What day do the Portuguese celebrate Christmas?
The most important day is on December 24, Christmas Eve.
Most commercial places close on December 24th and 25th.
You may find a few places open on the morning of the 24th or the late afternoon on December 25th.
Suggestion: Plan for things to be closed on the 24th and 25th.
Make a reservation for a Christmas meal at a hotel. It will be fun to enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal or a festive international buffet-style Christmas meal.
If you are spending Christmas alone in Portugal, go to a city like Lisbon or Porto. It will be more festive, and there will be more people on the streets.
Reserve a table at a hotel where you can be around people during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (lunch).
Do you need help planning for a solo trip to Portugal?
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Portuguese love Nativity Scenes, and you will find them all over Portugal in the larger cities and smaller villages.
I just came from Tavira and found their Nativity scene by chance, and it was such a charming one!
The pastry shops will show off their beautiful holiday sweets and cakes,
Portuguese typical Christmas cakes are called Bolo Rei and Bolo Rainha. You must try these!
Midnight Mass
Many Portuguese families attend midnight mass on December 24th after dinner and save their bolo-rei, delicious cakes, and pastries for after the service.
Expect everything to be closed on Christmas Day, but check the museums to see if any will be open on the 24th and 26th.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Palacio Chiado
Intercontinental
Hotel Real Palacio
Sana Hotels
Porto is beautiful during Christmas time. There are quite a few small markets around the city. It’s a bit colder than Lisbon, so dress accordingly.
You will love walking near the river in the evenings when the city lights are on, and everything looks so magical.
Reserve your Christmas dinner at a hotel with a river view.
Most stores will be closed on December 24 and 25th.
Go on self-guided walks and get to know this charming city.
Porto is a friendly city for traveling solo women over 50, single people and families.
The smaller villages are pretty quiet during Christmas. Most will have some street decorations, and you may find a small Christmas market. Most stores will be closed, so I suggest you stay at a hotel where you can have your meals and be around a few people.
The best way to enjoy a small village during the Christmas season is to visit a few days before Christmas, then head to a city for the holiday. You may find yourself a bit lonely if you are in a small town on your own.
But if you fancy a small town Christmas experience, consider a charming town like Tavira.
Tavira is a small town by the water and an excellent base for visiting other coastal villages in the Algarve.
Portuguese families enjoy eating bacalhau (cod) and lamb, although some may also eat turkey, which is not a traditional Portuguese dish. They will enjoy bolo rei, rabanadas (similar to French toast), and a variety of delicious Portuguese pastries.
Christmas=Natal
Merry Christmas=Bom Natal
Santa Claus = Pai Noel
Christmas dinner= Consoada
Nativity Scene=Presépio
Christmas Tree=Árvore de Natal or Pinheiro
Midnight Mass=Missa do Galo
Wishing you a fantastic Christmas in Portugal!
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Updated December 2025
Yes.
Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe for solo women over 50, especially during the holidays.
The cities feel lively but not overwhelming, and people tend to be kind and curious.
You will see families strolling after dinner, cafés full of friends meeting for coffee, and plenty of women dining alone without anyone giving it a second thought.
As always, use your usual travel awareness,
Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and most coastal towns feel very manageable in
December. You can expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, even if you are celebrating on your own.
December 24 is the night families gather for a big dinner, so many restaurants and smaller shops close early.
Public transportation runs but on a reduced schedule.
On December 25, cafés, bakeries, and many restaurants reopen by late morning or early afternoon.
Museums and sights are usually closed on the 25th.
If you are travelling solo, plan one festive meal ahead of time and keep the rest flexible. You will always find a café open in Lisbon or Porto for coffee, a light meal, or a pastry run.
Lisbon is wonderful at Christmas.
Chiado, Baixa, and Avenida da Liberdade are covered in lights and easy to walk. Principe Real has a local, neighbourhood feel and is a good home base for a solo traveller.
Porto has a cozy rhythm, especially around Ribeira, Cedofeita, and the Christmas markets near Aliados.
If you prefer smaller towns, Évora, Óbidos, and Cascais offer gentle holiday energy without big-city rush.
If you are traveling alone, stay in Porto, Lisbon or a larger town.
There are a few places for you to check out.
Lisboa Secreta will have a schedule and list of Cathedrals for you to listen to FREE music.
Lisbon Classical Nights has information and tickets for classical music
The Gulbenkian Museum will have fantastic classical music but you must purchase many months before coming to Lisbon
MAAT has great exhibits in both of their museums.
……
If you like cartoons you must go to the Palacio dos Anjos where they are having a fantastic exhibit of political, social and other cartoons made by international artists.
Address: Alameda Hermano Patrone, 1495-064 Algés, Portugal
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The Fundação do Oriente is showing an amazing and comprehensive exhibit about the Japanese culture, Indian photography and more.
…….
The Gulbenkian is exhibiting a fantastic show about Brazil by Brazilian artists.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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