Last Updated on October 26, 2025 by Emily Hopkins
Portugal is a country rich in traditions and deeply rooted customs, and the holiday season is no exception. Christmas in Portugal offers plenty to see and experience, especially for expat families and visitors spending December here.
As a Catholic country, Portugal preserves many Christmas traditions, but you may find some familiar customs in today’s globalized world. Discover what Christmas in Portugal is like, and pick your favorite thing to do! Read till the end to know what expats like you love to do during this festive time.
How is Christmas in Portugal celebrated?
Christmas is a magical time, and Portugal embraces all its residents. Here, from north to south, Christmas traditions revolve around the birth of Jesus Christ.
You’ll experience the nativity scene, the tree decorated in the living room, and a Christmas dinner on December 24th, followed by the exchange of gifts at midnight and, of course, Christmas lunch on the 25th. Above all, Christmas in Portugal is marked by a family reunion and many delicious dishes.
The Nativity Scene
Representing the birth of the baby Jesus and the original meaning of Catholic Christmas, the Christmas nativity scene is one of the oldest traditions in Portugal. Religion in Portugal, as you can see, matters a lot to many residents.
Even before it was a tradition in Portugal to make a Christmas tree, the nativity scene was already present in the celebrations of Portuguese families.
In fact, until the mid-20th century, when the Christmas tree became popular in Portugal, most families did not embrace it. Instead, the nativity crib has long been cherished, especially among religious and rural communities.
Nowadays, the Christmas nativity scene tradition remains strong, especially in the villages of rural Portugal. It is common to see large nativity scenes in the streets and a miniature in the living room in December.
Also, don’t be surprised to see paintings of baby Jesus in Portuguese windows at this time of year.
December 24th: The Christmas Eve and Consoada
In Portugal, Christmas dinner is called Consoada and is celebrated on the night of December 24th, Christmas Eve. This tradition leads families to gather around the dinner table, eating a hearty meal. Many people travel long distances to join their families because it is a family party.
According to Portuguese tradition, Consoada, the Christmas Eve meal, typically features boiled cod served with potatoes, eggs, and cabbage. It’s accompanied by a warm olive oil sauce with garlic and vinegar on the side. Simply delicious!
However, each region of Portugal (and even each family) has its own cod traditions and may serve other dishes.
For example, in the north, Christmas dinner often consists of cooked octopus. In the Algarve, some people eat seafood. And across the country, it’s also common to have a turkey or rooster on the Christmas table.
But whatever the main dish on your Christmas table, the important thing is to be with the family.
Read also: Famous Portuguese Food Expats Must Try
The King Cake and the typical Christmas sweets
Portuguese cuisine overflows with Christmas sweets that can make anyone’s mouth water. For many Portuguese families, the spirit of Christmas is found in these treats; the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and caramel fills every corner of the home. Perhaps it’s this love of good food that helps make Portugal such a high quality of life.
Did you know that some of the most Catholic Portuguese families still fast during the day of December 24th until dinner time? No wonder supper is so plentiful! Now, discover Christmas Eve sweets at a table in Portugal:
Bolo Rei
The most traditional Christmas sweet in Portugal is, without a doubt, the Bolo Rei. This sweet cake/bread is a delicious addition to this holiday. It’s essentially a colorful sweet bread filled with raisins and dried crystallized fruit.
It’s called Bolo Rei (the king’s cake), and in the past, people used to hide a small metal egg inside the cake. However found it while eating, would be called the king, and be blessed with good luck. The king cake is a must for Christmas in Portugal.
French toast
French toast, also called “golden slices”, is one of the most traditional sweets of Christmas. With regular milk, condensed milk, or Port. There are several variations, but regardless, French toast cannot be missed at a Christmas dinner table.
Aletria
Much like Arroz Doce, or rice pudding, Aletria is basically Vermicelli pasta covered with pudding and cinnamon. Don’t underestimate it, though; it’s a delicious dessert and perfect for those who prefer less-sweet sweets. Also, one of the only Christmas sweets that aren’t covered with sugar.
Sonhos, Filhoses, and Bilharacos
These traditional Portuguese sweets delight anyone. Be prepared to eat fried and sprinkled dough balls with cinnamon and sugar. Depending on the region you’re in, it can be with only flour or also carrot or pumpkin. It’s enough to please everyone!
Coscorões
This traditional Christmas fritter, known as Coscorão, stands out from most holiday sweets because it’s typically soaked in syrup or lightly dusted with sugar, offering a delightful twist on the usual festive treats.
December 25th at midnight: mass and gifts
Still following Christian traditions, Christmas in Portugal is also marked by the rooster’s mass on December 24th at midnight. The tradition was that the Christmas dinner only took place after families went to churches to celebrate the mass of Jesus’ birth.
Today, although some churches still hold this mass on the night of the 24th, the tradition has largely faded.
However, the midnight mark of December 25th is what still officially represents the beginning of Christmas. Once everyone has finished feasting and is tired of attacking the sweets, it’s time to celebrate Christmas!
From midnight onwards, families can distribute gifts under the Christmas tree, next to the nativity scene.
Of course, traditions can vary between families and are constantly evolving. But the essence of Portuguese Christmas is being with the family and having a good time. In fact, this is one of the best times to witness the Portuguese way of life.
Christmas Lunch
Usually, at lunch, one eats fantastic Roupas Velhas, or old clothes, which is a typical Christmas dish made with the leftovers of the Christmas Eve dinner, usually well drizzled with sauteed olive oil with garlic.
