1. A Masquerade Ball at Palácio do Governador – Lisbon Hotel &amp; Spa

16 Best Events in Lisbon in January 2026!

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon in January, you’re in for a treat. While the rest of Europe might be freezing, Lisbon keeps things mild and manageable. You can expect temperatures averaging between 8 °C and 15 °C, with plenty of crisp, sunny days that are perfect for walking. It’s definitely jacket weather, but you likely won’t need a heavy parka, just some comfortable layers for when the sun goes down. Still, pack an umbrella, as showers are quite common in January!

January is also one of the smartest times to visit. The holiday crowds have dispersed, the city feels more local, and the winter sales are in full swing if you’re up for a shopping session! Plus, the cultural calendar is packed with everything from final festive celebrations to spectacular orchestral concerts and ballet performances!

Ready to kick off 2026 in style? Here are 16 incredible events to attend in Lisbon in January 2026!

1. New Year’s Concert

Events in Lisbon in January 2026 — Lisbon. Photo by Domenico Adornato (Unsplash)

When: January 1, 2026

Where: Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB), Praça do Império

How much: 21-35 EUR

There is no better way to start 2026 than with the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra’s traditional New Year’s Concert at the CCB! This annual performance is a beloved local tradition and offers a lively and sophisticated repertoire that usually includes waltzes and polkas!

The CCB itself is a stunning venue in the Belém district, so you can combine it with a morning walk by the Tagus River and a Pastel de Belém nearby or an early dinner with a fantastic view of the 25th of April Bridge! Tickets are very affordable for the quality of the performance, but the event is almost sold out!

2. Wonderland Lisboa (Final Days!)

When: Until January 4, 2026

Where: Parque Eduardo VII

How much: Free entry, pay-per-ride

If you arrive early in the month, you still have a chance to catch the tail end of Lisbon’s biggest festive village! Wonderland Lisboa runs through the first weekend of January, which gives you one last opportunity to ride the giant Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the city or skate on the ice rink.

Since it’s the closing weekend, the atmosphere is often more relaxed than the December rush, but the magic is 100% still there. So, grab a hot chocolate or a delicious fartura and enjoy a walk through the park before the decorations come down for another year!

3. Swan Lake (O Lago dos Cisnes)

When: January 3 and January 24, 2025

Where: Coliseu dos Recreios, R. das Portas de Santo Antão 96

How much: 37-47 EUR

Ballet lovers are spoiled for choice this January with two productions of Swan Lake gracing the stage of the historic Coliseu dos Recreios. This romantic masterpiece, with its timeless Tchaikovsky score, is the perfect sophisticated evening out. Without a doubt, Swan Lake performed by the Tchaikovsky National Ballet is absolutely a must-see cultural event, even if you’re not necessarily a ballet lover!

Plus, the Coliseu’s circular hall and ornate ceiling provide a stunning backdrop for this incredible performance.

4. Lisbon Film Orchestra: “Our Stories”

When: January 10, 2026

Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais

How much: 22-55 EUR

If you love movie soundtracks, this event is something that you simply can’t miss. The Lisbon Film Orchestra returns to the massive MEO Arena for their “Our Stories” concert. Led by Maestro Nuno de Sá, this show features over 100 artists on stage performing the most iconic themes from cinema and TV series.

Let’s not forget the most important detail: it’s an immersive experience where the music is synchronized with giant screen projections of the films. The show consistently sells out, so grab your tickets now!

5. Cerith Wyn Evans Exhibition: “Forms in Space”

Lisbon January events — Lisbon. MAAT Museum. Photo by Maria Lupan (Unsplash)

When: Starts January 10, 2026

Where: MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology), Av. Brasília

How much: 15 EUR (General Museum Admission)

Art lovers, this one’s for you! The MAAT is launching a major new installation by the Welsh conceptual artist, sculptor, and film-maker Cerith Wyn Evans. Titled Forms in Space… by Light (in Time), this monumental exhibition features complex neon light sculptures suspended in the museum’s Oval Gallery. It’s a visual performance that plays with perception, light, and architecture.

To quote Cerith Wyn Evans, my approach […] offers a space for meditation and a place for reverie around the transfer of energy.

Furthermore, on January 10, you can also attend the screening of short films directed by Cerith Wyn Evans and Steve Farrer (between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.) and a musical performance by Pedro Melo Alves (between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.). On January 31, you can attend the conversation between Cerith Wyn Evans and Pedro Melo Alves, as well as another musical performance by the latter.

The MAAT is worth visiting for the building alone. Its futuristic, wave-like architecture allows you to walk over the museum roof for incredible river views.

6. The Nutcracker (O Quebra-Nozes)

When: January 4 and January 16, 2026

Where: Coliseu dos Recreios, R. das Portas de Santo Antão 96

How much: 237-47 EUR

Even though Christmas has passed, the magic continues with The Nutcracker performed by the Tchaikovsky National Ballet. This family-friendly ballet is a January tradition in Lisbon and tells the enchanting story of Clara, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

This ballet is actually one of Tchaikovsky’s best-known works and captures the imagination of both children and adults.

7. Otaku Symphony Orchestra

When: January 17, 2026

Where: Coliseu dos Recreios, R. das Portas de Santo Antão 96

How much: 42-52 EUR

Calling all anime and gaming fans! The Otaku Symphony Orchestra is bringing a unique concert to Lisbon dedicated entirely to the music of Japanese animation and video games. Expect to hear symphonic performances of your favorite tracks from series like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball, as well as gaming classics like Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic.

The atmosphere at these concerts is incredibly spirited, especially since many attendees often show up in cosplay!

8. Sporting CP vs. Casa Pia

When: January 18, 2026

Where: Estádio José Alvalade, Rua Professor Fernando da Fonseca

How much: Varies

If you’re visiting Lisbon in January, you have the incredible opportunity to experience the electric atmosphere of Portuguese football. Defending champions Sporting CP will take on Casa Pia in a local Lisbon derby. While not as heated as a match against Benfica, these smaller derbies are fantastic for visitors because tickets are easier to get, yet the stadium energy remains high.

Estádio José Alvalade is modern, colorful, and easily accessible by metro (Green/Yellow lines). Arrive early to see the famous juve leo fans chanting and to grab a bifana (pork sandwich) from a food truck outside the stadium. It’s an essential part of the matchday experience!

9. Militarie Gun Concert

Things to do in Lisbon in January 2026 — Lisbon. Photo by Dmitrii E. (Unsplash)

When: January 22, 2026

Where: LAV – Lisboa Ao Vivo, Av. Mar. Gomes da Costa 29 B1

How much: ~20 EUR

If you prefer intimate, high-energy gigs over stadium shows, hurry up and get your ticket for the American hardcore punk band Militarie Gun’s concert at LAV, a favorite among local music fans.

The venue is located close to Parque das Nacoes, an up-and-coming artistic district. It’s a great excuse to explore this grittier, cooler side of Lisbon, which is packed with craft breweries and art spaces.

10. Capitão Fausto

When: January 24, 2026

Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais

How much: 27-32 EUR

Capitão Fausto is one of the most beloved Portuguese indie-rock bands of the last decade. Their sound is a catchy mix of psychedelic pop and rock with distinctly Portuguese lyrics that the whole crowd will be singing along to. So, if you want to experience some bit of Portuguese culture, this is your best choice in January, but the event is almost sold out, so hurry up and get your tickets!

Since MEO Arena is located in Parque das Nações, you can watch the sunset (it’s absolutely incredible in January), have dinner, and then head to the concert.

11. Electric Callboy World Tour

When: January 25, 2026

Where: MEO Arena (Sala Tejo), Rossio dos Olivais

How much: 42 EUR

Get ready for a wild night! The German electronicore sensation Electric Callboy brings their World Tour to Lisbon for what promises to be one of the greatest shows of the month. Known for their humorous videos, catchy choruses, and heavy breakdowns, their live performances are essentially a massive rave mixed with a metal concert.

The show takes place in Sala Tejo (the smaller hall of the MEO Arena complex), which means it will feel packed and intense – exactly how this music should be experienced. Plus, you’ll also have the opportunity to listen to Bury Tomorrow and Wargasm, as they’ll open the concert.

