The holiday season is one of the happiest times to be in our city, so I wrote this article with plenty of suggestions for you to enjoy during your Christmas in Porto.
I wrote about the best things to do during Christmas in Porto, including best Christmas markets, best restaurants for Christmas Eve and great stores for some Christmas shopping.
Moreover, me and my team am available to conduct private tours in Porto and Douro Valley, which is the best way for you to navigate the region during the Christmas season.
No time to read a long article? Here’s a summary
- Best events during Christmas: watch a multimedia show at our beloved Clérigos church. It is fabulous 🙂 I also think that watching a Fado show (at a traditional Fado house or at a Port wine lodge) and going for Port wine tasting (my favourite cellars are Graham’s and Cockburn’s) are fantastic activities for Christmas time 🙂
- Christmas markets: there will be Christmas markets all over the city, especially over the weekends. Make sure to read my article about the best Christmas markets in Porto.
- Accommodation: don’t forget to book your stay in Porto, as the city gets packed during the holidays!
Let’s discover ALL there is to know about Christmas in Porto!
What you should know about Christmas in Porto
Most hotels in Porto are already sold out for Christmas 2024
I have been getting a lot of emails from the local hotels and even apartments telling me that they are already sold out for 2024.
If you are not from Porto and you haven’t booked your place to stay in the city, I want to help out. I cannot possibly know what properties are available every single day until Christmas, but I can connect you to Porto’s page on booking.com so that you can find the best deals still available.
Some people prefer to use AirBnB but one thing that irritates me to the bones with this platform is that the price that shows for each properties is not really the price that you are going to pay, because on top of that they add at least a couple of fees.
With booking.com you KNOW what you’re going to pay, and it also has tons of apartments to choose from. So make sure to book your stay in Porto while there are still some spots available.
You can also sleep below the bridge. At least you have six of them to choose from 😛
The best way to enjoy your Christmas in Porto is to go around with a local friend
The best way to explore Porto during the holidays is to join one of our private tours, where me and my fantastic team will give you insider information on how to best take advantage of your time in our city. Let’s meet soon! 🙂
Best events during Christmas in Porto
The City Hall of Porto organizes dozens of free events during the Christmas holidays, that are suitable for both adults and children.
There are also other public and private organisations promoting different activities all around the city, as well as plenty of Christmas markets do to some shopping 🙂 Here are some suggestions:
Be dazzled at the Clérigos church
I honestly cannot thing of a better activity to do in Porto around Christmas other than to be dazzled by a multimedia show at our beloved Clérigos church – in my opinion, the most beautiful church in the city.
The show lasts around 30 minutes and it is inspired by a poem of Álvaro de Campos, the pseudonym of the most famous Portuguese writer of all times, Fernando Pessoa.
I won’t tell you more about what you’ll see (so as not to spoil the surprise!), so I’ll just tell you that the effect of the lights projected on the oval walls of the Clérigos Church, the music and the colors create a beautiful and unforgettable effect.
This show is only available until the 8th of January and has very limited seats, so I recommend you to get your tickets online. To make sure you don’t miss out on this great experience! And if the weather is nice, it is worth it to get the ticket to Climb the Clérigos tower. as the view from the top is stunning 🙂
Local tip: get there earlier in order to to sit in the back seats, from where you have a better panoramic view of the church 😉
Check out Porto’s Christmas tree!
From December 1st 2024 at 18h until January 7th 2025, the magical atmosphere of Christmas will invade the city, bringing the brightness of the lighting to many streets, squares and gardens in Porto. This year, once again, a giant Christmas tree has been erected in front of the city hall on Aliados Avenue. The ceremony will be accompanied by a free concert.
Visit a secret Nativity scene in Porto
In the area of the last Jewish quarter of the city (near the beautiful Clérigos tower), hides one of the best kept secrets of Christmas in Porto: a beautiful 18th century Christmas nativity scene in the Church of São José das Taipas.
