Christmas markets in Europe are one of the most popular experiences at this time of year and it’s easy to see why! As well as being a typical experience full of originality, visiting a Christmas market in Porto will immediately get you into the Christmas spirit. In this city there are more and more Christmas markets to satisfy all tastes. The Christmas markets in Porto fill the streets with colour and are a great way for artisans, traders and small national brands to showcase their work.
The Christmas markets in Porto are a great way for artisans, traders and small national brands to showcase their work.
Find out about the main Christmas markets taking place in Porto in 2023 and start creating your itinerary to discover the best of what Christmas has to offer in the city.
1. Porto Christmas Lights
The city of Porto is an unmissable destination for those who want to enjoy Christmas 2023 in style. In addition to the traditional Christmas markets, the city is also transformed into a veritable spectacle of lights and colours during the Christmas season.
Porto’s Christmas lights display is one of the most beautiful in the country. The city’s streets are filled with colourful lights that create a magical and enveloping atmosphere. Avenida dos Aliados, the city’s main avenue, is one of the most emblematic sites of the Christmas lights switch-on. This year, Porto’s Christmas lights will be on display between 30 November and 7 January. Entry is free and the event is open to all ages. Stroll through the various streets and neighbourhoods and experience the magic of Christmas in Portugal.
2. Porto Christmas Market
The Porto Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful and traditional in Europe. Every year during the month of December, the Crystal Palace Gardens, are transformed into a veritable Christmas paradise. Amid lights, music, decorated trees and wooden houses, visitors can find a variety of national products, from dolls, toys and jewellery to regional sweets, honey, jams, cheeses, sausages, canned goods and dried fruit.
This is an unmissable event in Porto for those who want to enjoy the Christmas spirit in style. It’s a unique opportunity to buy unique and special gifts, taste typical gastronomic delights and have fun with the various activities that are organised throughout the day.
Dates: December 1st to 24th
Schedule: Every day – Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm
Location: Batalha Square
3. Matosinhos Christmas Market
At this Christmas market, more than 80 artisans are present with cheeses, sausages, chocolates, design products, books, fashion and jewellery. This will be one of the best Christmas markets to savour regional products. Visit Matosinhos and be dazzled by the Christmas market on offer between 24 November and 23 December.
Dates: November 24th to 23th December
Schedule: Every day – Sunday to Thursday from 11:00h to 19:30h and Fridays, Saturdays and eve of public holidays from 12:00h to 23:00h
Location: Basílio Teles Park, in front of Matosinhos Town Hall
4. Christmas Markets at World of Wine
The WOW, in Vila Nova de Gaia, is an unmissable destination for those who want to enjoy Christmas in style. As well as visiting the museums, visitors can take the opportunity to buy presents at the Christmas markets, which this year feature a variety of quality Portuguese products, from traditional handicrafts to contemporary design pieces. Among the options available, visitors can find ceramics, glass, wood, textiles, jewellery, toys, Christmas decorations and much more. On 25 November, at 6.30 pm, the lights and the large 13-metre Christmas tree will be switched on.
Dates: November 25th to 7th January
Schedule: Every day – Monday to Saturday from 11:00h to 01:00h and Sunday from 10:00h to 01:00h
Location: World of Wine – Choupelo Street 39, 4400-088, Vila Nova de Gaia
5. Christmas Square
The Christmas square is back in Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s ideal for spending time with the family and for eating lots of festive treats. For the little ones to go wild, there will be Santa’s House, a French carousel, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas train, little houses with gastronomic offerings and a market with handicrafts, local products, books, Christmas sweets, jewellery and toys.
Date: December 8th to 31st December
Schedule: Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, Friday from 4pm to 10pm, Saturdays from 10am to 10pm and Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 8pm. With the exception of 24 December, when it will be open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and 25 December from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Location: in front of Gaia Town Hall
6. Market of Serralves
The Serralves Christmas Market, a free event that takes place in Serralves Park on the first weekend of December, promises charm and fun for all ages.
The visit to the Serralves Christmas Market is free and can be made on any day of the event. At the Serralves Christmas Market, you will find organic gourmet products, Christmas decorations, toys, personal accessories, and activities for the whole family.
Dates: December 1st to 3rd
Schedule: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Clareira das Bétulas
If you are thinking of visiting any of these Christmas markets and living the magic of this season in Porto, get to know all our accommodations in the city centre and book at the best price!
