Even though it doesn’t snow in Lisbon in December, the holiday spirit is at its highest! There are many Christmas markets you can attend and carefully designed decorations you can enjoy, especially in its historical center.
In short, if you plan to visit Lisbon in December, you’ll have plenty of things to do. You can even take a casual stroll along the beach, as temperatures don’t drop that low. For example, winter temperatures in Lisbon rarely drop below 53°F – but also don’t usually go over 66°F.
But enough talk; let’s get into the heart of it all – the events that will turn your December holiday in Lisbon into a truly magical experience! Here are some of the major events hosted in the city that you should consider including on your to-do list!
Sao Silvestre El Corte Inglés Race ‘24
When: December 15
Where: Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon
How much: From 3 EUR (children), 6 EUR (adults)
The streets of Lisbon will host the Sao Silvestre El Corte Inglés race once again, with three different races – a 500 m race for children, a 5 km race/walk for enthusiasts and active people, as well as a 10 km race for those who want to challenge themselves!
Obviously, the race can be quite interesting to watch if you’re a tourist, but you can always join the running team and have some fun under Lisbon’s clear skies, enjoying the ocean breeze!
The Christmas Markets of Lisbon
When: Throughout December
Where: Praça do Município, Rua Augusta, and many other locations
How much: Free entry
While not an event in itself, it is certainly worth mentioning the Christmas magic in Lisbon felt within the plethora of markets throughout the city – especially those in the city center, close to Rua Augusta. There, tourists and visitors have the opportunity to taste some local delicacies and also buy some traditional, artisanal gifts and souvenirs.
We won’t say more because we want you to find the Christmas spirit in Lisbon by yourself – it’s undoubtedly an unforgettable experience!
Wonderland Lisboa
When: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Where: Parque Eduardo VIII, Lisbon
How much: Free entry
A Ferris wheel that offers a dreamlike view over Lisboa? An 800-meter ice rink in the middle of the park, ready to transport you and your loved ones into a realm of fantasy? If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, then Wonderland Lisboa is the perfect location to both start and finish your December holiday in Lisbon.
The market will be bathed in Christmas lights, and an impressive Christmas tree will oversee the entire park – in short, the dream destination for your December trip to Lisbon, especially if you’re traveling with children!
Plus, there are also dozens of shops where you can buy unique gifts for loved ones!
The World of Hans Zimmer
When: December 9
Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais, Lisbon
How much: From 40 EUR
The World of Hans Zimmer brings “A New Dimension” to the MEO Arena in Lisbon on December 9, 2024. While the composer won’t perform personally, he is the curator and musical director of the show.
The entire performance features a new selection from Zimmer’s impressive musical collection, which includes scores from famous movies like Gladiator, The Lion King, James Bond, Dune, and even The Pirates of the Caribbean. Zimmer, a two-time Oscar winner, aims to preserve orchestral culture and allow audiences to rediscover the many facets of orchestral music.
Naughty Noel, AirOtic
When: December 29 – 30
Where: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique 336A, Lisbon
How much: From 35 EUR
AirOtic Soiree is a regular entry on our list of events in Lisbon (and not only). The event seems to have made Lisbon one of its homes, always ready to enchant both locals and tourists with burlesque circus cabaret performances full of sensuality and desire, which makes it a perfect event for couples!
This month, the performance is adapted to the holiday spirit – AirOtic brings to Lisbon the Naughty Noel performance, which is undoubtedly a must-see for anyone who enjoys such shows!
Candlelight Concerts
When: Throughout December
Where: Various locations
How much: From 16 EUR
Just like the AirOtic Soiree, the Candlelight concerts are well-known in Lisbon, not only due to their frequency but also thanks to the fact that they bring incredible music closer to fans and enthusiasts.
For example, in December, you will be able to enjoy the Best of Vivaldi, as well as a tribute concert Queen vs. Abba, another concert Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons, and the best of Metallica.
- The Best of Vivaldi – December 13, Calcada do Combro 82A, Lisboa, 1200-123, from 34 EUR;
- Queen vs. Abba – December 21, Rua Jau 54, Lisboa, 1300-314, from 41 EUR;
- The Best of Metallica – December 5, Rua Jau 54, Lisboa, 1300-314, from 27 EUR;
- Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons – December 20, Edificio da Reitoria, Alameda da Universidade, Lisboa, 1649-004, from 27 EUR.
Living Van Gogh 2024
When: December 26 – 29
Where: Praça das Amoreiras 10, Lisbon
How much: From 8 EUR
Virtual reality, interactive installations, as well as paintings displayed in 360 degrees – all and everything related to the life and works of the one and only Vincent Van Gogh.
Visitors can discover more than 150 paintings displayed in a 360-degree format, as well as the Symphony of Sunflowers installation, which merges music, sculptures, and poetry for a truly unforgettable experience.
Molchat Doma Concert
When: December 5
Where: Av. Mar. Gomes da Costa 29 B1, Lisbon
How much: 35 EUR
Molchat Doma, the Belarusian post-punk band, is joining us once again all the way from Los Angeles (after relocating from Minsk). Formed in 2017, they have climbed to success thanks to their moody, relatable songs, but also due to the chaos magic of the internet, as some netizens put it.
Their music is appreciated throughout the world, and many fans are incredibly excited to hear their new single, as well as maybe some more details regarding their upcoming album, Belaya Polosa.
We Call it Flamenco
When: December 12
Where: Cineteatro Capitolio – Teatro Raul Solnado, Parque Mayer
How much: 19 EUR
Fiery dances, intricate rhythms, world-class Flemish dancers, incredible voices, and a stage covered in roses – this is what we call Flamenco. Lisbon welcomes, once again, the show that has seen stellar success in more than 20 cities in Europe.
We Call it Flamenco is a Fever Original show, very similar to the Candlelight concerts, described as a unique Spanish dance show in the heart of Lisbon.
If you’re visiting Lisbon in December and you’re also a fan of Spanish music and dance, it’s definitely worth checking out this incredible flamenco performance in the Capitolio!
The Death of the Raven
When: December 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21
Where: R. Santo Antonio a Estrela 29A, Lisbon
How much: From 38 EUR
Are you a fan of Pessoa and maybe Edgar Allan Poe too? Well, this immersive theater experience is perfect for you! During the Death of the Raven, spectators will have to order a mask they’ll receive at the entrance and pretty much be a part of the performance – isn’t this exciting?!
Reportedly, the show is riddled with secrets that spectators need to discover – are you up for this challenge?
Impressive Monet & Brilliant Klimt by Ocubo
When: Throughout December (except 23, 24, 25, 30, 31)
Where: Praça das Amoreiras 10, Lisbon
How much: From 10 Euro
Lisbon, and generally Portugal, is all about art! While visiting the city, art will embrace you at every corner. Or… maybe you’ll have to embrace art at every corner?! Well, if you’re an artist or an art enthusiast (or even if you’re neither because we’re sure you’ll still enjoy it!), you should definitely add this event to your must-visit list.
Impressive Monet & Brilliant Klimt is an immersive virtual show that displays the works of these famous artists in a different, somewhat peculiar setting – jumping out of frames and enriched by various effects and animations. In short, their paintings come to life so you can experience and explore their intricacies like never before!
