Christmas in Porto: Festive Events, Concerts, and Workshops You’ll Love in 2025

Porto and the towns of Northern Portugal love tradition. Summer is packed with festivals, processions, and outdoor concerts. The Winter holidays are also all about tradition, from a traditional holiday meal with the family to Christmas events and activities.

While Christmas Markets and holiday lights fill the city, there’s so much more to appreciate in Porto over the holidays. Throughout the month of December and into January, you’ll find lots of festive concerts, workshops, and holiday-themed activities.

As a family that now lives in Porto after several years of full-time travel, we love experiencing these Christmas traditions. Some we try to catch every year- like watching the tree lighting at Aliados, others we pick and choose each year.

In this guide, we’re sharing Porto’s traditional Christmas events and concerts, as well as unique workshops, Christmas villages, theatrical events, and more happening in 2025. We’ll also cover practical tips for planning your holiday season in Porto.

Whether you’re visiting for the holidays or living here as an expat, this list will help you plan a December full of festive memories.

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Traditional Christmas Events

These are the biggest, most traditional Christmas events in Porto that happen every year. Please note that many of these events are free.

Events and workshops that are ticketed usually release information just a few weeks (and sometimes days) before the event. Check websites for updated information.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Stage at Avenida dos Aliados

The lighting of the tree in front of City Hall officially kicks off the holiday season in Porto. Every year, the tree is different, but always tall, and always made of strings of lights, rather than a live tree.

When the tree lights up, so do the Christmas lights strung across over 90 streets across the city. The lights will then be on every day from 5:30 pm until 11 pm (midnight on weekends).

After the lighting in 2025, a ‘videomapping’ show titled “Mission Nutcrackers, Christmas Arrives in the City,” will be projected on the façade of Porto City Hall.

At 6:30, a concert begins on the large stage set up on the plaza. In 2025, fado singer Mariza will be accompanied by the Orchestra of Young Musicians of Porto. In past years, the celebration has ended with a tremendous display of fireworks.

Other free concerts on this stage in 2025:
-December 7th, 6 pm: Capitão Fausto with the Costa Cabral Music Academy Orchestra

-December 14th, 6 pm: Vizinhos, a band from Alentajo that has broken records on Spotify.

-December 20th, 6 pm:  “Sports in the Neighborhood” project with national athletes and local youth.

-December 21st, 6 pm: Rita Rocha with Guga

2025: Lighting at 6 PM on November 29, in front of Porto City Hall.

Sé Cathedral Christmas Concert

Every year, the Sé Cathedral hosts a free concert of classical Christmas music. This is such a lovely space, and a wonderful tradition to start for your holiday!

2025: December 21st, 9:30 pm, Sé Cathedral, No charge, no tickets in advance.
Performance of Magnificat in D Major, ZWV 10, a choral piece by Jan Dismas Zelenka, and Christmas Oratorio, HoWV I.1, an instrumental piece by Gottfried August Homilius.

Coliseu Circus

The Circo do Coliseu Porto Ageas has performed in Porto every holiday season since 1941. Portuguese law does not allow for the use of animals in circus shows, so you won’t see animal tricks. You will see lots of acrobatics, stunts, high wires, and more!

Each year, a new show is presented, with a different backstory. It is performed all in Portuguese, but you’ll still enjoy it if you don’t understand every word.

We took our kids to the Circus for our first Christmas in Porto, and we all enjoyed it, even though our language skills were still very basic. We plan to go again and enjoy just how much more we can now understand!

There are no assigned seats, so arrive early to get seats close to the stage. You can buy popcorn and other snacks to enjoy with the show. The theatre is not huge, so there really are no bad seats.

2025: December 12 – January 4, with a story centered on a mythical Circus Presenter. Buy tickets in advance online or at the box office. I found it difficult to purchase kids’ tickets online (half price), so I used the box office.

Musical Concerts and Events

Many of our favorite Christmas events in Porto are musical- from a capella concerts to orchestras.

Christmas Concert in Matosinhos

Every year, there is a classical Christmas concert at the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Church. Some of the musical selections are sung a cappella, others are accompanied by organ or piano. It’s a beautiful church to visit to ring in the holiday season.

