Lisbon glows with festive brilliance during the holiday season, casting an enchanting atmosphere across the city. Dozens of landmarks are illuminated, but the centerpiece is the spectacular 30-meter-high Christmas tree in Terreiro do Paço, a must-see for visitors and locals alike. The city’s Christmas lights remain on display through 6 January, inviting evening strolls and festive gatherings.
This year, the holiday décor spans 46 locations, with 1,050 light installations composed of 5,900 decorative elements. In total, the display covers 182 kilometers of illumination—equivalent to more than three laps around Lisbon, according to the City Council.
From 5 to 19 December, Lisbon’s Christmas festivities bring a diverse cultural program with free admission, featuring baroque music, gospel, fado and orchestral cinema. The schedule includes seven performances across four churches and three iconic venues:
Music in Churches – Artistic Direction: Filipe Faria
- Dec 5, 9:00 PM – Church of São Vicente de Fora: Concerto Campestre
- Dec 7, 5:00 PM – Church of Santa Isabel: Sete Lágrimas project
- Dec 12, 9:00 PM – Church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes: Altos do Bairro & Coro Alto
- Dec 14, 5:00 PM – Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Luz: Chamber Choir of the Gregorian Institute of Lisbon
Other Highlights
- Dec 8, 4:30 PM – Cinema São Jorge: The Snowman brought to life by the Portuguese POP Orchestra, based on Raymond Briggs’ beloved children’s book
- Dec 13, 9:00 PM – Capitólio: Lisboa Fado, Terra Natal featuring Katia Guerreiro, Cristina Branco and Hélder Moutinho, joined by guitarist Pedro de Castro
- Dec 19, 9:00 PM – National Pantheon: Saint Dominic’s Gospel Choir performing Christmas classics and traditional gospel spirituals
These three stage events will include Portuguese Sign Language interpretation, ensuring an inclusive Christmas celebration across the city.
Lights are on daily:
Sunday to Thursday – 17:30 to 24:00
Friday and Saturday – 17:30 to 01:00
Christmas and New Years Eve – 17:30 to 02:00
Stroll down these streets for delightful lights…
- Av. Almirante Reis e Rua da Palma
- Av. da Igreja
- Av. da Liberdade
- Av. da República
- Av. de Roma
- Av. do Uruguai
- Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo
- Av. Grão Vasco
- Av. Guerra Junqueiro
- Av. João XXI
- Largo do Calvário
- Largo do Chiado
- Largo do Intendente Pina Manique
- Marquês de Pombal
- Praça da Figueira
- Praça de Alvalade
- Praça de Londres
- Praça do Chile
- Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço)
- Praça do Município
- Praça do Príncipe Real
- Praça dos Restauradores
- Praça Duque de Saldanha
- Praça Luis de Camões
- Rossio
- Rua Augusta
- Rua Castilho
- Rua da Escola Politécnica
- Rua da Misericórdia
- Rua da Prata
- Rua de Belém
- Rua do Carmo
- Rua do Ouro
- Rua Dom Duarte
- Rua Dom Pedro V
- Rua dos Fanqueiros
- Rua Ferreira Borges
- Rua Garrett
- Rua Morais Soares
- Rua Nova do Almada
- Rua Pascoal de Melo
Photos by José Frade courtesy of Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
More ideas for Christmas fun?
Vila Natal in Óbidos
Christmas Lights in Porto
Cabeça Sustainable Christmas Village
Madeira Christmas and New Years Festivities