With our Christmas Partners 🎄
Christmas has officially settled in, and Lisbon is glowing like it’s trying to win “Best Dressed City of 2025”. From shimmering avenues to giant baubles you can walk inside, the entire city has switched to full-festive mode.
But there’s so much more happening around the city, and we’re here to help you discover it, one cozy plan at a time.
⭐ EDITOR’S PICKS
Portugal’s iconic Christmas cake: the Bolo Rei 👑
Bolo Rei (Translation: The King Cake)
Portugal’s royal Christmas cake deserves royal treatment. We’ve narrowed it down to the 3 must-try spots for the freshest, fluffiest, fruitiest Bolo Rei in the city.Free Christmas Concerts (December 5 - 19)
Festive tunes without spending a cent. Lisbon has a full lineup of free concerts this month, and some of them are in stunning venues.Christmas Markets
Of course this had to make the list.Check out our complete guide to Christmas markets (with dates!) here.
🎄CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Bolo Rei
The sweetest crown you’ll taste this Christmas 👑🍰
Bolo Rei is the star of Portuguese Christmas tables. A soft, sweet, brioche-like cake decorated with jewel-toned candied fruits.
Every bakery has its own version, and tasting it is almost a seasonal requirement.
1) 🍰 Confeitaria Nacional 📍 Praça da Figueira
The birthplace of Lisbon’s first Bolo Rei, dating back to 1850. Expect crowds, history, and a cake that tastes like Christmas nostalgia.
2) 🍰 Alcôa 📍 Baixa-Chiado
Award-winning, handcrafted, and baked with a level of detail that would impress Santa’s elves. A classic choice if you want the traditional flavor done perfectly.
3) 🍰 Rice Me Deli 📍 Av. António Augusto de Aguiar
The modern, lighter twist. Perfect if you want something slightly less dense but still unmistakably festive.
Free Christmas Concerts · 📍 Various locations · 🗓️ December 5 - 19
Lisbon’s churches and concert halls come alive with free Christmas performances from Dec 5.
Expect a mix of enchanting styles and venues: from ancient churches and historic theatres to beautiful concert halls.
Imagine baroque melodies echoing under vaulted ceilings, festive gospel harmonies, and even a live-orchestra movie performance perfect for the whole family.
Christmas Tram · 📍Santa Amaro station to Algés · 🗓️ December 14 - 15
Hop aboard Lisbon’s Christmas Tram for a festive city tour 🎄🚋
The special tram brings the magic of Christmas to life as it winds past illuminated streets and festive scenes around the city.
It is reserve for School kids between December 2-13 but is available for families and the general public on December 14-15.
Tickets are presold on the day from 9:20am onwards.
🐾 PAWTUGAL - CHRISTMAS BOX FEATURE
Because dogs deserve Christmas magic too 🎄✨
If you have a dog (or know someone who does), the Pawtugal Christmas Box is the cutest gift you can get this season.
Handpicked Portuguese treats, festive toys, and a surprise item,all bundled in a beautifully designed Christmas box.
It’s the easiest way to make your pup feel included in the celebrations.
⚽ SPORTS
São Silvestre Lisboa – 10K Night Run Registration · 📍 Avenida da Liberdade · 🗓️ December 27
Run through Lisbon’s festive glow at the São Silvestre 10K.
The city’s legendary year-end run returns. A nighttime 10K through illuminated Lisbon streets, under festive lights, with departure and finish at Avenida da Liberdade / Praça dos Restauradores.
It’s a great way to close the year with energy, community and a bit of magic.
Benfica FC vs Napoli · 📍 Estádio da Luz · 🗓️ December 10
Estádio da Luz is set for another electric European night.
Benfica will be aiming to build on their recent Champions League form, hoping to secure points on home soil but historically, Napoli have had the upper hand in head-to-heads, making this clash not just about strategy and form but also pride.
🗞️ CITY NOTES
December 11 Labour Strike: Expect major disruptions in flights, alongside some impact on public transport, schools, and healthcare.
If even one of these events caught your interest, then our job is done.
☕ Até logo,
Lisbon Bica Team