of the Christmas season.
