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Many people think about sun-drenched hills and balmy temperatures after we consider the Portuguese capital, however don’t let this idiot you into pondering Lisbon doesn’t have some excellent Christmas markets.

Every time I point out on my Lisbon meals excursions that town is a stunning spot for a festive journey, I’m met with puzzled expressions! Most individuals go for cities like Munich, Vienna, or Strasbourg for a winter break, however I’m right here to point out you ways excellent Lisbon is for anybody planning a go to to some Christmas markets.

On this information, I’ll run by means of the highest Lisbon Christmas markets and their magical gentle shows, together with when and the place to search out them. 

Lisbon’s Greatest Christmas Markets

Wonderland Lisboa

Photograph credit score: Wonderland Lisboa

Wonderland Lisboa takes place yearly in Parque Eduardo VII, which is linked to numerous components of town by metro and bus.

This pageant is all about household enjoyable and includes a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, Santa’s Village, and a few of Lisbon’s most dazzling Christmas lights. It’s additionally a incredible place for purchasing, with varied stalls devoted to garments, crafts, and trinkets.

All the Christmas classics like roasted chestnuts and crêpes are up for grabs if you get peckish, as are leitão sandwiches created from mouthwatering suckling pig.

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market is an annual festive get-together within the Campo Pequeno purchasing hub simply steps from the closest metro station. For the primary few weeks, the main focus is on crafts earlier than it switches to a extra food-centered pageant.

Gourmand meals and sustainable items play a starring function on this trendy market. Equipment, homeware, books, and ornaments are simply a number of the items on the market from Portuguese producers, alongside selfmade jams, sauces, and cheeses.

There are additionally loads of on-the-go bites and drinks to take pleasure in as you meander by means of the stalls, together with Portuguese sausages and regional wines.

Rossio Sq. Christmas Market

Held within the coronary heart of Lisbon within the bustling Baixa-Chiado space and near quite a few metro stations, the Rossio Sq. Christmas Market is as festive as you may get. It’s additionally an excellent brief stroll from the Figueira Christmas Gourmand in Praça da Figueira, permitting you to simply discover two markets without delay.

You and your little ones might be in for a deal with in terms of purchasing and sights. Image Christmas trains, yuletide exhibitions, lights, reside performances, and various handicrafts.

When you’re right here, you need to pattern some culinary creations, ranging from fruity mulled wines and cured meats to pastéis de bacalhau and rabanadas.

Óbidos Vila Natal

Photograph credit score: Óbidos Vila Natal

There are some sensational Christmas markets exterior of Lisbon, too, most of which might be reached from town by bus or practice. Óbidos Vila Natal is one such market, and it’s hosted in Parque Cinegético de Óbidos.

Regardless of your age, you’ll be enthralled by the wonders of this Christmas market. Inside, you’ll discover a carousel, a funfair, fairytale-style cabins, a theater, and a lot extra, and that’s all earlier than mentioning the market itself and its number of Portuguese items!

The meals choices are wide-ranging, mixing native and worldwide flavors. Other than the designated eating space with quick food-style choices, there are dozens of stands specializing in waffles, sweets, espresso, and pastries all through the park.

Cascais Christmas Village

Photograph credit score: Cascais Christmas Village

Cascais is undeniably beautiful as it’s, however there’s an actual sense of magic within the air when the Cascais Christmas Village will get up and operating in Parque Marechal Carmona. The city is round an hour from Lisbon, and the bus and practice are handy transport choices.

This market is especially interesting to households, because of options like Santa’s Grotto, Goblin’s workshops, ice rink, and carnival rides. That’s to not say that adults gained’t have a blast, too, because the enchanted forest, Christmas practice, and picture-perfect markets are equally inviting for grown-ups!

After you’ve stocked up on handmade merchandise and artisanal keepsakes, make your means over to the meals court docket and refill on burgers, chestnuts, scorching chocolate, and Portuguese liqueurs.

