Thinking of going to Lisbon for the Christmas holiday, and you’re unsure where to begin? You’re in the right place. Find out what to do with kids in Lisbon during Christmas with our guide (I will keep adding to it as events get announced). To plan your full family-friendly holiday in Lisbon, you can have a look at my thorough Lisbon itinerary guide, where to stay in Lisbon with kids, and the most family friendly restaurants in Lisbon.
To visit Lisbon in winter is always a memorable experience, with the crisp, fresh air, the warming scent of chestnuts on every breeze, beautiful lights and lots of seasonal activities all over the city – plus, it comes with a healthy dash of sunshine!
Christmas is a big deal in Portugal, and Lisbon is a fantastic city to spend a few days in the wintertime, or to spend your Christmas holiday. The weather is likely to be warmer than most European destinations (we do still see some showers – see my tips on what to do in Lisbon when it rains), but with beautiful decorations illuminating the different neighbourhoods, and so many events happening throughout the city and beyond – you get the best of both worlds.
* A heads up that I’ve just visited the Christmas Market in Belém and would not recommend it (think poundshop tat, cheesy cocktail bars and zero atmosphere).
Wonderland Lisboa
Lisbon’s biggest Christmas ‘Market’ has been confirmed for 2024, and will open on the 30th of November. Located in the central Parque Eduardo VII, Wonderland Lisboa is free to enter, but you do have to pay for individual activities and rides, which include a giant wheel, a skating rink, Santa’s Grotto and many more activities.. It does get ver busy, so we suggest going before or at lunchtime rather than the evening.
TIP: At the top of the park, there is a pretty good playground with a nice café/pizza place. It’s also where Lisbon’s Winter Greenhouse is located – one of the city’s true hidden gems and a nice place to get away from it all for a few hours.
WONDERLAND: FREE ENTRY
OPENING HOURS
November 30th 2024 – January 01 2025
Mon-Thurs 1pm-8pm
Fridays until 22h00, and weekends 10am-10pm
Rossio Square Christmas Market
This traditional Christmas market (traditional wooden stalls) in Rossio Square is a wonderful spot to get right into the season. Santa can be found here, and a museum of dolls. Here you’ll find a variety of local handicrafts, handmade sweets and delicacies, and if it gets a little chilly at night, sipping on mulled wine or a hot chocolate will do the trick.
I also thoroughly recommend walking up to Chiado and seeing the decorations there, they are some of my favourite decorations in the city.
ROSSIO CHRISTMAS MARKET: FREE ENTRY
OPENING HOURS
10-10pm weekdays
10-11pm weekend
The market is open from November 15th – 27th December 2024
Christmas train
The free Christmas train departs from Rossio Christmas market, perfect for littler ones with tired little legs to explore the streets of Baixa. Departures between 3pm and 10pm.
More information to be confirmed
Lisbon’s city Christmas tree
A must for anyone visiting Lisbon at Christmastime is visiting Lisbon’s official Christmas tree, which you can find in Praça do Comércio. Lights go up on the 30th of November, with fireworks and a concert if you happen to be in the city. Entrance is free.
Christmas Circus
Circus at the Coliseum
A traditional Lisbon Lisbon Christmas tradition is to go to the Christmas circus show at the Coliseum, which we love to do every year. I recommend you book tickets (from €20pp) early to avoid disappointment.
CHRISTMAS CIRCUS AT THE COLISEUM
Prices start at €20pp
Suitable for ages 3+
From the 7th – 29th December 2024
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market
Don’t expect a charming nordic style market, but equally don’t dismiss it. The Christmas market at Campo Pequeno is a great spot to find authentic gifts directly from Portuguese artisans, and this year it’s bigger than ever. From food to homeware, handicrafts, and jewelery, it’s great to just wander around and get to meet the artisans and learn more about the Portuguese culture.
CAMPO PEQUENO CHRISTMAS MARKET
WHEN: November 28 – December 1 & December 5 – 8, 2024
Cost: €2 per person, under 10s go free
Open everyday, from 11am-10pm
Discover Lisbon’s Christmas lights by Tuk Tuk
Hop on an electric tuk tuk and go zip around the city’s charming avenues and narrow streets to discover Lisbon’s Christmas lights displays. It’s a great way of exploring the city, learning more about its history whilst having a lot of fun. This one hour trip will have the whole family enthralled by the magic of Christmas.
CHRISTMAS TUK TUK RIDE
WHERE: Meet outside Hard Rock Café
Cost: €80 per ride (4 people), or €90 (6 people)
Under 3s not allowed