12. Pedro Abrunhosa

Events in January in Lisbon — Lisbon. Photo by Suad Kamardeen (Unsplash)

When: January 31, 2026

Where: MEO Arena, Rossio dos Olivais

How much: 49 EUR

Closing out the month is a true giant of Portuguese music. Pedro Abrunhosa is a singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics, signature sunglasses, and a career spanning over 30 years. His concerts are undoubtedly emotional journeys, often blending rock, jazz, and soul.

It goes without saying that Pedro Abrunhosa is a master performer who knows how to command a stadium. Expect a long setlist full of hits that everyone in the audience will know by heart. Even if you won’t be able to sing along, you’ll have a truly incredible cultural experience during your stay in Lisbon.

13. Dia de Reis (Three Kings’ Day)

When: January 6, 2026

Where: Throughout the city

How much: Free

In Portugal, the holiday season officially wraps up on Dia de Reis. While it’s not a public holiday, it’s a day steeped in tradition. You’ll hear traditional Janeiras (New Year’s carols) being sung in some neighborhoods and churches, while families will be gathering for one last festive meal.

The real star of the day, however, is the Bolo Rei (King Cake). This is your last chance to delight in this crystallized fruit-covered crown-shaped cake before the season ends.

14. Exponoivos (Wedding Expo)

When: January 10-11, 2026

Where: MEO Arena (Sala Tejo), Rossio dos Olivais

How much: 10 EUR

Okay, this might seem niche, but Exponoivos is a massive event in Lisbon’s calendar. If you are planning a wedding (or just love the industry), this is the place to be this month. It’s the country’s largest wedding fair, featuring runway shows, dress designers, photographers, and venue scouts from all over Portugal.

Even if you aren’t tying the knot, the event takes place at Parque das Nações, so you can easily drop by while exploring the Oceanário or the Vasco da Gama shopping center. It’s a lively, high-energy event that gives you a peek into the glamorous side of Portuguese wedding celebrations.

15. Simfonia Fantástica de Berlioz

When: January 18, 2026

Where: Centro Cultural de Belém (Grande Auditório), Praça do Império

How much: 12-25 EUR

If you love grand, cinematic classical music, block out the evening of January 18 for Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique at the CCB. This special concert brings together the Portuguese Chamber Orchestra and the Portuguese Youth Orchestra under the baton of Pedro Carneiro.

The program opens with the world premiere of a new work signed by the young Portuguese composer Francisco Fontes, commissioned especially for this occasion, and continues with the Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14.

16. Hollywood Symphony Orchestra: John Williams & Hans Zimmer

When: January 18, 2026

Where: Coliseu dos Recreios, R. das Portas de Santo Antão 96

How much: 42-52 EUR

Film score enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra’s tribute to two living legends of cinematic music: John Williams and Hans Zimmer. This grand concert brings the heroism of Williams’ iconic themes (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park) directly to the stage of Lisbon’s historic Coliseu dos Recreios.

The program then shifts to Zimmer’s modern masterpieces, evoking the ancient grandeur of Gladiator, the mind-bending tension of Inception, the incredible energy of Pirates of the Caribbean, and the epic scope of the Dark Knight trilogy and The Lion King!

18 Amazing Facts about Sebastian, The Portuguese King Who Disappeared

History and Culture

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December 19, 2025

18 Amazing Facts about Sebastian, The Portuguese King Who Disappeared

King Sebastian of Portugal remains one of the most enigmatic and emotionally charged figures in European history. His reign was short, his final campaign catastrophic, and his disappearance so complete that it transformed a failed monarch into a national myth. More than four centuries after his death, Sebastian continues to occupy a unique place in the Portuguese imagination. He is suspended somewhere between history, prophecy, and poetry and remains a controversial figure in the eyes of the Portuguese people. These eighteen facts explain why his story still resonates so deeply.

1. He Was Called “The Desired One” Before He Was Even Born.

Sebastian’s birth in 1554 came at a moment of profound anxiety for Portugal. The royal dynasty was teetering on the edge of extinction, and the absence of a clear male heir threatened political instability and foreign intervention. His arrival was celebrated as a miracle. Long before he could speak or walk, he was known as O Desejado, the Desired One, a title that framed his life as a fulfillment of divine expectation. From the very beginning, Sebastian was both a child and a symbol.

2. He Was Born Into a Kingdom Holding Its Breath.

Sebastian was born just two weeks after the death of his father, Prince João Manuel, making him heir to the throne almost by default. This coincidence intensified the sense that Portugal’s future rested entirely on an infant. Courtiers, clergy, and common people projected their hopes and fears onto the child and shaped an atmosphere in which Sebastian’s existence carried immense emotional and political weight.

3. He Became King at Just Three Years Old.

When Sebastian ascended the throne in 1557 after the death of his paternal grandfather King John III, he was barely old enough to understand what a crown was. Portugal entered a regency period ruled first by his grandmother, Queen Catarina, and later by Cardinal Henrique. While the empire continued to function, Sebastian grew up far removed from the practical demands of rule. Kingship, to him, became an abstract and idealized concept rather than a discipline learned through experience.

Portrait of King Sebastian I of Portugal as a child; workshop of Alonso Sánchez Coello, Public Domain

4. His Mother Left Portugal and Never Returned.

Shortly after Sebastian’s birth, his mother Joanna of Austria returned to Spain to fulfill political duties and never returned to Portugal. She never saw her son again. This permanent absence deprived Sebastian of maternal guidance and reinforced his emotional isolation. Raised without close parental attachment, he grew up surrounded by ritual, reverence, and expectation rather than affection.

Portrait of Sebastian attributed to Cristóvão de Morais, c. 1565., Public Domain

5. He Was Raised Under Intense Jesuit Supervision.

Sebastian’s education was entrusted largely to the Jesuits whose influence decisively shaped his worldview. They emphasized obedience, religious purity, and moral absolutism. From an early age, Sebastian internalized the belief that kingship was a sacred mission entrusted to him by God. This belief would later guide his decisions often at the expense of political realism.

Portrait of Sebastian of Portugal; Alonso Sanches Coelho, 1562, Public Domain

6. His Religious Devotion Was All-Consuming.

Sebastian’s faith became the lens through which he understood the world. He carried theological texts around with him, surrounded himself with clerics, and interpreted events as expressions of divine will. This deep devotion left little room for compromise or skepticism and built up a conviction within him that faith alone could overcome practical obstacles.

7. He Cultivated the Image of a Warrior King.

Physically strong, athletic, and fearless, Sebastian devoted enormous energy to physical training. He hunted relentlessly, jousted, rode long distances, and embraced hardship. These pursuits reinforced his self-image as a crusader king destined for heroic action. At the same time, they distracted him from the administrative and diplomatic responsibilities required to govern a global empire.

Sebastian by Cristóvão de Morais, 1572, Public Domain

8. He Avoided Lisbon and Its Seasoned Advisors.

Rather than rule from Lisbon, Sebastian often traveled through the countryside particularly the Alentejo and Algarve. He deliberately distanced himself from experienced advisors who might temper his ambitions. Instead, he surrounded himself with young nobles who admired him and echoed his ideals. Flattery became more influential than counsel.

9. He Showed No Interest in Marriage or Succession.

Despite numerous diplomatic efforts to arrange politically advantageous marriages with European royal families, Sebastian remained uninterested. Discussions of marriage reportedly distressed him. His refusal to secure an heir placed Portugal in a precarious position and made the stability of the monarchy dependent on a king who seemed indifferent to its continuity.

10. He Likely Suffered from Chronic Health Issues.

From adolescence onward, Sebastian suffered from a medical condition affecting his sexual development. Contemporary observers believed this contributed to his aversion to marriage and his increasingly ascetic lifestyle. Physical vulnerability may have intensified his reliance on religious purpose and heroic fantasy as sources of identity.