The meal may also begin with an appetizer, followed by turkey or oven-baked lamb, depending on the region. Since there’s always more food prepared than anyone can finish on Christmas Eve, plenty is left over for Christmas Day lunch.
Christmas Lights
A new tradition in Portugal, but one that residents increasingly love, is Christmas lights. All Portuguese cities strive to decorate their main streets at the coldest time of year with lighted trees, gifts, Santa Claus, and even fake snow and red-nosed reindeer.
The streets of the Portuguese capital are, as expected, the ones that are most dedicated to Christmas decorations. Those who live in Lisbon can take the opportunity to stroll among tourists at Christmas fairs, go to concerts and choirs, and even venture onto the artificial skating rink at Praça do Comércio.
Christmas Festivals across Portugal
At Christmas time, several villages come together to make Christmas a big party. This is the case with the Christmas festivals in Perlim, Vila Natal Óbidos, Cabeça Aldeia Natal, and Wonderland Lisboa.
Óbidos Vila Natal
In one of Portugal’s best-preserved and most beautiful medieval villages, the annual Óbidos Christmas fair takes place. During this time, the town and its ancient walls come alive with tourists and locals celebrating in costume, enjoying music, food, and games for all ages.
In December, this is the space for fun and fantasy. A good option for those who want to know the center of Portugal, close to the city of Caldas da Rainha.
Cabeça, a Aldeia Natal
As well as other famous Christmas festivals in the country, Cabeça Aldeia Natal happens almost every year. The small village of Cabeça, 20 km from Serra da Estrela in central north Portugal, is known for taking the Christmas festivities seriously.
Here, locals gather to celebrate the birth of Christ with entirely natural and sustainable decorations. The village offers no shortage of attractions and delicious food, and during winter in Portugal, you might even catch a bit of snow. It’s truly worth the visit, isn’t it?
Perlim
35 km south of Porto, in the city of Santa Maria da Feira, is the Perlim Christmas Park. It is located close to the city’s medieval castle, and every year it attracts thousands of families to enjoy the attractions and Christmas shows.
Daily tickets don’t exceed €8, and it’s a fun experience for this time of the year.
Wonderland Lisboa
In Eduardo VII Park, at the end of the year, the Wonderland Christmas Market happens, which is completely free. It is a charming place for the whole family, full of fun for children and many attractions. There is also a fair with typical handicrafts, sweets, and typical Christmas drinks. Perfect for Lisboners.
Christmas Gifts in Portugal
In Portugal, giving gifts is a pretty usual part of Christmas, and part of how people prepare is that many workers get an extra salary toward the end of the year.
A big focus is on the kids. Depending on how things are in each family, children often receive gifts not just from their parents but other relatives and even friends of the family. It can vary a lot depending on budget.
It’s also common for friends and grown-ups to give each other small presents too, they don’t have to be extravagant, just meaningful. Many families will earmark part of their holiday budget for gifts.
The “Secret Santa” style gift exchange is growing, especially in tougher financial times, but it’s still not the default for every family. Usually each person in a get-together gets something (depending on the family).
If you’re invited to someone’s home for Christmas in Portugal, it’s good form to bring a little something for the host, a bottle of wine, a nice cake like a Bolo Rei, or something along those lines.
The hosts often spend quite a bit preparing the dinner and everything (since groceries, special dishes etc can add up). It’s usually not typical for guests to offer to help buy those groceries unless you’re very close and it’s understood.
Read also: Wine & Dine: Exploring the Best Wine and Food Pairings in Portugal
What do expats like to do during Christmas in Portugal?
It’s common for expats to feel homesick during the holidays, especially during Christmas, which brings loved ones together. However, expats still manage to make the most out of this long-awaited festival by bringing in their own cultural traditions and incorporating a few new traditions from their own country as well.
Nonetheless, you’re still pretty lucky if you’re spending Christmas in Portugal! If you are an expat spending your first Christmas here, we’ve got you covered.
To feel at home, many expats continue their traditions and commence the holiday festivities by decorating the Christmas tree using delicate, glistening ornaments. Children hang up their stockings above the chimney for Santa. Expats also tend to visit the Portuguese Christmas markets to enjoy the chilly breezes and essence of the occasion.
Expat families also like to consolidate the Portuguese traditions in their lifestyle when living in Portugal. Christmas bonfires, or Madeiros, are one of the homiest traditions expats enjoy here.
In areas like Castelo Branco, you may frequently come across these bonfires in parking lots of churches. You get to meet other locals and foreigners, mingle around, indulge in delicious food, and share holiday greetings.
For many, unwrapping gifts is one of the most exciting parts of Christmas. Expats often join in the festive spirit by heading to ice rinks for a bit of skating fun, while others choose to spend the holidays in a hotel in the Algarve or Madeira, enjoying the region’s beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.
- Connect to other expats living here! Join our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats; make new friends, ask questions, and find more activities to do!
Are you ready for Christmas in Portugal?
Does hearing all this make you want to spend Christmas in Portugal? What traditions did you already know? And what sweets will you definitely want to try?
I hope you enjoyed discovering some of these parties that are so important for families in Portugal and some traditions that are happening every year around here.
It’s not easy to spend Christmas away from your home country. We here at Viv Europe are also expats in Portugal, and even if the Portuguese make us feel at home, it’s not a bad idea to also celebrate the traditions of our own countries. Why not unite cultures? This will definitely help you and your family to adapt better to Portugal.
If you are not already in Portugal and want to spend this Christmas here, be sure to reach out to our experts. We will hold your hand through the process and ensure that you get to spend your Christmas holidays in Portugal.
In any case, with cod or turkey for Christmas, enjoy the holiday to be with the one you love. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
