At this time of year, Christmas markets in Portugal light up the country with magic, tradition and lots of excitement, from ancient villages to big cities. When you hire a car from Hertz, you have the freedom to create your own itinerary, avoiding public transport, adjusting schedules to suit your pace and enjoying each stop in greater comfort. We have selected some of the best Christmas markets in Portugal, with the main attractions and tips for visiting by car.
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1. Aldeia Natal em Cabeça (Serra da Estrela)
Between 6 December and 1 January, the Christmas Village in Cabeça, in Serra da Estrela, transforms the village into a genuine fairy tale, with streets decorated with natural materials such as broom, vines and pine branches, and lit only with LEDs.
The programme includes concerts, midnight mass, free entertainment and a small market with regional products from the mountains. By car, you can reach the mountain roads more safely and combine your visit with other places in the region, such as Seia, Guarda or Viseu.
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2. Óbidos Christmas Village
From 28 November to 4 January, Óbidos Christmas Village, covering 17,500 m², fills the medieval village with chalets, artificial snow, shows and children's areas. Among the main attractions are the eco-friendly ice rink, the Parisian carousel and theatre shows for children, as well as a Christmas market with sweets, toys and handicrafts.
It is advisable to buy tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays. With a Hertz car, you can also take advantage of the day to visit Caldas da Rainha, São Martinho do Porto or Nazaré, which are a short distance away.
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3. Perlim – Santa Maria da Feira
Considered the most original Christmas theme park in the country, Perlim takes place in the area around Santa Maria da Feira Castle between the end of November and 30 December. This space has several themed areas, unique shows, parades, the Parade of Dreams and lots of live entertainment designed for families and children.
The world of Perlim extends to the city's Rossio, with a free Christmas Market offering traditional sweets, crafts, gifts and food. It is also an excellent base for an itinerary that includes Aveiro or Porto.
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4. Águeda – The World's Largest Santa Claus
Águeda shines from 15 November to 11 January, filling the city with lights, art installations and entertainment. Here you will find the World's Largest Santa Claus (about 21 metres tall), a giant snowman, the famous colourful umbrellas in a Christmas version, shows, cultural programming and a market with food stalls, handicrafts and regional products.
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5. Porto Christmas Market – Cordoaria
In Porto, the Cordoaria Christmas Market (Jardim João Chagas) runs from 29 November to 30 December, open from 10 am to 8 pm (with extended hours on weekends and public holidays). The space hosts dozens of stalls selling handicrafts, traditional sweets, mulled wine, hot chocolate, street food and typical seasonal products.
It also has a giant tree and video mapping of the ‘Nutcrackers Mission’ that will delight any child. Those travelling by car can choose to park in peripheral car parks or next to the underground station, making it easier to get around the historic centre.
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6. Wonderland Lisboa – 10th Edition in Parque Eduardo VII
Wonderland Lisboa returns to Parque Eduardo VII between 28 November and 4 January with free admission, celebrating its 10th edition this year, as one of the largest Christmas markets in the country. Among the main attractions are the Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the city, the eco-friendly ice rink, Santa's House, the craft market and the Christmas tree.
Hire a car with Hertz and take the opportunity to combine your visit with other areas of the city, such as Cais do Sodré, Belém or Parque das Nações, turning your day into a complete experience.
Plan your itinerary through the Christmas markets with Hertz
Hiring a car with Hertz gives you greater flexibility to visit the Christmas markets in Portugal, with varied routes for families or groups. Plan routes such as Porto-Águeda-Perlim or Óbidos-Wonderland. Find out more on our website and discover your ideal car for enjoying the magic of Christmas without any worries. Which market will you visit first?