2025: December 18th, 9:30 PM, Ingreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos.

Christmas Music at Casa da Música

“Music for Christmas” includes the Children’s Choir Casa da Música on December 6th, and A Christmas in the Tropics with the Casa da Música Choir on December 14th.

Their family programming includes “Pijamas de Natal” on December 13th, at 3 pm; and Mozart’s The Magic Flute at 10 am and 11:30 am on December 14th and 21st.

Christmas Spells with the Porto Symphony Orchestra includes pieces from Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera Christmas Night, a suite from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and even parts of John Williams’ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Concerts on December 19th and 20th.

Finally, Magnificat runs December 22 and 23rd. Magnificat is the musical representation of the Annunciation to the Virgin, marking the beginning of Advent. 

2025: December 6 – 23rd, Casa da Música, Av. de Boavista 604-10

Spiritus Natal at Clérgios Church

All year round, the Clérgios Church hosts a “Spiritus” light show, where the walls and ceiling of the church are covered in a moving light show set to music. It’s a peaceful, lovely way to experience the church, which we recommend as a great rainy day activity.

Starting in 2024, and again in 2025, Clérgios has created a special Natal version of this sound a light show with 360-degree projections set to classic Christmas music. In 2025, the music includes Adeste Fidelis, The First Noel, and Silent Night.

There are only 6 showings of the Natal version, so plan to get tickets in advance.

Every day in December, at 4 pm, Christmas music will be played on the tower carillon, so hang around nearby to hear the bells ring!

2025: December 4, 11, 18, 26, and 27, and January 2; 45-minute show, recommended for ages 12+. Tickets start at 23€. Igreja dos Clérigos, R. de São Filipe de Nery.

Experience Trindade – Porto Concert

The Choir of the Sacred Music Association of Braga, conducted by Gregório Gomes, will perform a one-hour concert at  Igreja da Trindade. Money raised from the concert will go towards restoring the bells and clock of the Trindade Church.
2025: December 13th, 9 pm; Tickets €12.50 per person, Kids 5 and under Free. Purchase tickets in advance online.

Theatrical Events and More

There are so many other holiday events around Porto; here are some of our favorite family-friendly events.

Ride a Vintage Steam Train

This historic steam train runs from São Bento station to Ermesinde, where you can see “the biggest Christmas tree in Portugal” and visit the local Christmas market. The train is decorated for Christmas, and as you ride, you’ll be visited by characters in costume handing out small treats and taking a Polaroid for you.

We did this with our kids, and it was a lot of fun!

This train is called the “Comboio Natal” and runs to Ermesinde. We could smell it this year as soon as we walked into São Bento!

The train runs Saturdays and Sundays, from 13 December to 4 January. There are two trips in each direction per day (15:03 and 18:07). It’s a CP 0186 steam locomotive with 5 historical carriages. Adults 13€, Kids 12 and under, 6.50€. More information here, as well as online tickets (may not be working).

See an Ice Show

Every year for more than 12 years, a tent goes up in the parking lot of Mar Shopping, and an ice show arrives for the holiday season. In 2024, it was the Nutcracker, in 2025, it is a modified version of The Little Mermaid that promotes protecting the ocean.

2025: November 15 – January 4, multiple shows per day; Mar Shopping; “A Pequena Sereia no Gelo”; Tickets start at 16.50€, purchase online or at the box office, ground floor, Mar Shopping.

View an 18th-century Nativity

Visit the Church of São José das Taipas to see a detailed 18th-century nativity scene. Open: Monday – Friday, 11-12:30, 3:30 -5 pm, with a break for lunch. Saturday 11h -12:30, closed Sunday.

“Roubaram o Natal! O Musical” 

 Similar to “The Grinch”, this is the story of Gustavo, a green-skinned, lonely character who lives apart from everyone, with only the company of his faithful friend Rex. This is a Christmas story of Christmas and love that will thrill all ages.

November 29 – December 14, 75-minute show, Teatro Sá da Bandeira, Porto; Buy tickets online in advance.

