Get in the Christmas spirit in Beja! For the holidays, the Alentejo city invites you to celebrate the season with a host of activities. A large tree is in the main square and lights adorn the main business streets. “É Natal em Beja 2024” (“It is Christmas in Beja”) runs through 8 January.
Christmas Lights
Christmas lights shine daily through 6 January, from 17:30 to 02:30.
Casa da Pai Natal
Located in Jardim do Bacalhau, the Santa Claus House will be open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 19:00, with an Enchanted Forest, toys, elves and games for the little ones. It will also be open on Market Sundays, on the 8th and 15th of December.
Christmas Parade
On December 14th, at 3pm, a parade with more than 20 figures from children’s imagination runs through the city’s main streets. The route includes emblematic places such as Praça da República, Rua das Portas de Mértola, Mercado Municipal and other central points, ending at Santa Claus House.
Christmas Market
On the 6, 7, & 8, and 13, 14 & 15 of December, from 10am to 7pm, visit the Christmas Market. Around 80 artisans, artists, agri-food producers and traders show us what they do best. Take the opportunity to buy your gifts here.
Nativity (Persépios) Scenes
Different locations in the city will display nativity scenes created by local artisans, highlighting the cultural and artistic richness of the region.
- -Botanical Nativity Scenes: At Escola Superior Agrária, from Monday to Friday, with creations inspired by nature.
- -Nativity scenes at Casa da Cultura: Made by the Casa da Cultura Ceramics Workshop, they display the manual art and dedication of the community.
- -Nativity scene at the Misericórdia Church: Created by Centro Social Lidador, it celebrates faith and tradition in one of the most symbolic spaces in the city.
- Nativity scene of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Beja: On display from December 8, 2024 to January 13, 2025, it features pieces signed by several local artisans and other talented artists. This project is artistically coordinated by Alexandra Santos Rosa and is a testimony to the artistic richness of Beja.
Inflatable Park
At Parque Vista Alegre, from 6-31 December, children will be able to have fun in a park dedicated exclusively to them, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 19:00.
Find out more at the É Natal em Beja website.
Photo at top courtesy of Cãmara Município de Beja.