What to Purchase and Strive at Lisbon’s Christmas Markets

Meals and Drinks

Sardinhas doces de Trancoso – Regardless of their fishy identify and form, sardinhas doces de Trancoso are literally Portuguese desserts. These doughy treats are stuffed with a creamy mixture of egg yolk, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar. When cooked, they’re typically dipped in chocolate or doused in sugar.

Bolo Rei – Often called the king cake, bolo rei is a Christmas traditional in Portugal. Formed like a crown, bolo rei is much like brioche, and its fluffy, buttery dough is contrasted with crunchy nuts and chewy candied fruits.

Broas Castelares – Someplace between a cookie and a cake, these candy potato-based delights are perfect for snacking between stalls and are infused with orange, ginger, and coconut.

Rabanadas – Rabanadas is a Portuguese twist on French toast, usually soaked in custard or condensed milk earlier than being fried.

Roasted Chestnuts – A Christmas staple in lots of European international locations, roasted chestnuts are heat, candy, and tremendous smooth. They’re obtainable in nearly each market in Lisbon.

Mulled Wine – Is there something extra Christmassy than mulled wine? Locals and guests are equally keen on this festive drink, recognized in Portugal as vinho quente.

Ginjinha – Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur that’s created from ginja berries and sugar. It’s celebrated for its bitter cherry flavors, and the addition of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg offers it punchy, wintery notes.

Procuring

Portuguese Ceramics –  Portugal is famed for its ceramics, significantly the ornate azulejos tiles, a number of the in style gadgets you’ll spot on the markets.

Cork Merchandise – Luggage, coasters, notebooks, and sneakers created from cork are signature merchandise from varied pockets of the nation.

Handmade Crafts – Each sort of craft is offered on the Lisbon Christmas markets, from ornamental ornaments and picket items to artisanal jewellery and colourful textiles.

Vital Dates and Timings

The particular dates and timings for a lot of the Lisbon Christmas markets fluctuate barely from yr to yr, however these are roughly when every occasion takes place.

Wonderland Lisboa: Late November till January 1st

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market:  Late November till mid-December

Rossio Sq. Christmas Market: Mid-November till late December

Figueira Christmas Gourmand: Late November till late December

Óbidos Vila Natal: Early December till early January

Cascais Christmas Village: Late November till early January

Suggestions for Visiting Lisbon Throughout Christmas

• To expertise the festive lights in all their glory, ensure that to plan your go to for the night or any time after round 5:00 pm. If you wish to escape the worst of the crowds, attempt to arrive shortly earlier than sundown.
• One other good way to make sure you keep away from the crowds is to go to on a weekday. There’ll seemingly nonetheless be lots of people round, but it surely’ll be far much less busy than at weekends.
• Lisbon doesn’t expertise the below-freezing winters of Jap Europe, however it is best to nonetheless come ready with a number of layers and a water-resistant jacket.
• Parking at lots of Lisbon’s Christmas markets generally is a nightmare, so that you is likely to be greatest off sticking to public transport. Fortunately, town has environment friendly metro, tram, and bus methods.
• Be sure you check out a number of the native or regional specialties, as these might be exhausting to return by in different Christmas markets.

Conclusion

For those who’re craving festive fare, looking for the proper present, or just needing some vacation cheer, Lisbon’s Christmas markets could have every little thing you’re searching for! There are many markets in and across the metropolis to offer you and your family members all of the Christmas vibes.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Lisbon meals excursions and actions. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/lisbon/

TVI. (n.d.). Wonderland Lisboa. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://tvi.iol.pt/wonderland/

Go to Lisboa. (n.d.). Campo Pequeno Christmas Market. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/occasions/campo-pequeno-christmas-market

Go to Lisboa. (n.d.). Rossio Christmas Market. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/occasions/rossio-christmas-market

Óbidos Vila Natal. (n.d.). Óbidos Vila Natal. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://obidosvilanatal.pt/

Cascais Christmas Village. (n.d.). Cascais Christmas Village. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.cascaischristmasvillage.pt/