11. He Became Fixated on Morocco as His Destiny.

Sebastian believed North Africa was the stage on which his divine mission would be fulfilled. He dreamed of reclaiming Portuguese influence in Morocco and restoring Christian dominance. This obsession eclipsed domestic governance and hardened into certainty. Every warning from experienced commanders failed to shake his belief.

12. He Drained the Kingdom to Finance His Crusade.

To fund his Moroccan expedition, Sebastian imposed special taxes, borrowed heavily from foreign financiers, and sold royal privileges. The cost was staggering and consumed roughly half of Portugal’s annual income. The financial strain weakened the kingdom and left it dangerously exposed to external pressure.

13. He Insisted on Personally Commanding the Invasion.

Sebastian rejected delegation. He believed only his presence could ensure divine favor and inspire victory. Despite lacking military experience, he placed himself at the center of command. This decision ignored practical realities and removed the possibility of strategic correction.

14. The Campaign Was Disastrously Mismanaged.

The Moroccan invasion of 1578 was plagued by errors. Sebastian failed to gather intelligence on enemy forces, misunderstood the terrain, delayed critical decisions, and issued confusing orders during battle. His army marched blindly into overwhelming opposition.

15. The Battle of Alcácer Quibir Was a National Trauma.

The Portuguese army was annihilated. Thousands were killed or captured including much of the nobility. Sebastian refused to retreat even when defeat was inevitable. He charged into the enemy ranks and vanished. In a single day, Portugal lost its king, its army, and its confidence.

16. His Body Was Never Definitively Identified.

Although remains believed to be Sebastian’s were eventually buried in the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, doubts persisted. The inability to conclusively identify his body left space for speculation. This uncertainty became fertile ground for many legends.

17. His Death Led Directly to the Loss of Independence.

With no heir, Sebastian’s death triggered a succession crisis. Within two years, Spain’s King Philip II claimed the Portuguese throne, which began sixty years of foreign rule! Sebastian’s choices reshaped Portugal’s political future in ways he never imagined.

18. Sebastianism Turned a Lost King into a National Promise.

Out of defeat and longing emerged Sebastianism, which is the belief that King Sebastian did not truly die and will one day return to restore Portugal’s greatness. He became known as O Encoberto, the Hidden One, destined to appear on a foggy morning when the nation needs him most. This belief endured for centuries and was embraced not only by common people but also by intellectuals. The poet Fernando Pessoa captured this sentiment in Mensagem, writing, “Cumpriu-se o Mar, e o Império se desfez. Senhor, falta cumprir-se Portugal!” (“The Sea was fulfilled, and the Empire fell apart. Sir, Portugal is left to be fulfilled!”)

In Pessoa’s vision, Portugal’s story remains unfinished, and Sebastian is less a ghost of the past than a promise of what might still come. In the future, Sebastian will reappear to restore Portugal’s greatness in its darkest hour.

A copy of “Message” (Mensagem) by Fernando Pessoa, where he describes the hope of King Sebastian’s return, Photo by Becky Gillespie

Final Thoughts

Sebastian’s story endures because it speaks to something deeper than historical success or failure. He represents Portugal’s enduring tension between destiny and reality, faith and pragmatism, hope and loss. Though his reign ended in catastrophe, the myth that followed transformed him into a vessel for national longing. Remembering Sebastian is about preserving the idea that Portugal’s greatest chapter has not yet been written. The king who vanished into the sands of Morocco remains, for many, a figure poised somewhere beyond time waiting for the moment when the fog finally lifts.

Portrait of King Sebastian of Portugal, painted c. 30 years after his disappearance in the Battle of Three Kings (1578), Public Domain

14 Cruises Leaving from Lisbon in 2026

Activities and Experiences

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December 18, 2025

Lisbon continues to be one of Europe’s most attractive cruise departure ports. In 2026, cruisers can choose between short Iberian loops, Canary Islands itineraries, extended trips through the Mediterranean, and long voyages toward Northern Europe and Africa. We’ve chosen our 14 favorite cruises leaving from Lisbon in 2026 for your viewing pleasure including a short description of what each itinerary offers. If you’ve never sailed from Lisbon before, 2026 might be the time to consider it.

1. Azamara Journey – Canary Islands Cruise

Cruise line – Azamara
Departure – March 15, 2026
Duration – 7 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Starting from – $1,859

This roundtrip voyage focuses on the Canary Islands and offers volcanic landscapes, mild spring weather, and laidback port of call visits. Azamara’s smaller ship allows for longer time ashore and access to ports that larger ships cannot reach.

2. Regent Cruises – Atlantic Islands and North Africa

Cruise line – Regent Cruises – Seven Seas Splendor
Departure – March 27, 2026
Duration – 14 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Barcelona
Starting from – $11,749

An extended itinerary combining the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean stops, this cruise is ideal for travelers looking to explore diverse cultures without constantly packing and unpacking. Expect a mix of island scenery and historic coastal cities.

3. Oceania Cruises – Cruising in Iberia

Cruise line – Oceania Cruises – Nautica
Departure – April 11, 2026
Duration – 10 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Barcelona
Starting from – $3,399

This cruise focuses on Iberian and nearby Mediterranean ports including Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca. It combines refined onboard service with culturally rich destinations. Oceania Cruises is known for their focus on cuisine and smaller, more upscale ships.

4. Azamara Journey – Western Mediterranean Voyage

Cruise line – Azamara Cruises – Azamara Journey
Departure – March 6, 2026
Duration – 9 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Lisbon
Starting from – $1,259

Sailing on a return trip Lisbon via Gibraltar and several Spanish ports, this cruise is perfect for those with a passion for the Iberian peninsula who want to end up right in the place where they started – our favorite city of Lisbon.

5. Regent Cruises – Gran Canaria, Madeira, Spain

Cruise line – Regent Cruises – Seven Seas Voyager
Departure – March 23, 2026
Duration – 10 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Lisbon
Starting from – $9,949

This cruise gives you a little bit of everything while starting and ending in Lisbon. Not only will you visit the Algarve and Morocco, but you will also visit Funchal, Spain, and Gran Canaria. Three countries in 10 nights including two island chains? This is your cruise.

6. MSC Opera – Portugal and Spain Cruise

Cruise line – MSC Cruises
Departure – May 8, 2026
Duration – 10 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Lisbon
Starting from – $1,365

Designed with Portuguese travelers in mind, this roundtrip cruise explores Spain and Portugal with Portuguese language support onboard. It is one of the most affordable ways to cruise from Lisbon.

7. Silversea – Portugal, Spain, France, and Denmark

Cruise line – Silversea Cruises
Departure – May 27, 2026
Duration – 15 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Copenhagen
Starting from – $10,400

This cruise doesn’t come cheap, but can you think of four better country cuisines to try along the way? On this trip, Italy is the only cuisine (and country) you’re missing out on here. Enjoy stops in Porto, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Copenhagen, and more.

8. Oceania Cruises – Western Europe Journey

Cruise line – Oceania Cruises
Departure – June 24, 2026
Duration – 23 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Monte Carlo
Starting from – $7,399

This cruise stops in too many dream destinations to even count. Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, you name it. If you wanted to take your first time to Europe and hit all the highlights in one go, this would be the perfect cruise for you.

9. A Northern European Voyage

Cruise line – Crystal Cruises
Departure – June 27, 2026
Duration – 19 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Copenhagen
Starting from – $11,700

A long one-way voyage from Lisbon to Copenhagen via the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, and Norway, this itinerary includes cooler climates, historic cities, and beautiful stretches of coastlines.

10. Lisbon to Southampton – Stylish Culture and Cuisine

Cruise line – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Departure – July 20, 2026
Duration – 14 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Southampton
Starting from – $32,598

This luxury cruise is for the foodies out there. Prepare to eat your heart out in Portugal, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and ending in Southampton. Only suites are available so you will be traveling in the utmost of comfort as you give your stomach a great place to rest at the end of every evening.

11. Mediterranean Solar Eclipse

Cruise line – Holland America (Oosterdam)
Departure – August 9, 2026
Duration – 13 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Piraeus (Athens)
Starting from – $3,589

What an incredible opportunity to watch a solar eclipse from a luxury cruise while sailing through the Mediterranean and stopping in Spain, Corsica, Italy, Montenegro, and finally Greece. This is guaranteed one of the most unforgettable cruises of your life and it starts right in Lisbon.

