Christmas in Sintra

In this holiday season, the National Palace of Sintra will become a Christmas factory. 

From December 16th through the 23rd , the facade of the palace will be the screen of the video mapping show "The Incredible Christmas Factory". 

The toys, and how they are made, are the lead stars of the show, and the facade of National Palace of Sintra is the stage, in a project created by the OCUBO studio - the authors of the "Circo de Luz" and "Fabuloso Desejo de Natal", shows that took place in Terreiro do Paço, in Lisbon, in other holiday seasons.

According to the organization, the oldest Portuguese Royal Palace wants to become the background of a Christmas factory, in Lapland, where "virtual characters interact with the facade of the Palace" and "traditional toys are in the spotlight".

Wooden trains, dancers, robots and dolls are the focal point in a 15-minute show that takes place every hour from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.

Find more information at:
- http://www.parquesdesintra.pt/Fábrica de Natal
- http://www.cm-sintra.pt/A incrivel fabrica do Natal

Nicolau’s New Palace: New video mapping in Lisbon, Terreiro do Paço square

Terreiro do Paço will again be the stage for a free video mapping show spreading the magic of Christmas across Lisboa.

“Nicolau’s New Palace” is the new theme for this Christmas, from 14th to 23rd December, which will link up with events throughout the city celebrating the festive season. 

The topic, which is set in Nicolau’s Palace, is Santa Claus addressing concerns with the environment – seeking to raise public awareness of the effects of climate change in the world and how it will affect us.

The show is free and it will take place every day from December 14th to 23rd at 7:00 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.


Find more information at: http://visitlisboa.com/Video mapping

Viseu Christmas, Traditional Dream

From November 25th to January 8th, Viseu is an irresistible destination for Christmas and New Year! In winter, Viseu breathes the Christmas spirit.

The city streets are filled with light and color, to the sound of gentle melodies that feed the imagination of young and old. In this court, the garden city becomes city light. Be amazed by the musical performances, Christmas markets, nativity scenes, workshops and animations. Long live the garden city dressed in City of Light and rediscover Christmas traditions.

Find more information at:
- https://www.facebook.com/municipioviseu/
- https://www.visitportugal.com/Christmas in Viseu

2017: Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Fátima

In 2017, the 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima will be celebrated with a wide-ranging programme, the high point of which will be the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis on 13th May.

The first apparitions of Our Lady were to the shepherd children on 13th May 1917 and they were repeated the following months, the last occurring on 13th October the same year, when a remarkable crowd witnessed the "Miracle of the Sun". These are the dates that attract the greatest number of the faithful to the Sanctuary every year to take part in the Candlelight Procession on the night of 12th May and the Farewell Procession on the morning of 13th May, but every day, especially on the 13th of each month, many pilgrims arrive in Fátima, who visit this holy place to express their faith.

Apart from the regular pilgrimages and the religious celebrations, the 100th anniversary will be celebrated until 13th October 2017 with a wide-ranging cultural programme including a number of exhibitions, concerts of sacred music, performances relating to the apparitions, conferences, summer courses and the International Congress “Thinking Fátima”, which will be held in June.

Detailed information about the celebrations of the 100th anniversary can be found at:
- www.fatima.pt
- https://www.facebook.com/SantuarioFatima
- https://mobile.twitter.com/SFatimaPortugal
- https://www.visitportugal.com/Pilgrimages to Fátima
- https://www.visitportugal.com/Fátima
- https://www.visitportugal.com/Fátima a Journey to the Altar of the World

Until 30th of December don´t miss "Perlim – A Farm of Dreams" in Santa Maria da Feira

A doorway to a magical world, this is "Perlim - Uma Quinta de Sonhos" (Perlim - A Farm of Dreams) in Santa Maria da Feira, a space which has been thought out to provide unique and memorable experiences for the entire family.

Adults can recover the magic which has been saved in their memory, children can arouse the best of their fantasies by stimulating their imagination and creativity, while closely sharing these times with their parents.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, "Perlim - Uma Quinta de Sonhos" recovers the characters and stories from your childhood imagination, fables, legends, fairy tales and the enchantment of Christmas, which continue to grab everyone's attention.

Find more information at:
- http://www.perlim.pt/
- Perlim APP Mobile
- https://www.facebook.com/perlimportugal/
- https://www.visitportugal.com/Perlim

Until January the first, don´t miss Óbidos Vila Natal 2016

Visit Óbidos – Christmas Town – and enter a truly magical world!

From, the beginning of December, Óbidos fills up with light, colour and fantasy - transforming into a dreamlike setting where everyone – children and adults – can enjoy magical experiences, amongst a wide array of attractions and amusements.

Father Christmas’ House, the crib, performances, games, ice rink, inflatables – are just some of the many attractions that Óbidos has in store for you, offering special moments ideal for the whole family.

Find more information at:
- http://obidosvilanatal.pt/
- https://www.visitportugal.com/Óbidos Vila Natal

What about some Christmas Shopping In Portugal?

Do you already have your Christmas list for family and friends? The Christmas season is great for a mini holiday in Lisbon or Porto as it is not very cold and there are still some sunny days. This is great for going for a walk in the city and starting to do your Christmas shopping.

The streets are filled with lights and the decoration changes over the weeks with stars, balls of different colours, Christmas trees, and other decorations and traditional nativity scenes. The fact that it gets dark earlier, as we are already in winter time, is a good reason to get to know a livelier city. And the historic centres are places of excellence to find the last trends in fashion and great ideas for Christmas presents.

Make the most of the promotions from airlines and hotel Christmas programmes which always have special offers during this season.

Unique Chistmas presents for all
We suggest Portuguese souvenirs which can be found in the usual shopping areas: quality clothing, shoe brands that can be found around the world, bags and accessories made of cork (the latest trend) or articles made from pure wool from the centre of Portugal, in sackcloth. And you can of course choose the small Christmas markets, fairs and sales where you can always find a unique gift for everybody.

Portuguese cuisine also has products of excellence which are a great source of inspiration for Christmas presents: wines, olive oils, preserves (traditional industries that currently have gourmet specialties), sweets, jam or dried fruit. And during this season, traditional sweets are a temptation! You must try the Bolo-rei (King's Cake), "sonhos" (traditional deep fried sweet soft pastry normally eaten at Christmas), "rabanadas" (type of French toast) and "filhós" (traditional deep fried sweet pastry sprinkled with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon).

While shopping, roast chestnut venders on the streets are always a good excuse to take a break and try this seasonal delicacy.

And why not give a trip for the New Year in Portugal?

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas! 

Find more information at https://www.visitportugal.com/en