The crib can be visited from Mondays to Fridays, from 11h to 12h30, and from 15h30 to 17h00, with a break for lunch. On Saturdays it opens from 11h00 to 12h30, and it is closed on Sundays.
If it’s in the afternoon, accept my suggestion and go down Rua do Dr. Barbosa de Castro to enjoy the sunset at the Virtudes viewpoint. You’ll see it’s worth it 🙂
Watch a Christmas concert at Casa da Música
One of the things I love doing during the holidays in Porto is to watch a Christmas concert at Casa da Música. There are so many good concerts going on during December that the best thing you can do it to check Casa da Música’s agenda for the month and pick your favourite one.
But after checking the agenda myself, I would definitely recommend the following Christmas specials:
- December 20th and 21st: Christmas Concert by the The famous polka Winter Wish and the music for the film The Blizzard set the tone for two Christmas tales with music by Rimski-Korsakoff, with Porto’s Symphony Orchestra.
- December 22nd and 23rd: Handel’s oratorio Messiah is probably the most famous choral score in the world and one of the most performed works in the West. Due to the spectacular nature and beauty of its arias and choruses, the performance of this work is one of the highlights of the Orquestra Barroca and Coro Casa da Música’s programme.
Visit a unique Christmas village!
This year Matosinhos, a city neighbouring Porto where you can find incredible seafood restaurants, has once again set up a Christmas village, and oh boy, isn’t it exciting for the kids!
The Christmas village is a space of entertainment for children and adults alike, with the house of Santa Claus and the elves, the enchanted forest, the toy factory, the Christmas train, a carousel, the Ferris wheel, the reindeer, a Christmas market, among many other reasons why it is worth visiting this place during Christmas in Porto.
Address: Praça Guilherme Pinto, in Matosinhos.
Schedule: November 22nd 2024 to January 6th, 2025
- Mondays to Fridays: 15h to 20h
- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 15h to 20h
- It closes on December 24th / 25th / 31st as well as on January 1st.
How to get there: the subway station Matosinhos Sul is a 10 minutes walking distance.
For families with kids: give your letters to Santa Claus
If you’re traveling with kids in Porto or you simply want to go down the memory lane, why not meet Santa Claus and personally give him your letters?
The most famous “old man” in the world will be at the Christmas Market in Jardim da Cordoaria waiting for the kids to visit him, ready to take note of all their wishes for Christmas. Adults can also enter to listen to their requests, take pictures and feel the magic of the season.
You can find him on Saturdays, Sundays and on the national holidays (December 1st and 8th) from 16h to 18h.
Christmas markets in Porto
If you love the tradition of going to Christmas markets, get ready because this year there will be many Christmas markets in Porto. It is impossible to list them all because there are dozens of them, so the chances are that you will bump into one during the holidays in Porto. Nonetheless, here are a few examples:
Christmas market at the Serralves’ Foundation
I have written countless times about the Serralves Foundation, which a fantastic contemporary museum surround by romantic gardens. And this Christmas, Serralves gardens will open its doors to the Christmas Market, selling products from national producers and brands.
On November 30th and December 1st, you can buy gourmet products, organic and seasonal foods, creative and sustainable Christmas gifts. You will also discover the latest design news, and participate in workshops and activities for the whole family.
The entrance to the Christmas market is free, but if I were you I would take the opportunity to visit the gardens as well as the contemporary museum – it is wonderful, even during winter!
Address: Rua Dom João de Castro, 210
Schedule: November 30th to December 1st, from 10h to 19h.
How to get there: the buses 203 and 207 stop right in front of Serralves.
Christmas Market at Jardim da Cordoaria
This year, a Christmas Market will take place at the lovely Jardim da Cordoaria, which will be beautifully decorated with 14 Christmas trees painted by talented urban artists, transforming the garden into an authentic winter wonderland!🎄
This market has a special focus on handicrafts and traditional Portuguese food products, which will be located right next to Santa Claus’ home, where the old man with white beards will take note of the children’s wishes. His house will be open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 16h to 18h.