12. History on the Horizon – Lisbon to New York

Cruise line – Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Seven Seas Splendor
Departure – August 23, 2026
Duration – 14 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – New York City
Starting from – $25,198

Our first cruise on the list that crosses the Atlantic traveling from one historic city to another. Prepare for stops in the Azores and Canada before pulling into New York City. Ready to go back in time and gain one hour every night as you travel west across the Atlantic? Now, you can on this historical cruise!

13. The Ultimate Mediterranean Cruise

Cruise line – Silversea Cruises – Silver Spirit
Departure – September 18, 2026
Duration – 50 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Piraeus (Athens)
Starting from – $38,600

This is the absolute European cruise itinerary beginning in Lisbon and traveling up and around the Mediterranean until your final stop after almost two months in Athens. Spain, France, Monaco, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and Turkey – it’s all here!

14. Western Africa Highlights Cruise

Cruise line – Silversea Cruises – Silver Muse
Departure – October 21, 2026
Duration – 20 nights
Starts in – Lisbon
Ends in – Cape Town
Starting from – $15,100

After a quick stop in Funchal, the rest of your itinerary will be in Africa with scheduled stops in Senegal, Ghana, and Namibia before finishing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities – Cape Town. If you’re looking for a truly different cruise experience, this is it!

Conclusion

With hundreds of cruises scheduled to depart from Lisbon in 2026, travelers have more choice than ever. From budget friendly trips around the Iberian peninsula to luxury voyages that travel all the way to Northern Europe and Africa, Lisbon continues to serve as a flexible and appealing cruise hub. With so much available, we know it’s hard to choose but imagine finally getting to all those European destinations you’ve been dreaming about from the comfort of a cruise ship. 2026 just might be the year.

A Guide to Getting Your Fingerprints Taken in Lisbon

Lifestyle

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December 17, 2025

A Guide to Getting Your Fingerprints Taken in Lisbon

Anyone who has lived in Portugal knows that the country can often be a bureaucratic nightmare and you should expect long waits. I have recently been reminded of this in my attempt to get my fingerprints taken for my FBI background check, which is required for applications for permanent residency and citizenship.

As a US citizen, the easiest way to get your FBI background check is to plan a trip to get your digital fingerprints taken at a participating US post office location in the US after you submit a request electronically directly to the FBI. You may also visit an FBI-approved Channeler.

If you are living in Portugal and not able to visit the US to get your fingerprints taken, there are two main options to get your fingerprints done in an official and professional manner: the Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon or a more expensive but more convenient service called Globeia.

Option 1: The Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon

Portugal only has one US embassy, and it is located at Av. das Forças Armadas 133C near Sete Rios train station. There is also a US consulate in Ponta Delgado, Azores, but it only handles specific services like passport appointments. Fingerprinting is not available.

How to Book Your Appointment

For US Citizens, getting your fingerprints taken at the Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon is the most straightforward and official way to get your fingerprints taken. However, there are a few key points to remember. The first is that you need to book on this website. Secondly, and most importantly, if you want an appointment at the Lisbon, you will need to book it 20 days in advance. Currently, fingerprinting appointments are also only available on Wednesdays.

On the 20th day before your booking (usually on a Thursday, you can start booking online here from 1:30pm Lisbon time. As soon as appointments open, book your slot for 20 days later as soon as bookings open. All appointments get booked for the day within 5-10 minutes, and it will not be possible to get in touch with the office or book something later if someone cancels.

Practical Things to Know for your US Embassy Visit

Your fingerprints will be taken on two FD-258 FBI cards. These cards will be provided. Be sure to bring your passport and Portuguese resident card just in case. You will only be able to bring your phone and a bank card to make the €63 payment to get your fingerprints taken beyond security. Note: Some people think that they must bring cash, but the women who took my fingerprints in December 2025 had a machine and let me pay with my card in at the embassy.

You are responsible for mailing your FD-258 cards (be sure to mail both copies) along with an identity request summary and a credit card payment form to the FBI in the US.

Please consult the FBI website at the following link for more details.

Option 2: Globeia (Good for FBI, RCMP, and International Compliance)

Globeia Lisbon offers fingerprinting, apostille, and FBI identity history summary checks. The office is located in Amoreiras Square Building, Rua Carlos Alberto da Mota Pinto no. 17. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11:00 am – 03:00 pm.

You will need to log in to Globeia to book an apartment and get pricing, but it is significantly more expensive compared to the US embassy to get your fingerprints due to the convenience. Trained technicians from Globeia will even come to your home, office, or coworking space to collect fingerprints. Globeia provides assistance with FBI background checks, apostilles, and RCMP Criminal Record Checks.

You can contact Globeia here if you have any questions.

Why I Chose the US Embassy in Lisbon

In the end, I ultimately chose the US Embassy for my fingerprinting services due to the lower costs and the fact that I lived in Lisbon, so it was quite convenient for me to reach. If you want to get fingerprinted at the US embassy in Lisbon, the most important thing is to obviously plan ahead. Once you do that, the process goes quite smoothly. It just takes two extra steps because you will have to mail the fingerprints to the FBI and get an apostille yourself. Globeia will take care of all three steps for you, but you will pay much more.

Constitutional Court Finds Proposed Portugal Nationality Law Unconstitutional

Moving To Portugal

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December 16, 2025

Constitutional Court Finds Proposed Portugal Nationality Law Unconstitutional

On Monday, December 15, 2025, Portugal’s Constitutional Court issued a decisive ruling on the proposed revision of the Nationality Law. They declared several key provisions unconstitutional and have now sent the legislation back to the President who will need to send it back to Parliament in order to make amendments to the current proposed version of the legislation. While the decision blocks some of the most controversial measures, it leaves other significant changes untouched. For current and potential Portuguese residents planning their next steps in Portugal, understanding what failed, what effectively passed, and what comes next is now essential.

It is important to note that this ruling does not overturn the entire reform. The Constitutional Court has only intervened only where it determined that core constitutional principles such as proportionality, legal certainty, equality, and protection of legitimate expectations were violated. The remaining provisions that were note mentioned by the Court will remain as is unless Parliament chooses to revisit them voluntarily.

What the Constitutional Court Struck Down

The Constitutional Court has declared four provisions of the revised Nationality Law unconstitutional. One was rejected by a majority of the judges. Three were rejected unanimously.

The first provision blocked was the rule that would have automatically prevented access to Portuguese nationality for anyone convicted of a crime carrying a prison sentence of two years or more. The Court found that this automatic exclusion violated the Constitution because it removed any possibility of individual assessment. Judges emphasized that criminal convictions vary widely in nature and seriousness, and that the law failed to evaluate whether a given conviction actually undermined a person’s real connection to Portuguese society. By applying a blanket ban, the rule imposed a disproportionate restriction on the fundamental right to citizenship and conflicted with constitutional protections against automatic loss of civil or political rights.
The second unconstitutional provision concerned the loss of nationality in cases described as “manifest fraud.” While Portuguese law already allows authorities to address situations where nationality is obtained through fraudulent means, the revised text introduced a new concept without clearly defining it. The Court concluded that the law did not explain how “manifest fraud” differed from existing fraud scenarios. This lack of precision violated the constitutional requirement that laws affecting fundamental rights must be clear, foreseeable, and narrowly defined. Without objective criteria, individuals could not reasonably know when their nationality might be at risk.
The third provision rejected by the Court dealt with pending nationality applications. Under the proposed changes, applications already submitted would have been reassessed using the new legal requirements rather than the rules in force at the time of submission. The judges ruled that this violated the principle of protection of legitimate expectations, a core element of the rule of law. Applicants who followed the existing legal framework had a reasonable expectation that their cases would be decided under those rules not retroactively altered standards.
The fourth provision, rejected by a majority rather than unanimously, allowed authorities to oppose or cancel nationality based on behaviors that allegedly rejected adherence to the national community, its institutions, or national symbols. The Court found this wording dangerously vague. It offered no guidance on what types of conduct might qualify. This makes it impossible, according to the Court, for individuals to anticipate what actions could trigger loss or denial of nationality. This uncertainty violated constitutional principles requiring determinability and strict parliamentary control over laws affecting citizenship.

