Christmas in Portugal, a Complete Festive Guide for 2023

As the festive season approaches, Portugal transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland adorned with sparkling lights and festive cheer. Amidst lively traditions and captivating atmosphere, celebrating Christmas in Portugal offers an unmatched and truly exciting experience. In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the enchanting Portuguese Christmas traditions, delectable seasonal treats and the best ways to celebrate the holidays in this picturesque country. If you traveling from UK then you need a Portugal schengen visa appointment

Portuguese Christmas Traditions: Discover the Rich Heritage

Explore the pleasing traditions that make Christmas in Portugal truly special. From the mesmerizing Nativity scenes to captivating folklore, delve into the cultural richness that defines Portuguese Christmas celebrations. Let’s quickly take a look the famous ones:

• Recreating Birth of Jesus – Famously known as nativity scene, during Christmas the moment of Jesus birth is re-created in churches, streets and even in homes for everyone to re-live and cherish this wonderful moment. It is generally done by gathering with family members and putting the cot beneath the Christmas tree.
• Family Meals – On 24th December, night before Christmas, families gather for dinner and enjoy traditional meals. The special Portuguese Christmas food that they savour for dinner is the boiled cod or the Portuguese cabbage and potatoes cooked with octopus.
• Stuffed turkey is the traditional holiday meal for 25th December. You must try the "Bolo Rei" (King Cake) and other classic pastries like "Filhós," "Sonhos" (dreams), and "Rabanadas" (French toasts) for dessert.
• The Rooster Mass – Post dinner, attending the midnight mass known as "Missa do Galo," which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christs is a common customary. After Mass, it’s a tradition to go back home, put the picture of baby Jesus in the cot and start exchanging Christmas presents.
• Kings Cake/ Bolo Rei – During Christmas you will find King cake on almost every table. The crystallised and dried fruits represent myrrh, the crust represents gold and the cake's scent represents incense.
• There is a dried fava bean hidden inside the cake. The person who receives the piece of cake with this fava bean is supposed to pay for the cake coming year, according to the tradition.
• The Christmas Tree - The history of Christmas trees in Portugal dates back to 1800s when the King Consort D. Fernando II chose to set up a tree in the palace for his children and give them gifts while posing as Saint Nicholas. A custom he brought Germany, his homeland!

Anyone who is planning to spend their holiday break in European country must think about visiting Portugal. Christmas concerts and events in Portugal transforms the country into a magical place. You will love watching the amazing musical concerts, street performances and a lot of other entertainments in every corner.

Savour the Authentic Flavors: Portuguese Christmas Food Delights

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Portuguese Christmas. Try mouthwatering traditional dishes such as "Bacalhau com Todos" (Codfish with everything) and "Rabanadas" (Christmas French toast). Also the sweet indulgence of "Bolo Rei," the iconic Portuguese Christmas cake is blissful.

Portugal's Christmas sweet selection is truly delightful and something to behold. Food culture in Portugal is not just about savoring the delicious food but it is also about relaxed & slow cooking, socializing, interacting while preparing and having food as well as sipping on some wine. This means that dinners can last for several hours with eating, drinking, laughing and having fun.

Feliz Natal: Wish you a merry Christmas

Ever wondered what is Christmas called in Portugal? If you are planning to spend your Christmas holidays in Portugal then you would obviously want to know how they wish each other in local language. Learn the local lingo and enhance your holiday experience by greeting locals with a heartfelt "Feliz Natal." While this is the most common way to wish Merry Christmas, you may alternatively say "boas festas." It is more general greeting to greet happy holidays referring both Christmas and New Year together.

Raise a Toast: Drinks of Christmas

Toast to the Christmas season with authentic Portuguese drinks. If you are wondering what to drink at Christmas in Portugal, then let me tell you, there are several different options available to explore. Get your hands on some Port wine, Ginjinha and other festive concoctions that are sure to add cheerfulness and joy to your Christmas celebrations.

Christmas Shopping Extravaganza in Portugal

Dive into the vibrant Christmas markets and shopping districts across Portugal. Find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and festive decorations that will add a touch of Portuguese charm to your holiday celebrations. Documents requirements for Portugal visa

Weathering the Season: Christmas Climate in Portugal

Pack your festive wardrobe by understanding the weather in Portugal during Christmas well. Compared to other European countries, Portugal temperatures are mild in December with 8-15°C generally. This will give you a pleasantly cool feeling instead of chilly cold weather.

In nutshell, it is worth visiting Portugal during Christmas to make the most out of your winter holidays. Apart from discovering various Portuguese Christmas traditions, you may also explore its wonderful cities that are sure to captivate you. To top it Portugal will offer a fantastic climate with lots of cultural activities all around the country.

Best Places to Spend Christmas in Portugal: A Fabulous Festive Journey

Choose one of the best places to spend Christmas in Portugal as well as New Year. Albufeira, Viana do Castelo, Portimao, Tavira and Faro are among the best places to consider spending Christmas and New Year 2023/2024. These cities are decorated spectacularly and you will also love the music, number of shows that will simply get you into the festive mood. Trust me you will not want to come out of this vibe, in fact would want stay in it forever.

What about Shopping?

Christmas shopping in Portugal is a must. It rewards its tourists with several festive gift options for the entire family. Magnificent cities glowing with sparkling decoration, Portuguese shops, boutiques and stores will entice you with their Yuletide spirit and amazing gift ideas.

You simply cannot miss the shopping streets of Lisbon. Not are you going to enjoy the shopping but going to in awe with the mesmerizing display all around you. Christmas treasures, special gifts, festive decorations and Portuguese Christmas food, everything is going to give you that extra special feeling.

Conclusion

Embark on a festive adventure in Portugal with your loved ones where Christmas traditions, delectable cuisine and warm hospitality will create memories to last with you for a lifetime. Whether it is sipping Port wine by the fireplace you fancy or exploring Christmas markets surrounded by the city lights, Portugal invites you to experience the true magic of the Christmas season.

FAQ’s

Is Portugal warm at Christmas?

If you are planning to celebrate this Christmas in Portugal then knowing weather conditions is important. During Christmas and New Year, Portugal sports mild weather which is quite pleasing and enjoyable. Maximum temperatures that you can expect during December is around 15-18 °C and minimum of 8 °C.

Is Portugal good to visit during Christmas?

Portugal is just good but an awesome destination for you to explore during Christmas. All due to its wonder Christmas markets, decorations, food, unique traditions and shopping options.

How is Christmas in Lisbon?

Lisbon is spectacular during Christmas as well as all time of the year. It becomes truly magical during Christmas and New Year. There are several things to do in Lisbon during winter holiday season including ice skating, exploring winter wonderland or indulging in a food tour.

How cold is Portugal in Christmas?

A. Expect the temperatures to be around 8-15°C in Portugal during Christmas. This is neither too cold nor warm. On the whole it’s a perfect time to explore this beautiful European destination.

Does it snow in Portugal at Christmas?

Not impossible but quite rarely. Generally it isn’t a white Christmas in Portugal. Serra da Estrela which is the highest mountain region of Portugal is only region where you can expect the snowfall during Christmas. Popular cities like Porto and Lisbon can rarely experience snowfall.

What is Santa called in Portugal?

Pai Natal is what Santa called in Portugal. It is generally believed that Pai Natal (Santa) brings gifts for children on Christmas Eve.