“Natal ao Vivo”

This “Live Christmas” show at Super Bock Arena includes a cast of characters little ones will love- including Pocoyo, Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, Bluey, and more. All these familiar faces help Santa save Christmas!

2025: December 7, 2025, 11:30 am and 3 pm, Super Bock Arena / Pavilhão Rosa Mota, Porto. Free for children up to 24 months, tickets start at 18€.

Christmas Villages

Porto has many Christmas markets (we wrote a guide to them), several of which include a Christmas Village for the kids. These are geared toward the 6 and under crowd, with small rides, small trains, and of course, visits with Santa!

Cordoaria Market Christmas Village

In the Jardim do Coardoaria, you’ll find the Christmas Market, the Crystal Tent, which hosts workshops for kids, and Santa’s House. At Santa’s House, you can write and mail letters to Santa.

You can visit Santa himself at his house on Saturdays, Sundays, and on the national holidays (December 1st and 8th) from 4 – 6 pm.

Workshops in the Crystal Tent, Free, every 30 min to one hour; 11- 1 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm unless noted.

-November 30: Christmas Lines workshop, ages 3+
-December 1: Create a Graffiti Tote Bag with artist Rafi Die Erste, ages 3+
-December 6: Create Chocolate Truffles, ages 5+
-December 8: Aurora Borealis Watercolor Painting, ages 3+
-December 10: Make Chocolate Pinecones, ages 5+
-December 13: Make a Snowman Brigadeiro, ages 5+
-December 14: Make a Chocolate Christmas Tree, ages 5+
-December 21: Make a Brigadeiro Wreath, ages 5+
-December 23: Make Christmas Craft Paper, ages 3+, 3 – 6 pm
-December 27: Paper Puppet Time Capsule, ages 3+, 3 – 6 pm
-December 28: Painting Snow, all ages, 3 – 6 pm

In nearby Largo Amor de Perdição, you’ll find a small skating rink, carousel, and a tent that hosts theatre and musical events.

The ice rink is free, limited to 30 minutes per use; get a voucher at the information desk. The carousel is also free, for kids ages 3-12. Both are closed December 24th and 25th.

WOW, é Natal!

The World of Wine in Gaia transforms into a Christmas wonderland, illuminated by 7.5 kilometers of lights. 

You’ll find festive merriment for all ages, including:

-Gourmet Food Market, Main Square, 12-7 pm
-Christmas Market, Street Market, 12-8 pm
-Christmas Video Mapping and Light Show, Main Square, hourly 7-11 pm
-Carousel, Main Square
-Kids Zone, Main Hall, Floor 4, 12-7 pm
-Father Christmas’ Grotto, Main Hall, Floor 4, 12-7 with a lunch break;

Dec 7th:
Christmas Brunch at Time to be Determined; Tickets required in advance.
Santa arrives at 4:30 pm with his elves.

Workshops include Make Your Own Ornament, Chocolatinhos, and more, dates not yet listed.

There are also special events for adults, including festive dinners and wine pairings.

2025: Celebrations from November 22nd to January 6th, WOW, Rua do Choupelo 39.

Matosinhos Christmas Village

This Christmas village is separate from the main Matosinhos Christmas Market, though you can easily walk between them. The village includes a 30m-high Christmas light tree, Santa’s house, a small Ferris wheel, and rides for small kids, as well as some traditional market stalls.

When the lights come on, Santa and Mrs. Claus appear with elves and other fun Christmas characters to mark the start of the season.

2025: The lights will turn on November 28th at 6:00 PM. Runs through January 6th. Praça Guilherme Pinto, Matosinhos. Take the Metro Line A to Câmera Matosinhos.

We live in Matosinhos, there’s a lot to do in this neighborhood!

Maia Christmas Village

The Maia Christmas village has a skating rink, Carousel, Ferris Wheel, and more to keep the kids entertained.

Santa arrives on December 7 at 5:30 pm as part of a magical parade.

2025: 28 November to January 4, Praça Doutor José Vieira de Carvalho, Maia; Take the Metro Line C to Parque Maia.

