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Many people think about sun-drenched hills and balmy temperatures once we consider the Portuguese capital, however don’t let this idiot you into considering Lisbon doesn’t have some excellent Christmas markets.
Each time I point out on my Lisbon meals excursions that the town is a beautiful 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 way of the highest Lisbon Christmas markets and their magical mild shows, together with when and the place to seek out them.
Lisbon’s Greatest Christmas Markets
Wonderland Lisboa
Picture credit score: Wonderland Lisboa
Wonderland Lisboa takes place yearly in Parque Eduardo VII, which is related to varied elements of the town by metro and bus.
This pageant is all about household enjoyable and encompasses a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, Santa’s Village, and a few of Lisbon’s most dazzling Christmas lights. It’s additionally a implausible place for procuring, with numerous 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 procuring 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.
Connoisseur meals and sustainable items play a starring function on this fashionable market. Equipment, homeware, books, and ornaments are simply a number of the items on the market from Portuguese producers, alongside do-it-yourself jams, sauces, and cheeses.
There are additionally loads of on-the-go bites and drinks to take pleasure in as you meander by way 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 will get. It’s additionally an excellent quick stroll from the Figueira Christmas Connoisseur in Praça da Figueira, permitting you to simply discover two markets directly.
You and your little ones might be in for a deal with relating to procuring and points of interest. Image Christmas trains, yuletide exhibitions, lights, stay performances, and various handicrafts.
Whilst 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
Picture credit score: Óbidos Vila Natal
There are some sensational Christmas markets exterior of Lisbon, too, most of which could be reached from the 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. Apart from the designated eating space with quick food-style choices, there are dozens of stands specializing in waffles, candies, espresso, and pastries all through the park.
Cascais Christmas Village
Picture credit score: Cascais Christmas Village
Cascais is undeniably attractive 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 manner over to the meals courtroom and refill on burgers, chestnuts, scorching chocolate, and Portuguese liqueurs.
What to Purchase and Attempt 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 crammed 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 known as the king cake, bolo rei is a Christmas basic in Portugal. Formed like a crown, bolo rei is just 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, sometimes 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 comfortable. They’re accessible in virtually each market in Lisbon.
Mulled Wine – Is there something extra Christmassy than mulled wine? Locals and guests are equally keen on this festive drink, identified 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 provides it punchy, wintery notes.
Procuring
Portuguese Ceramics – Portugal is famed for its ceramics, significantly the ornate azulejos tiles, a number of the common gadgets you’ll spot on the markets.
Cork Merchandise – Luggage, coasters, notebooks, and sneakers created from cork are signature merchandise from numerous pockets of the nation.
Handmade Crafts – Each type of craft is obtainable on the Lisbon Christmas markets, from ornamental ornaments and picket items to artisanal jewellery and colourful textiles.
Vital Dates and Timings
The precise dates and timings for many of the Lisbon Christmas markets range 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 Connoisseur: Late November till late December
Óbidos Vila Natal: Early December till early January
Cascais Christmas Village: Late November till early January
Ideas for Visiting Lisbon Throughout Christmas
- To expertise the festive lights in all their glory, be sure 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 probably nonetheless be lots of people round, however it’ll be far much less busy than at weekends.
- Lisbon doesn’t expertise the below-freezing winters of Japanese Europe, however you must nonetheless come ready with a number of layers and a water-proof jacket.
- Parking at a lot of Lisbon’s Christmas markets generally is a nightmare, so that you is perhaps greatest off sticking to public transport. Fortunately, the town has environment friendly metro, tram, and bus methods.
- Be sure to check out a number of the native or regional specialties, as these might be arduous to return by in different Christmas markets.
Conclusion
In case you’re craving festive fare, trying to find the proper present, or just needing some vacation cheer, Lisbon’s Christmas markets can have every part you’re in search of! 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/
