Christmas in Porto 2025: Lights, Concerts & Markets

With its historic streets glowing under thousands of festive lights and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, Porto becomes a true winter wonderland during the Christmas season. From the magical lighting ceremony in Avenida dos Aliados to lively markets filled with crafts and seasonal treats, Christmas in Porto 2025 promises to be brighter and more enchanting than ever.

Whether you're traveling with family, on a romantic getaway, or simply exploring the city’s holiday charm, this guide brings you the best Christmas markets, events, and shops to visit in Porto in 2025.

👉 For more inspiration, explore all our Travel Guides in Portugal: https://cooltouroporto.com/blog/cat/travel-guides

When Do Christmas Lights Turn On in Porto?

The most anticipated moment of the season happens on November 29th at 18:00, when Porto officially lights up its spectacular Christmas tree in Praça do General Humberto Delgado, along with festive decorations across 94 illuminated streets.

The inauguration includes:

• A stunning videomapping show, “Missão Nutcrackers – O Natal Chega à Cidade”

• A special concert by Mariza, accompanied by the Orquestra Jovens do Porto (18:30)

• Free entrance for all

Christmas Lights Schedule (2025)

• Sunday–Thursday: 17:30–23:00

• Friday & Saturday: 17:30–00:00

 Lights remain on until January 6th (Dia de Reis).

This year’s Christmas program brings major national artists to the heart of the city.

👉 All concerts include Portuguese Sign Language interpretation.

Avenida dos Aliados – Free Concerts:

• 29 Nov 18:30 Mariza + Orquestra Jovens do Porto

• 7 Dec 18:00 Capitão Fausto + Orquestra da Academia de Música Costa Cabral

• 14 Dec 18:00 Vizinhos

• 20 Dec 18:00 Final show of Desporto no Bairro

• 21 Dec 18:00 Rita Rocha + Guga

1. Mercado de Natal – Cordoaria (Jardim de João Chagas)

29 November – 30 December

One of Porto’s most beloved Christmas destinations, offering:

• Artisan stalls with gifts and seasonal products
• Casa do Pai Natal (Santa’s House)
• Tenda de Cristal with creative workshops for children
• Itinerant performers and festive entertainment
• Near Pista de Gelo (Ice Rink) and Carrossel Parisiense at Largo Amor de Perdição
• Tenda de Natal with circus, dance, music, and theatre shows

Horário de funcionamento:

• Mon–Thu: 11:00–20:00
• Fri & holiday eves: 11:00–21:00
• Sat: 10:00–21:00
• Sun & holidays: 10:00–20:00

2. Mercado de Natal da Praça da Batalha

28 November – 31 December

A magical wooden-hut market filled with:

• Crafts, books, toys, decorations
• Local delicacies and seasonal sweets
• Perfect place to support small producers

Hours:

• Sun–Thu: 10:00–20:00
• Fri–Sat: 10:00–21:00

3. Artes & Ofícios – Avenida D. Afonso Henriques

28 November – 28 December

Just steps from São Bento Station, this traditional craft market features 20 artisan stalls with:

• Handmade jewelry
• Home décor
• Fashion accessories
• Wooden toys
• Seasonal gifts

Daily: 11:00–19:30

4. Serralves Christmas Market

6–8 December – Free entry to the park

Over 50 exhibitors in one of Porto’s most iconic cultural venues. Expect:

• Gourmet food
• Local designers
• Family workshops
• Theatre and live music
• Free access to the Contemporary Art Museum on Sunday

Hours:

• Fri: 10:00–22:00
• Sat & Sun: 10:00–19:00

5. WOW – World of Wine Christmas Market (Gaia)

22 November – 6 January

WOW transforms into a glowing Christmas village with:

• A 13-meter Christmas tree
• 7.5 km of festive lights
• Food market & craft market
• Parisian carousel
• Santa’s House (Santa arrives on 7 December, 16:30)

Workshops, themed dinners, and festive surprises complete the program.