In addition to these four provisions, the Court also ruled as unconstitutional the related amendment to the Criminal Code that would have allowed judges to impose loss of nationality as an ancillary penalty for serious crimes committed within a defined period after naturalization. The judges found that this measure breached principles of equality and proportionality particularly because it applied only to naturalized citizens and functioned as a fixed penalty without sufficient flexibility.

What Was Not Found Unconstitutional

Equally important is what the Constitutional Court did not reject. Some provisions were reviewed and allowed to stand. Others were never submitted for constitutional scrutiny at all and therefore remain approved.

The Court did not object to the removal of the rule that allowed the waiting period for a residence permit to count toward the nationality residence requirement. Under the revised framework, only time spent holding a valid residence permit would count.

The judges also did not find any constitutional issue with the absence of a transitional regime to soften the impact of the new rules, even though this omission significantly affects applicants already close to eligibility.

These points directly affect the immigrant community, but they were not considered unconstitutional by the Court and therefore remain part of the reform unless Parliament decides otherwise.

What Passed Without Constitutional Review

Several major changes to the Nationality Law were never analyzed by the Constitutional Court because they were not included in the request for preventive constitutional review. As a result, these provisions are effectively approved, although they are not yet in force.

One of the most consequential changes is the end of the ability to apply for Portuguese nationality through having a baby in Portugal. Under the revised law, birth in Portuguese territory alone would no longer create a pathway for parents to obtain nationality.

The law also tightens the rules for children born in Portugal. To be entitled to Portuguese nationality, babies born in the country would now require that one parent has held a residence permit for at least five years. This represents a significant shift from earlier frameworks that were more generous toward second generation immigrants.

Residence requirements for naturalization would also increase substantially. Citizens of Portuguese speaking countries would face a longer waiting period. Even after the Constitutional Court review, the time is still set to increase from five to seven years of legal residence with a residence permit. Applicants from all other countries would see the requirement increase to ten years. These changes alter one of the most predictable pathways to Portuguese citizenship and extend the timeline for thousands of residents, as we last reported in November.

Another approved measure is the elimination of the special nationality regime for descendants of Sephardic Jews. This pathway, which had already been tightened in recent years, would be formally closed under the revised law.

Because these provisions were not reviewed by the Constitutional Court, they remain legally intact and are expected to take effect once the legislative process is completed.

What Happens Next in Parliament

The Government must now revise only the provisions that were declared unconstitutional. These corrected sections will return to the Assembly of the Republic for a new vote. Importantly, Parliament does not need to reopen or renegotiate the entire Nationality Law. This targeted approach significantly shortens the legislative process compared to starting over from scratch.

Past precedent suggests that, once unconstitutional provisions are adjusted, the revised law can move quickly. In similar situations involving immigration legislation, Parliament has approved corrected versions within days of a Constitutional Court ruling.

However, the fact that the Constitutional Court has announced their findings at the end of the year may delay progress on the legislation even further. The Parliament is set to take a recess for the holidays from December 18, 2025 and may not return until mid-January. Legislative work is also usually interrupted around the presidential election period, which typically causes parliamentary activity to come to a halt for at least a week. These factors may delay final approval into the early part of 2026.

Practical Impact for Applicants and Families

From a practical standpoint, the Constitutional Court’s decision creates a temporary window of opportunity to still take action on submitting applications for citizenship based on the old rules. Until the revised law enters into force and is signed by the president with approved changes, the current five years to nationality rules continue to apply. This delay is particularly relevant for residents very close to meeting the existing five-year requirement for naturalization as well as for families planning births in Portugal who may be affected by the new rules for children born in the country.

While the long-term direction of the reform remains clear, the exact nature of the changes to legislation in the short term remains unclear.

The Waiting Game Continues

In summary, the Constitutional Court has drawn clear constitutional boundaries around how far Parliament can go in restricting access to Portuguese nationality and imposing penalties.

At the same time, the Court left major policy choices about the residence time required to citizenship and birthright rules untouched. The revised nationality law will move forward after the sections found to be unconstitutional are altered or removed, but it will still represent a significant shift for immigrants and future applicants.

The next phase now belongs to Parliament, which must correct the unconstitutional provisions and decide whether to proceed as planned or reconsider the broader impact of the reform on Portugal’s immigrant communities. Parliament will only need to vote again on the points that were found unconstitutional. It will not need to review the whole law, which will definitely speed up the final process.

Celebrate 2026 with the Biggest New Year’s Eve Parties in Porto

Activities and Experiences

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December 15, 2025

Celebrate 2026 with the Biggest New Year’s Eve Parties in Porto

As the clock ticks down to 2026, Porto is gearing up for a host of exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations. We’ve taken a look at the best parties in central Porto and its surroundings to ensure that you have a fun-filled start to the New Year. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best parties in and around Porto to help you welcome the New Year in style.

Updated December 2025

1. Avenida dos Aliados and Crystal Palace Gardens

Porto’s main celebration takes over Avenida dos Aliados and the stunning Crystal Palace Gardens. Starting at 10 p.m., music fills the air, and a massive crowd gathers to witness some of Portugal’s top artists and keeping an eye on the Porto City Hall clock tower.

A band hailing from Porto with more than 30 years of entertaining fans, the Clan kicks off the night on Avenida dos Aliados followed by flamenco, pop, and gypsy fusion band Nininho Vaz Maia Portuguese rock legend Rui Veloso at 12:30am. Dance the night away with a DJ set by Beatbombers, a duo formed by DJ Ride and Stereosaur, starting at 2:00 am. Admission is free. On New Year’s Day, Avenida dos Aliados is the place to be to catch the traditional New Year Concert by the Portuguese Symphony Band starting at 4pm.

Over at Crystal Palace Gardens, you can enjoy an alternative show that also includes free admission.

No New Year’s Eve celebration is complete without the traditional Porto fireworks show on the Douro River accompanied by a multimedia show. This year’s display, accompanied by music and multimedia effects from “Flow” by Grandpa’s Studio, promises to be mesmerizing.

2. La Nuit

La Nuit returns for the fourth consecutive year for another impressive New Year’s Eve celebration. This year, La Nuit is leaving the downtown area and moving to an exclusive venue in one of the city’s most prestigious areas. For the first time at La Nuit, you can drink to your heart’s desire with an all-night open bar concept. The music lineup is yet to be announced.

Location: Avenida de Montevideo 818
Time: 11:00 pm-6:00 am
Tickets: Tickets from €65 are still available here

3. The Last Dance

The Last Dance welcomes 2026 with a New Year’s Eve celebration at BH Foz in Porto’s emblematic Belo Horizonte Building (Av. do Brasil 498). The fun kicks off at 11:00 pm with dinner options available from 8:00 pm for those who want to ease into the night before dancing into the new year. Designed for guests aged 18 and over, this exclusive event is a beautiful way to say hello to 2026.

The striking three-floor venue with a glass front sits directly on the coast and is designed to offer a different experience on each level all with ocean views and outdoor balconies on the second floor. The ground floor hosts the gala dinners with live music, while floors one and two transform into vibrant party spaces with optional VIP areas. They feature a dynamic mix of sounds from R&B and hip hop to house, reggaeton, pop, and Brazilian funk. The night’s soundtrack comes courtesy of Slippers Alive, Emmanuel, Miguel Barros, and The F*cking Bastards. At midnight, guests on the first floor can enjoy fireworks along with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and raisins to welcome the new year in style.

Time: 11:00 pm – 6:00 am
Prices: General ticket prices are €25, VIP tickets are €50. All tickets include three free drinks.
Tickets: For reservations, email [email protected] or WhatsApp at 351912496105. You can also click here to purchase tickets.

4. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Maia

Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an unforgettable night of light, music, and joy at Praça Doutor José Vieira de Carvalho in Maia. This dazzling celebration features a spectacular fireworks display, a multimedia laser and video mapping show, and live performances by Miguel Araújo and DJ Carolina Torres (who were both born in Maia). Dance the night away and keep the energy alive until the early hours of the new year.

Time: 7:00 pm – 2:00 am
Location: Praça Doutor José Vieira de Carvalho, Maia
Entrance: Free

Program Highlights

10:00 pm – The party begins with music and entertainment.
Midnight – A spectacular fireworks display and multimedia show.
Live Performances – Miguel Araújo followed by DJ Carolina Torres.

Don’t Forget the New Year’s Traditions

Eat 12 raisins while making wishes.
Step into the new year standing on your right foot so start the New Year “on the right foot.”
Climb onto a chair to listen to the “12 chimes,” which symbolizes growth in the coming year.

Bring family, friends, and good cheer to this magical celebration in Maia, where light, music, and tradition come together to welcome 2026 with unforgettable energy!

5. New Year’s Eve 2026 at WOW

Why not toast to the New Year at the WOW (World of Wine) in Vila Nova de Gaia with a party that goes all the way until 4am? At midnight, get ready for a breathtaking fireworks show over the Douro River and the iconic Luís I Bridge before the energy ramps up again in Lodge 6 ((Rua do Choupelo 132). Expect nonstop music, plenty of toasts, and a feel-good atmosphere that will carry you into 2026. As a bonus: WOW Card members can enjoy 10% off.

Time: 7:00 pm – 4:00 am
Prices: Entry tickets start at €60
Tickets: For reservations and more information, visit WOW Events.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable party at one of Porto’s most iconic destinations!

6. New Year’s Eve Jazz

An evening of jazz is the perfect way to welcome the New Year at the Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club in Porto (R. De Guerra Junqueiro 495). Celebrate the start of 2026 with a dinner buffet carefully prepared by Chef Zé Pedro Moreno followed by a live show with Billy’s Gang in a nostalgic and fun-filled show.

Time: 9:00 pm until late, doors open at 8:00 pm
Prices: Tickets start at €100 per person. Table reservations must be validated before 11:00 pm on the event day. For reservations, check the following link
Location: Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club, R. de Guerra Junqueiro 495

Additional Information:

Please note that table reservations must be validated before 11:00 pm on the event day. Entry is also restricted to guests aged 16 and above. The venue is also non-smoking.

7. Reveillon Dançante

Maus Hábitos, the cultural space founded in the late 1990s by a collective of visual artists, hosts an unapologetically fun Réveillon Dançante on New Year’s Eve. Taking over the fourth floor on Rua de Passos Manuel, this New Year’s Eve party fills the main performance hall with DJ sets by João, Miguel, and Pimbaú along with a live concert by Filipe Batista on vocals and keyboards. A separate dance floor keeps the energy going late into the night led by DJs TROUBLEBAKER and IDAREYOUAGAIN. This is a no-frills, high-energy club night for those who want to dance straight into the new year in true Porto style.

Time: 11:59pm
Prices: Tickets are €12 per person and can be purchased at the door.
Location: R. de Passos Manuel 178, 4th Floor

Plan Ahead for the Best New Year’s Eve Yet

Porto’s big variety of New Year’s events make it the perfect destination to greet the New Year. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets now, and prepare for a night to remember filled with music, laughter, and beautiful memories from Porto. Here’s to a spectacular start to 2026. See you on the dance floor or watching the fireworks over the Douro River!

Ring in 2026 in Style with These New Year’s Eve Parties in Lisbon

Activities and Experiences

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December 12, 2025

Ring in 2026 in Style with These New Year’s Eve Parties in Lisbon

Are you planning to fly in and celebrate the New Year in Lisbon? If this is your first time to Portugal’s capital (or you’re a Lisbon resident who hasn’t decided what do for New Year’s Eve) and you’re looking for the perfect place to ring in the New Year, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to ring in 2026 in style with these incredible celebrations across the city!

(Updated December 2025)

1. A Masquerade Ball at Palácio do Governador – Lisbon Hotel & Spa

Step into the elegance of the 17th century at the ‘Baile do Governador,’ a dazzling masquerade ball that promises to be unforgettable. Set within the luxurious Palácio do Governador, this New Year’s Eve party features a gourmet dinner with expertly curated dishes, live music, and an exciting fireworks display to top it all off. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, gala dinner, countdown, and New Year’s toast. Dress to impress, don your mask, and get ready to start 2026 in style.

📍 Address – Rua Bartolomeu Dias, 117
🕘 Hours – December 31
💶 Price – €350 per person
📞 Reservations – [email protected] | +351 963 637 239

2. Fireworks and Music at Terreiro do Paço

Lisbon’s iconic Terreiro do Paço is the beating heart of the city’s New Year’s Eve festivities. This year promises to be the best ever with the historic square hosts an electrifying celebration with performances by DJ Mojo accompanied by MC Márcio Jesus (starting around 9:30 pm) and Plutonio (who starts at 10:30pm). The highlight will most certainly be the 10-minute fireworks display perfectly timed with the start of 2026 along with a performance with 250 drones. Thousands will gather here to revel in the joyous atmosphere, with music, dancing, and a countdown. It’s the ultimate spot to experience Lisbon’s lively spirit and iconic views.

📍 Address – Terreiro do Paço, Lisbon
🕘 Hours – December 31 (from 9:30 p.m.)
💶 Price – Free

3. Luxury Dining at Hyatt Regency Lisbon

For a sophisticated and stylish New Year’s Eve, the Hyatt Regency Lisbon is giving you two different options for 2026. Guests can choose between the Golden Banquet, a festive and elegant buffet experience for €185 per person, featuring a New Year’s Eve buffet with a selection of desserts, and carefully curated wines and sparkling wine, with the option to upgrade to €235 to include access to the exclusive Royale Night Party with an open bar from 11:00 pm. Alternatively, the hotel offers the more theatrical Casino Royale – Odyssey experience, starting at €195 per person, built around a multi-course fine dining menu that moves from artisanal couvert and gourmet snacks through seafood, meat or vegetarian courses, cheese, and a pastel de nata mille-feuille finale, paired with premium wines and Port. This option can also be upgraded to €245 to include entry to the Royale Night Party with an open bar, combining dinner with a festive atmosphere leading to a lively countdown into 2026.

📍 Address – Rua da Junqueira, 65
🕘 Hours – December 31 (from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
💶 Tickets – Starting at €185

4. ReveillonFest

If dancing until sunrise sounds like your perfect New Year’s Eve, then ReveillonFest is the place to be. Hosted at Music Station Lisboa, this high-energy event offers five parties under one roof: Carna Fest, a Pimbalança concert (playing classic hits), the Sertanejinho concert, Rewind Fest, and a DJ after-party. With an open, electrifying atmosphere, it’s the ultimate spot to keep the New Year spirit alive well into January 1st.

📍 Address – Music Station Lisboa, Av. Aquilino Ribeiro Machado, 74
🕘 Hours – December 31 (from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.)
💶 Tickets – Starting at €35

5. Enjoy a Curated Menu at Mensagem

Located in the heart of Chiado, Restaurant Mensagem is the perfect choice for those looking for a classy New Year’s Eve. This elegant venue offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon’s historic architecture and creates a magical setting to welcome the new year. Guests will enjoy a specially curated menu featuring a starter, main course, and dessert paired with fine wines. The celebration includes an open bar, midnight toast, and live music to set the festive tone.

📍 Address – Rua da Oliveira ao Carmo, 8
🕘 Hours – December 31
💶 Price – €300
📞 Reservations – +351 910 942 197 | [email protected] or book here

6. Celebrate at Evolution Lisboa with Standup Comedy

The Evolution Lisboa Hotel’s New Year’s Eve celebration is a unique experience with something for everyone. Begin the evening with an exclusive cocktail and DJ. Then, feel the stress of 2025 melt away as you enjoy dinner while watching a standup comedian. After dinner, a black label digestif will be served at the Johnnie Walker bar.

