LoveLisbonLove Lisbon
Four pastéis de nata on a wooden tray

Event

Christmas (Natal) — Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Christmas in Portugal centres on the Consoada — the late-night family supper of bacalhau on December 24, followed by midnight Mass. Christmas Day, December 25, is the national public holiday.

Photo by Eilis Garvey on Unsplash

At a glance

Dates
December 24–2026 (day: 25)
Where
Nationwide
Price
Free

What to expect

  • Consoada family supper of salt cod (bacalhau) on Christmas Eve
  • Midnight 'Missa do Galo' Mass in churches across the city
  • Christmas Day is a near-total shutdown of shops and transport
A view of Lisbon at night from a hilltop
the Lisbon backdrop around this event.Photo: Alice Kotlyarenko / Unsplash

Planning tips

  • Shops close early on Dec 24 and almost all day Dec 25 — stock up beforehand
  • Book Christmas Eve/Day restaurant tables well in advance
  • Transport runs a minimal holiday timetable on Dec 25
Aerial view of terracotta rooftops in Lisbon
Lisbon to explore around the event.Photo: Steve Matthews / Unsplash

Build a day around it

  • 2–3 hours: arrive early, event, short neighborhood loop.
  • Full day: one walk/attraction + event + calm dinner.
  • Rainy backup: keep one indoor stop in mind.
Things to do →Food & drink →Neighborhoods →

Before you go

  • Confirm details — check the official link for last-minute changes.
  • Arrive with buffer — 15–30 minutes early makes everything calmer.
  • Weather plan — one indoor warm stop in case the day turns.

Sources