Additionally, there will be a charming Parisian Carousel, and a natural ice rink (the latter being located right next to Jardim da Cordoaria, at Largo do Amor de Perdição).
There will also be musical and theatrical performances around the market, taking place at both the garden’s bandstand and at Largo do Amor de Perdição 🙂
Address: Jardim da Cordoaria
Schedule: November 30th to December 23rd 2024
- Mondays to Thursdays: 11h to 20h
- Fridays and national holidays eves: 11h to 21h
- Saturdays: 10h to 21h
- Sundays: 10h to 20h
How to get there: São Bento subway station is a 9-minute walking distance.
Mercado da Alegria
The Christmas Market at Praça da Batalha, with 23 exhibitors and a Santa Claus house right in the centre, will have those cozy wooden houses showing off all sorts of local goodies like jewelry, clothes, toys, crafts, nativity scenes, and yummy regional sweets 🙂
Address: Praça da Batalha
Schedule: November 29th to December 29th 2024
- Sundays to Thursdays: 10h to 20h
- Fridays and Saturdays: 10h to 21h
How to get there: the subway station São Bento is a 5 minutes walking distance.
Urban Market Porto – Christmas Edition
The Urban Market Porto is probably my favourite market in terms of the stuff you can actually buy. It’s not the most Christmas-y, it’s not the one where you will find neither traditional products nor a lot of great food options, but it’s the one with the most unique, modern and edgy artisans.
There will be vendors of jewelry, illustration, painting, fashion and well-being coloring the noble salon of Ateneu Comercial of Porto. It’s a good opportunity to meet the creators behind each of the brands, from December 15th to the 23rd, 2024. There will also be food options, with personalized baskets.
In December 2024 there will be not one, not two but THREE Christmas editions. So write down the details:
29th Nov – 8th Dec: at Palácio das Artes, from 10h to 19h.
29th Nov – 5th Jan: at Time Out Porto, from 10h to midnight.
13th Dec – 23rd Dec: at Ateneu Comercial do Porto, from 10h to 20h.
Christmas Fair at Mercado do Bolhão
This is a very special year for Mercado do Bolhão, the iconic centenary market in Porto, since its 2nd Christmas Fair is taking place on December 19th, 20th, and 21st!
Alongside their regular stalls, there’ll be 22 temporary ones with a focus on traditional Christmas goodies. Eighteen of these are all about delicious and traditional Christmas food, while the remaining four are dedicated to non-food products.
Address: Mercado do Bolhão
Schedule: December 19th, 20th, and 21st, from 11h to 22h.
How to get there: Bolhão subway station is a 3-minute walking distance.
Christmas market at the WOW (World of Wine)
The World of Wine (WoW) is the newest venture of the Fladgate Partnership, the owner of some of the best Port wine lodges. It basically consists of five museums and some (pricey) restaurants with outdoor seating with a fantastic view of Ribeira neighborhood. It is also home to the best wine museum in Portugal.
From November 23rd to January 6th, WOW promises to be a must-see during this festive season!
To kick off this special time of year, they will illuminate their fantastic 13-meter Christmas tree in the WOW Central Square on November 23rd. The celebration, starting at 18h30, includes various activities such as musical concerts, a delightful Christmas carousel, visits with Santa Claus, trampolines, inflatables, and a charming Christmas Market – perfect for bringing the kids 🙂
As for the Christmas market per se, it will take place on the weekends starting on November 23rd, and from December 14th every single day until Christmas day. There will also be a gastronomic market as well (I am not sure what it consists of!)
Address: Rua do Choupelo 39, in Vila Nova de Gaia
Schedule: on the weekends of November 23rd & 24th, then November 30th & December 1st, then December 6th to December 8th and, finally, every single day from December 14th every until Christmas day. The opening hours are from 12h to 20h.
How to get there: the subway station General Torres is a 15 minutes walking distance.