📍 Address – Praça Duque de Saldanha 4, 1050-094
🕘 Hours – December 31 (Cocktail 8:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m., Standup Dinner 8:40 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., After Dinner Party 11:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.)
💶 Price – €150
📞 Reservations – Book here

7. Party All Night at Lux Frágil

One of Lisbon’s most iconic nightclubs, Lux Frágil, promises an electrifying New Year’s Eve experience. Renowned for its cool ambiance and riverside views, the club features world-class DJs to keep you dancing all night. Lux Frágil offers an unforgettable party atmosphere with electronic, house, or a mix of everything. The DJ lineup has not yet been announced, but we wanted to put this on your radar if your New Year’s Eve ultimately takes you to a nightclub.

📍 Address – Av. Infante D. Henrique, Armazém a Sta Apolónia, Cais da Pedra, 1950-376
🕘 Hours – December 31, from 11:00 p.m. onwards
💶 Price – TBA

8. Tagus River New Year’s Eve Cruise

Imagine welcoming 2026 aboard a luxury cruise on the scenic Tagus River. These New Year’s Eve cruises feature open bars with beer, wine, and sangria and unparalleled views of Lisbon’s New Year’s fireworks from the water. Enjoy sparkling wine with fellow guests and create unforgettable memories from an iconic part of Lisbon. Choose from four different boats to suit your vibe and book early to secure your spot on this unique journey into the new year.

📍 Departure Point – Doca de Santo Amaro
🕘 Hours – December 31, typically from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
💶 Price – From €215 per person
📞Reservations: Book here

9. Welcome 2026 x IT IS WHAT IT IS at Estufa Fria

WELCOME 2026 x IT IS WHAT IT IS brings a bold new vision to Lisbon’s New Year’s Eve in 2025. For the first time, the Welcome team joins forces with IT IS WHAT IT IS and transforms the Estufa Fria greenhouse into Lisbon’s largest electronic music stage to welcome 2026. The concept has evolved, but the signature energy and production quality remain. It promises to deliver a high-energy night perfect for those looking for a unique way to welcome the new year. The lineup will feature performances by Jamek Ortega, Kasango, and Akhēt.

📍 Address – Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-099 Lisboa
🕘 Hours – December 31, from 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
💶 Price – Varies; tickets available here

10. Fado Evening at Clube de Fado

Immerse yourself in Portuguese culture with a magical New Year’s Eve at Clube de Fado. Located in the charming Alfama district, this iconic venue offers an intimate dinner paired with the soul-stirring melodies of live fado music. Guests can savor traditional Portuguese dishes while enjoying this traditional restaurant. It’s a deeply moving and authentic way to welcome 2026 and is ideal for those seeking a quieter yet still festive evening. Reservations are essential.

📍 Address – Rua de São João da Praça 94
🕘 Hours – December 31, dinner service from 7:00 p.m.
💶 Price – €180 per person
📞 Reservations – For reservations, click here or call +351 21 885 2704

Make your New Year’s Eve in Lisbon one to cherish forever with one of these exciting events! Happy 2026!

Famous Christmas Poetry from Portugal

History and Culture

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December 11, 2025

Christmas occupies a unique place in Portuguese literature. The season is not treated as pure celebration. It is often reflective, sometimes melancholic, and filled with questions of belonging, faith, family, and memory. Some poets write about the Nativity through a rural lens while others through the doubt or distance of modern life. These poems have become part of Portuguese seasonal culture and appear frequently in December magazines, school materials, and public readings.

Below are four Christmas poems and one short story from Portugal including their English translations. We hope you enjoy them!

1. “Chove. É Dia de Natal” by Fernando Pessoa

This is one of the best known Portuguese Christmas poems from Portugal’s most famous poet. It surprises readers with its refusal to sentimentalize the holiday. Pessoa presents a Christmas where the weather, the cold, and the narrator’s own detachment set the emotional tone.

Chove. É dia de Natal.

Lá para o Norte é melhor:

Há a neve que faz mal.

E o frio que ainda é pior.

E toda a gente é contente

Porque é dia de o ficar.

Chove no Natal presente.

Antes isso que nevar.

Pois apesar de ser esse

O Natal da convenção,

Quando o corpo me arrefece

Tenho o frio e Natal não.

Deixo sentir a quem quadra

E o Natal a quem o fez,

Pois se escrevo ainda outra quadra

Fico gelado dos pés.

It’s raining. It’s Christmas Day.
It’s raining. It’s Christmas Day.
Up north it’s better:
There’s snow, which is bad,
And cold, which is even worse.

And everyone is happy
Because it’s a day to be happy.
It’s raining on Christmas Day.
Better that than snow.

Because even though it’s
The conventional Christmas,
When my body gets cold,
I feel the cold, but not Christmas.

I’ll leave it to those who feel it
And to those who made Christmas,
Because if I write another verse,
My feet will freeze.

Pessoa’s Christmas is a psychological landscape. It is shaped not by religion or family joy, but by rain and emotional distance. The poem is famous because it acknowledges a truth many recognize during the holidays. Christmas does not automatically create the feelings people expect. The poem reminds us that the season can highlight whatever mood we already carry inside.

2. “Natal na Província” by Fernando Pessoa

Another well known Christmas poem by Pessoa appeared in the 1920s and has been widely anthologized. It shows a nostalgic vision of the provinces contrasted with the narrator’s sense of separation.

Natal… Na província neva.
Nos lares aconchegados,
Um sentimento conserva
Os sentimentos passados.

Coração oposto ao mundo,
Como a família é verdade!
Meu pensamento é profundo,
Estou só e sonho saudade.

E como é branca de graça
A paisagem que não sei,
Vista de trás da vidraça
Do lar que nunca terei!

Christmas… It snows in the province.
In cozy homes,
A feeling preserves
Past emotions.

Heart opposed to the world,
How true family is!
My thoughts are deep,
I am alone and dream of longing.

And how white with grace
Is the landscape I don’t know,
Seen from behind the windowpane
Of the home I will never have!

This poem is notable for moving between warmth and sorrow. While snow, hearths, and family rituals suggest coziness, Pessoa places himself outside the circle. Pessoa’s feelings of loneliness creates a tension between idealized Christmas scenes and the emotional truths that can lie beneath them.

3. “Natal” by Miguel Torga

Miguel Torga created some of the most cherished Christmas imagery in Portuguese poetry. His work often draws on rural life, hardship, and the dignity of the common people.

Foi tudo tão pontual
Que fiquei maravilhado.
Caiu neve no telhado
E juntou-se o mesmo gado
No curral.

Nem as palhas da pobreza
Faltaram na manjedoira!
Palhas babadas da toira
Que ruminava a grandeza
Do milagre pressentido.
Os bichos e a natureza
No palco já conhecido.

Mas, afinal, o cenário
Não bastou.
Fiado no calendário,
O homem nem perguntou
Se Deus era necessário…
E Deus não representou.

Everything was so punctual
That I was amazed.
Snow fell on the roof
And the same cattle gathered
In the corral.

Not even the straws of poverty
Were missing from the manger!
Straws drooled by the cow
That ruminated on the greatness
Of the miracle she sensed.
The animals and nature
On the familiar stage.

But, in the end, the setting
Was not enough.
Trusting in the calendar,
Man did not even ask
If God was necessary…
And God did not appear

Torga’s Christmas contrasts the severity of winter with a sudden burst of radiance. The Nativity is a humanizing force, an eruption of warmth in a harsh world. His vision has resonated across rural Portugal, where winter was historically difficult and where the birth of Christ symbolized hope rooted in earthly experience.

Miguel Torga, CatChess, Wikimedia Commons

4. “A Noite de Natal” by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

You might notice from our excerpt below that A Noite de Natal is a short story and not a poem, but Sophia de Mello Breyner’s beautiful and timeless book, published in 1959, is a timeless classic in Portugal. We have included an excerpt below for your reading pleasure.

— Boa noite — disse ela. — O meu nome é Joana. E vamos com a estrela.

— Também eu — disse o rei — caminho com a estrela e o meu nome é Baltasar.

E juntos seguiram os quatro através da noite.