Gaia Christmas Market and Village

At the local Gaia Christmas market, you’ll also find a Christmas village for kids. The Christmas village includes a small indoor skating rink, carousel, Santa’s House, and a small train (best for 3 years and under)

Little ones will enjoy “Story Time”, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 12 pm–4 pm, and December 24th at 12 PM

Concerts and Shows:

November 29 – 9:30 PM: Aurea (Christmas Special)
November 30 – 4 PM: St. Dominic Gospel Choir
December 1 – 4 PM: Theater “The Grinch”
December 6 – 4 PM: Bandidos do Cante | 9:30 PM: Pharol
December 7 – 4 PM: David Bruno
December 8 – 4 PM: Theater “The Nutcracker”
December 13 – 3 PM: Band “Christmas Friends” | 9:30 PM: Dealema + Banda Musical Leverense
December 14 – 4 PM: Theater “A Christmas Rehearsal”
December 20 – 9:30 PM: Gonçalo Malafaya
December 21 – 5 PM: Nina TocToc
December 27 – 9:30 PM: Maninho

2025: November 29th to December 28th, Mon–Thu: 1 pm–8 pm, Fri: 1 pm–10 pm, Sat and Sun: 11 am–10 pm, December 24th: 11 am–4 pm. December 25th: Closed; Jardim do Centro Cívico de Gaia e Praça.

Other Christmas Workshops

Here are a few other festive workshops that may be of interest.

Serralves Christmas Market Weekend

The Serralves Christmas Market includes 50 market stalls, workshops, and live music. These are set up under white tents in front of the museum.

-Make a Mushroom Hat, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30-6:30;
-Illustration Workshop, Saturday, 11 am and 3 pm;
-Natural Christmas Arrangements, Sunday, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

2025: December 6th to 8th, 2025, 10 am – 7 pm; Serralves Park, R. Dom João de Castro 210.

Advent Calendar Workshop

Kids can make their own Advent calendar, exploring the magic of Christmas with drawings and collage.

2025: November 29, 11:00, Free, Biblioteca Municipal Almeida Garrett, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, R. de Dom Manuel II.

Candle Making, Ceramics, and More in Matosinhos

As part of the Archimarket Christmas Market at Casa da Arquitectura, they are offering workshops that include making candles, pinch pots, robotics for kids, and more.

2025: Selected workshops, November 29 – December 1, Casa da Arquitectura

Practical Tips for Christmas Events

Here are a few practical tips for navigating events around the holiday season in Porto.

Plan Ahead

Porto doesn’t plan very far in advance; sometimes, opening times are announced just days ahead. Still, for any ticketed event, be sure to purchase a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

Workshops are generally limited to a specific number of attendees, so check in when you arrive, as you may need to return for a later time slot.

Carry Euros

Most vendors will accept credit cards, but at smaller markets and some food stalls, cash is preferred. Have a few euros just in case!

Getting Around

Porto is very walkable, but December traffic around Aliados, Batalha, and Ribeira can get messy, especially on weekends. The metro is your easiest option for evening events and concerts.

For more details, see our full guide to getting around Porto.

Winter Weather

Porto in December is mild compared to much of Europe, but it’s often damp. Expect cool, windy evenings and be ready for sudden rain showers. It’s best to dress in layers; you’ll often see locals out in hats and jackets during cool evenings. Carry a small umbrella or wear a raincoat in case of showers.

There You Have It

Porto really leans into Christmas, from big city concerts to tiny workshops where kids make chocolate pinecones and mushroom hats. Once the tree lights up at Aliados, it feels like the whole city shifts into holiday mode.

Between the circus, train rides, ice shows, church concerts, and Christmas villages, it’s easy to build your own mix of traditions and fun one-off experiences. There’s so much going on, you’ll have to pick and choose!

Whether you’re here for a short visit or settling in as an expat, we hope this guide helps you create a memorable holiday season in Porto.

Don’t miss our guide to Christmas in Porto, which covers everything from traditions to markets.

We’ve also got a full rundown of Porto’s Christmas Markets so you can shop (and snack) wisely!

We also pulled together our favorite places to go Christmas shopping in Porto from buying gifts and ornaments, to picking out a Christmas tree.