Event
Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição)
December 8 honours the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Portugal. It is a national public holiday traditionally seen as the day to put up the Christmas tree and nativity scene.
At a glance
- Dates
- December 8, 2026
- Where
- Nationwide
- Price
- Free
- Official
- www.officeholidays.com ↗
- Source check
- Verified June 20, 2026
- Review by
- October 9, 2026
What to expect
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Portugal
- Traditional day to set up the Christmas tree and presépio
- Christmas markets in full swing across Lisbon
Planning tips
- Pairs with Dec 1 and weekends for a festive bridge
- Shopping centres open; small shops and offices close
- Great day for Lisbon's Christmas markets and lights
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.
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
More on the calendar
Other upcoming events
24DECNationwideChristmas (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.
1NOVNationwideAll Saints' Day (Dia de Todos os Santos)
November 1 is a national public holiday honouring the dead. Families visit cemeteries with flowers and candles, and shops and public services close.
26MARNationwideEaster Weekend (Páscoa) — Good Friday & Easter Sunday
Good Friday and Easter Sunday are national public holidays in Portugal. Easter is the country's most important religious holiday, marked by solemn processions, family lunches and traditional sweets such as folar and amêndoas.