No chão, os galhos secos estalavam sob os passos, a brisa murmurava entre as árvores e os grandes mantos bordados dos três reis do Oriente brilhavam entre as sombras verdes, roxas e azuis.

Já quase no fundo dos pinhais viram ao longe uma claridade. E sobre essa claridade a estrela parou.

E continuaram a caminhar.

Até que chegaram ao lugar onde a estrela tinha parado e Joana viu um casebre sem porta. Mas não viu escuridão, nem sombra, nem tristeza. Pois o casebre estava cheio de claridade, porque o brilho dos anjos o iluminava.

E Joana viu o seu amigo Manuel. Estava deitado nas palhas entre a vaca e o burro e dormia sorrindo.

Em sua roda, ajoelhados no ar, estavam os anjos. O seu corpo não tinha nenhum peso e era feito de luz sem nenhuma sombra.

E com as mãos postas os anjos rezavam ajoelhados no ar.

Era assim, à luz dos anjos, o Natal de Manuel.

— Ah — disse Joana — aqui é como no presépio!

— Sim — disse o rei Baltasar — aqui é como no presépio.

“Good evening,” she said. “My name is Joan. And we’re going with the star.

“Me too,” said the king, “way with the star and my name is Balthasar.

And together they followed the four through the night.

On the ground, the dry branches slapped under the footsteps, the breeze murmured among the trees and the large embroidered cloaks of the three kings of the East shone among the green, purple and blue shadows.

Almost at the bottom of the pine forests saw in the distance a clarity. And about that clarity the star stopped.

And they continued to walk.

Until they got to the place where the star had stopped and Joan saw a doorless hut. But he saw no darkness, no shadow, no sadness. For the hut was full of clarity, for the brightness of the angels illuminated it.

And Joan saw her friend Manuel. He was lying in the straws between the cow and the donkey and sleeping smiling.

On his wheel, kneeling in the air, were the angels. His body had no weight and was made of light without any shadow.

And with their hands placed the angels prayed kneeling in the air.

Thus, in the light of the angels, Manuel’s Christmas.

“Ah,” said Joan, “here is how in the nativity scene!

“Yes,” said King Balthasar, “here is as in the nativity scene.

A Noite de Natal by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen is widely regarded as a classic of Portuguese Christmas literature, recognized both for the author’s stature and for the story’s deep cultural presence. First published in 1959 in Histórias da Terra e do Mar, it has long been included in school curricula, frequently appearing in Portuguese language lessons during the holiday season. Many families keep Sophia’s children’s books at home, and this tale is often read aloud at Christmas, becoming part of household tradition. Over the decades it has also been adapted for theater, radio, and school plays, reinforcing its visibility and emotional resonance. Although not every home revisits it each year, the story remains a cherished and enduring fixture of Portugal’s Christmas canon.

Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, circa 1975, Wikimedia Commons

5. “Tangerinas de Natal” by João Luís Barreto Guimarães

Born in Porto in 1967, João Luís Barreto Guimarães earned his medical degree from the University of Porto and went on to build a dual career as both a surgeon and a celebrated poet. He debuted in literature with Há Violinos na Tribo in 1989, and his poetry has been published widely across Europe and the Americas. In addition to being a poet, he is a plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon at the Hospital Center of Vila Nova de Gaia. Over the years, he has received numerous awards, including the United Nations Creativity Award, the National Prize for Poetry, Bertrand’s Book of the Year, and the prestigious Pessoa Prize in 2022.

«Será que eles ainda fazem?» É
domingo
para segunda. Resolves
a teu favor a
última tangerina e devolves a pergunta:
«Os meus ou
os teus?» E eu sorrio. Há quem os
queira exprovados quase
que imaculados
mesmo sabendo-nos prova de
que tiveram de fazer para
agora aqui estarmos
negociando imperfeições.
«Deixei-te ficar na dúvida.»
«Lembras-te de cada coisa . . . »
Atalhas-me com o
gomo perfeito mas
eu quero mais de ti
«Estás a ficar com sono.»
«Continua.»

“Do they really still do it?” It’s
Sunday
going on Monday. You take it
upon yourself to have the
last tangerine and return the question:
“Mine or
yours?” And I smile. There are those
who want them pristine almost
immaculate
even knowing ourselves to be proof
of them having done it for
us to be here now
debating imperfections.
“I left you wondering”
“The things you think about . . .”
You cut me short with the
perfect wedge but
I want more from you
“You are getting tired.”
“Keep going.”

Tangerines are a familiar part of Christmas in Portugal because they are in peak season during December and have long been included in traditional holiday Portuguese foods. Before imported sweets were common, many families relied on seasonal fruit for festive treats, so citrus became a staple alongside nuts, figs, and homemade pastries. Their bright color and fresh scent also symbolize warmth and abundance during winter, and they frequently appear in Christmas gift baskets and family tables. While the answer to Barreto Guimarães’s opening question “Do they really still do it?” is unclear to a first-time reader, it can be ascertained that the author might be referring to the tradition of giving tangerines during the Christmas holidays in Portugal. Maybe so. Maybe not, but the imagery and connection between the two people at the table is beautiful and memorable, a shared moment that the author wants more of.

Christmas Poetry in Portugal

Portuguese writers treat Christmas as a study in contrasts. Joy and sorrow, warmth and cold, faith and doubt, memory and longing all come together in December year after year. These poems are famous because they reflect real experiences. Like in so many countries, in Portugal, Christmas is a time when people look back on the year, think about loss, and hope for renewal.

5 Places to Eat in Porto on Christmas Day

Food & Drink

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December 11, 2025

5 Places to Eat in Porto on Christmas Day

Have you just finished an incredible Christmas Eve dinner in Porto but find yourself hungry again? Are you a visiting Porto for the first time at Christmas and wondering where you can eat or if anything is open on Christmas Day in Porto? Look no further than this guide because we have 5 incredible places for to eat in Porto on Christmas Day, and there is still time to book! Without further ado, let’s jump into the list.

1. Través

Price – €95

Address – R. São Pedro de Miragaia

Available for – Christmas Lunch and Dinner

Chef Tiago Bonito serves up delicious Mediterranean cuisine right next to the Parque das Virtudes. For Christmas Day, Través offers a buffet for €95 per person. The menu includes a starters buffet, eggs on request, a hot dishes buffet, and classic Portuguese holiday desserts such as rabanadas, Bolo Rei, and pão de ló. Traverse over to Través this Christmas Day!

2. A Escola by the Artist

Price – €42

Address – R. da Firmeza 49

Available for – Christmas Lunch

A Escola by the Artist, located inside the Editory Artist Baixa Porto Hotel, will enchant you with its welcoming and elegant atmosphere complemented by its attentive service. The menu for Christmas dinner is already sold out, but the Christmas lunch is still available. Choose between pumpkin and curry cream or a traditional alheira puff pastry with chili sauce for an appetizer followed by a classic bacalhau com broa or a vegetarian option for the main. Desserts include a tasting of traditional Christmas flavors.

3. Astória

Price – €80

Address – Praça da Liberdade 25

Available for – Christmas Lunch and Dinner

Looking over the Christmas menu here, nothing is, shall we say, traditional, but it looks extensive and absolutely delicious. The menu includes a selection of cheeses, bread, four different salads, sandwiches, seafood, and even a cacio pepe station topped off with a huge array of desserts. Bring your sweet tooth but not your appetite for bacalhau because they won’t be serving any codfish on Christmas Day!

4. Bartolomeu Bistro and Wine

Price – €115

Address – R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 228

Available for – Christmas Lunch and Dinner

The menu here may look pricey, but you will feel surrounded by elegance and care at Bartolomeu Bistro and Wine. You begin with your choice between two creative appetizers including kale, chive, and ponzu. Then, choose between cured mackerel with fish roe or the classic bacalhau with sweet potato puree and sliced zucchini. Dessert, while not traditional, looks divine with French toast, raspberry cream, and mascarpone frosting. What are you waiting for?

5. O Solar do Pátio

Price – Average price = €40

Address – R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 64

Available for – Christmas Dinner