6. Gaia Vila Natal – Centro Cívico de Gaia

28 November – 28 December

Gaia’s big Christmas village includes:

• Ice rink
• Santa’s House
• Christmas train
• Artisan and food stalls
• Concerts from national artists (e.g., Áurea, David Bruno, Dealema)

Hours:

• Mon–Thu: 13:00–20:00
• Fri: 13:00–22:00
• Sat–Sun: 11:00–22:00

7. Matosinhos Christmas Market (FAMA)

28 November – 23 December

One of the largest in Greater Porto:

• 80 stalls of artisanal products and gastronomy
• Located at Parque Basílio Teles

Hours:

• Sun–Thu: 11:00–19:30
• Fri–Sat: 12:00–23:00

8. Maia Christmas Market

28 November – 4 January

At Praça Dr. José Vieira de Carvalho, featuring:

• Ice rink
• Ferris wheel
• Santa’s House
• Handmade gifts & food

Hours:

• Mon–Thu: 17:00–22:00
• Fri: 16:00–00:00
• Sat: 15:00–00:00
• Sun: 15:00–22:00

9. Perlim – Santa Maria da Feira

28 November – 30 December

A magical themed Christmas park around a medieval castle:

• Theatre & music
• Shows for families
• Artisan market
• Traditional treats

Tickets: €6–€15

Beyond markets, Porto shines with traditional shops that make holiday gift-shopping unforgettable.

• Chocolataria Equador – Artisanal Chocolates: Unique cocoa origins, elegant packaging, and irresistible flavors.

• Claus Porto – Luxury Soaps & Perfumes: Timeless, beautifully packaged gifts since 1887.

• Garrafeira do Carmo – Fine Portuguese Wines: A must-visit for Port wine lovers looking for something special.

• Conservas Minerva – Gourmet Canned Fish: Premium sardines, tuna, codfish, and pâtés perfect for festive baskets.

• Centro Comercial Bombarda – Independent Designers: Fashion, art, design, and handmade originals from Porto’s creative district.

• O Pretinho do Japão – Traditional Portuguese Flavors: A cozy shop offering coffee, wines, canned goods & nostalgic gifts.

Q: Is Porto a good destination for Christmas?
A: Yes! Porto is one of Portugal’s most charming Christmas destinations, with festive lights, markets, concerts, seasonal food, and a warm winter atmosphere. The historic centre feels especially magical during the holiday season.

Q: When do the Christmas lights turn on in Porto in 2025?
A: The official Christmas lights and the main tree in Praça do General Humberto Delgado turn on 29 November 2025 at 18:00. Lights remain on until 6 January 2026 (Dia de Reis).

Q: Does Porto have Christmas markets?
A: Yes, Porto has several Christmas markets, including Cordoaria, Praça da Batalha, Artes & Ofícios, WOW in Gaia, Serralves, and others in Matosinhos, Maia, and Santa Maria da Feira. Many offer food stalls, crafts, gifts, shows, and festive activities.

Q: What is the weather like in Porto at Christmas?
A: December is cool and mild. Temperatures usually range between 8°C and 15°C, with some rainy days. Evenings can feel colder due to humidity, so bring warm layers.

Q: What can I do in Porto during the Christmas season?
A: Popular activities include visiting Christmas lights, exploring markets, attending free concerts on Avenida dos Aliados, ice skating in Cordoaria or Maia, tasting roasted chestnuts, riding the Gaia Christmas train, and enjoying festive dinners and wine tastings.

Q: Is Porto crowded at Christmas?
A: Yes, especially on weekends, around Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Markets, Aliados, and Ribeira can be busy, so it’s best to visit early in the day.

Q: Are shops and restaurants open on Christmas Day in Porto?
A: Most shops close on 24 December afternoon and remain closed on 25 December. However, some restaurants—especially those serving Christmas menus—stay open. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Q: What traditional Christmas foods should I try in Porto?
A: Local festive flavours include rabanadas, bolo-rei, bolo-rainha, sonhos, roasted chestnuts, bacalhau de Consoada, cabrito assado, and Port wine pairings. Food Tours are a great way to try these seasonal specialties.

Q: Is public transportation available on Christmas Day?
A: Metro and buses operate on a reduced schedule. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are available but may have longer wait times.

Q: What are the best areas to stay in Porto during Christmas?
A: Aliados (near concerts & lights), Cedofeita (near markets), Ribeira (beautiful river views), and Gaia riverside (near WOW Christmas Village) are all excellent choices

Make Your Christmas 2025 in Porto Unforgettable

Whether you're wandering through illuminated streets, enjoying free concerts in Aliados, ice skating in Cordoaria, exploring charming markets, or tasting Porto’s finest seasonal flavours, the city offers a warm, magical Christmas experience.

For even more tips and insider recommendations, download the Cooltour Oporto APP, where you’ll have access to the best local shops in Porto and all the relevant information about the city and what to do:

 👉 app.cooltouroporto.com

And if you want to truly experience Porto’s festive flavours and traditions, join one of our Porto Food Tours — the perfect way to celebrate the season like a local.

👉 https://cooltouroporto.com/tours/oporto-food-tour

More experiences in Porto:

👉 https://cooltouroporto.com/porto-all-tours