Maia’s Christmas Market
Another Christmas Market, located just a 25-minute metro ride from Porto, is in the city of Maia. The goal of the market is to promote and showcase handicrafts, gastronomy, and local products such as chocolates, cheeses, sausages, cookies, liqueurs and other local delicacies.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will be a Santa’s House, an ice rink, a Parisian carousel, and a Christmas Parade – Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive in Maia on December 10th, at 17h30!
And this year will bring a new addition – alongside Santa Claus, the Three Kings will be visiting Maia from December 26th to January 7th, 2024! 🙂
Address: Praça Doutor José Vieira de Carvalho
Schedule: November 29th 2024 to January 5th, 2025
- Mondays to Thursdays: 17h to 22h
- Fridays: 17h to 23h
- Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 15h to 23h
- 24th and 31st of December: 10h to 15h
How to get there: Maia (Câmara) subway station is a 1-minute walking distance.
The best restaurants in Porto for Christmas
One of the joys of Christmas is to share dinner with your loved ones. Thankfully, Porto has a few restaurants open both on Christmas Eve (24th December’s dinner) and on Christmas Day (25th December for lunch), which I have already summarised on my list of the Best restaurants for Christmas in Porto.
There are not many of them, so if you are spending Christmas in Porto I highly, highly recommend you to book a restaurant as soon as possible, otherwise you risk having to improvise a cold tapas dinner on your hotel in Porto 😛
Moreover, if you are planning to organise a Christmas dinner with your friends or colleagues from work prior to Christmas Eve or after Christmas Day, then read my recommendations of best restaurants in Porto for groups.
Where to stay in Porto during Christmas
Discovering where to stay in Porto might a tedious task, that’s why we pick our favourite boutique hotels, Bed & Breakfast / guesthouses and hostels to stay at during Christmas in Porto. The list starts from the most expensive options to the more budget friendly ones.
I also recommend you to read my article about the best neighbourhoods to stay in Porto as it will help you decide where to stay. You can then proceed to book one of the places I suggest here or go through all my accommodation articles.
Note: if you’re visiting Porto, I suggest you make your reservation right away because the city is already getting crowded for the holiday season!
Porto Royal Bridges Hotel
Located at the heart of the city, Porto Royal Bridges Hotel is a great options for those not knowing where to stay in Porto during the holidays. Besides the stunning interior and the great location, the hotel has a daily breakfast buffet.
Vincci Porto
Another suggestion on where to stay in Porto during Christmas is the Vincci Porto., a gorgeous former market in the city. Even though it’s located right in front of the river, the hotel is warm and cozy inside with rooms equipped with heating. The breakfast is the best in town.
Torel Avantgarde
If you’re looking for where to stay in Porto, how about staying at the 5 star boutique hotel Torel Avantgarde. This breathtaking hotel allows guest to enjoy a breakfast at their in-house restaurant overlooking the Douro river. It’s on the expensive side but it’s definitely worth it.
Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu
This B & B might be what you need to enjoy your Christmas in Porto. Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu has great breakfast, cozy units with a lot of natural sunlight and a very central location.
Down2Town B&B
Another option is Down2Town B&B. A great view, an amazing location, a breathtaking interior; this place has it all. The prices are also very reasonable.
Oporto Platinum Loft
Oporto Platinum Loft comes with 1 bedroom, a living room, a dining area and a kitchen with an oven. This is perfect for families with kids who are planning on cooking their own Christmas dinner during their stay in Porto.
Rivoli Cinema Hostel
If you’re looking for where to stay in Porto, Rivoli Cinema Hostel is a good choice. Inside, you have a free daily buffet breakfast, a shared kitchen, barbecue facilities, a Wii console and a DVD library.
The Passenger Hostel
The Passenger Hostel is a beautiful and perfectly-located hostel for those looking to stay in Porto during Christmas. It has private/shared rooms, shared kitchen and washer/dryer. It can be a bit nosy since it’s inside the famous São Bento train station.
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