Let's cut to the chase: Christmas markets in Lisbon are not as much of a thing as they are in colder European cities such as Berlin, Brussels, or Riga in Latvia. Nevertheless, there are some Lisbon Christmas markets you can visit, even in 2021 with all that's been going on.
I'm in the process of visiting them and will update this post as I do. For now, I wanted to make sure you have the information you need to visit the Lisbon Christmas markets yourself.
Lisbon Christmas markets 2021
Wonderland Lisboa
Wonderland Lisboa is one of the main Christmas events in Lisbon. It takes place at Parque Eduardo VII and usually lasts for a whole month.
Wonderland Lisboa stands out because of its big Ferris Wheel that welcomes you at the bottom of Parque Eduardo VII, which is also where the entrance to the market is.
Along the two lanes of the park, you'll find wooden stalls selling foods, drinks, and all kinds of other things. While the food and drink stands are fun, I was a bit disappointed with the other stands. You won't find the typical Christmas crafts and decorations here, nor a lot of warm winter clothing and accessories. The latter isn't really surprising as when I visited the market on December 2, it was still so warm I needed to take off my jacket.
Aside from the wooden stalls, there's a very pretty Santa's village where you can meet Santa Claus, as well as an ice skating rink that's free to use. There's also an old-school carousel and several events take place throughout the duration of this Christmas market.
Official website: https://tvi.iol.pt/wonderland/
Opening dates: December 1, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Opening hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday: 12 p.m. – midnight
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – midnight
- Sundays, December 1, and December 8: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- December 24 and 31: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- December 25 and January 1: 4 p.m. – midnight
Metro station: Parque Equardo VII or Marquês de Pombal.
Important to know:
- You can only enter with a valid COVID certificate or negative test.
- While a the market, you need to wear a mask.
Campo Pequeno Christmas Market
The Campo Pequeno Christmas Market usually takes place around the first weekend of December. Unfortunately, it was canceled for 2021 due to the pandemic.
Contrary to Wonderland Lisboa, there is a small entrance fee to visit this Christmas market at the old Campo Pequeno bullring, but don't let that stop you from visiting next year. It's one of the biggest and most famous Christmas markets in Portugal with vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing, jewelry, books, tours, and home decor.
It's also a good place to shop for sustainable Christmas gifts and items that are made in Portugal.
Opening dates: usually around the first weekend of December, but the market is not taking place in 2021
Opening hours: usually from 11.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Metro station: Campo Pequeno
Mercado da Baixa
The Mercado da Baixa takes place on Praça da Figueira. Central to the market is the covered tent where you can enjoy the food and drinks you get from one of the stalls. You'll mostly find meats, cheeses, sweets, and seasonal drinks here, as well as souvenirs made from cork.
Opening dates: November 25 – December 8, 2021
Opening hours:
- Sunday-Thursday and holidays: 10 a.m. – 9.30 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday, and the eve before holidays: 10 a.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Metro station: Rossio
Natalis
Natalis is an indoor Christmas event at the Feira International de Lisboa convention center. It consists of several sections, including a Santa Claus Market, a Sustainability Market, a Brincadeiras (toys) Market, a Sweets Market, and a Gastronomy area with a vegan section.
Here you can find Christmas decorations, clothing, and craft items, as well as attend cooking demonstrations from famous chefs.
Official website: https://natalis.fil.pt/
Opening dates: November 24-28, 2021
Opening hours:
- November 24, 25, and 28: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
November 26 and 27: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m./li>
Metro station: Oriente
Rossio Christmas market
The Mercado de Baixa takes place in a big tent on the Praça Dom Pedro V. Here you'll find vendors selling Portuguese treats, mulled wine, hot chocolate, crafts, and souvenirs.
There is a Christmas exhibition from the dolls hospital with dolls from all eras as well as an exhibition of Christmas shop window by the Escola de Comércio de Lisboa. At specific moments throught the Christmas market, workshops and concerts take place.
Also fun is the Christmas train that runs through the streets of Baixa and that you can catch for free. All you need to do is get your voucher from one of the participating stores.
Opening dates: November 19 – December 19, 2021
Opening hours: unknown
Metro station: Rossio
Just outside of Lisbon: Cascais Christmas Village
I want to mention the Christmas market of Cascais as it's so easy to get to from Lisbon. You simply take the direct train from Cais do Sodre and you're there in half an hour.
In normal times, Cascais puts on a Christmas village with a big Christmas tree, an ice skating rink, a Santa Claus house, an Enchanted Forest, the House of the Tree Magician, and a Chrismas market. There is usually also an old-fashioned carousel and a Christmas train.
Because of the pandemic, the Christmas Village has been replaced by several Santa Claus parades through the different neighborhoods to avoid too many people coming together.
For the same reason, the Christmas market is dispersed throughout the streets of Cascais and the big Ferris Wheel can be found at the Jardins do Casino do Estoril. Instead of having one big Christmas market, there are stalls in several streets and the regular market of Cascais gets a bit of a more festive vibe.
Opening dates: November 27, 2021 – January 5, 2022
No specific opening times as there is no one big Christmas market this year.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Hotel Convento do Salvador – A beautifully transformed former convent in the traditional neighborhood of Alfama.
Feeling Chiado 15 – A superb breakfast is included at this centrally located boutique hotel.
Lisboa Pessoa Hotel – Panoramic views, a swimming pool, and fitness center… This 4-star hotel has it all.
Hotel MeaPrime Lisboa – Design rooms close to the river
Safira – A great value option near the lively Bairro Alto and the upscale Avenida da Liberdad.
Looking for more options? Check out Booking.com for great deals.
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