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Amazing things to do in Lisbon in December
Is Lisbon even worth visiting in winter? Absolutely! A winter trip to Lisbon in December is actually fantastic for several reasons! The December weather offers plenty of sunny days, the Christmas markets have started, and often hotel prices are lower than in peak season.
December is a unique month to visit the city, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect, where to go, and what to pack for Lisbon in December. Including the best Christmas markets and indoor activities for chilly days.
I’m a Lisbon local, and actually moved to the city in December. I love the decorations, and I often use the low season to visit the famous highlights. There are fewer tourists in Lisbon in the winter, which is the perfect time to skip any queues!
Whether you’re in Lisbon in December for the first time or you’re a local wondering what to do this month, you’ll find events, travel tips, and festive highlights (yes, including where to grab a warming ginjinha!) to make the most of this magical winter month.
Why visit Lisbon in December?
I am often asked, Marga, is Lisbon worth visiting in December? And the answer is a resounding yes, and not just because of the Christmas lights!
Many people think of Lisbon as a summer destination, and I get it! Visiting the beaches and enjoying the sun is fantastic! But visiting Lisbon in winter has its own quiet magic.
Here are some reasons why I love December in Lisbon:
- Mild winter weather: Lisbon rarely gets super cold. Expect daytime highs around 15°C (59°F), plenty of sunshine, and far fewer rainy days than many other European cities.
- Fewer tourists, more space: You won’t be elbowing through crowds at Jerónimos Monastery or waiting in endless lines inside Pena Palace (in Sintra). It’s the perfect time to explore the highlights in peace!
- Christmas decorations: The city sparkles with lights, and the local Christmas markets pop up throughout December. The evenings in Lisbon are wonderful, and you constantly smell roasted chestnuts in the air!
- Lower travel costs: Flights and hotel rates tend to drop outside peak season, meaning you can stay longer or splurge on a nicer room for the same price. Only around Christmas and New Year’s, the prices might increase again.
- Local Lisbon experience: With fewer tourists, you get a more authentic feel for Lisbon. Whether you’re sipping ginjinha in a tiny bar or visiting markets with locals, the city feels more personal and laid-back.
The weather in December in Lisbon, Portugal
The Lisbon weather in December is often very mixed. One moment, it’s raining, and the next, the sun shines. Overall, during the winter months, Lisbon offers moderate weather and is actually one of the warmest cities in Western Europe. When you plan on visiting Lisbon in December, you can expect an average high of 15°C (59 °F) and average low temperatures of 9°C (48.2 °F).
The Portuguese capital is near the Atlantic Ocean and is often windy. In summer, it’s a welcoming breeze, but in winter, it can feel bitterly cold. If you plan a day trip near Lisbon, ensure you bring warm clothes. In the city itself, the temperatures are often pleasant, and there are many sunny days.
Does it rain a lot in December in Lisbon?
December is one of the wettest months of the year, but there are many indoor activities to enjoy! When the Lisbon weather in December is bad, explore a museum or enjoy the spa at your hotel. On average, you can expect 14 rainy days in December in Lisbon. The average rainfall for the month is 126.7 mm.
Not sure what to do when it rains in Lisbon?
Check out this handy travel guide with plenty of tips for a rainy day!
Daylight hours, sunrise and sunset
The sun rises around 7.30 AM at the beginning of the month, with a sunrise around 8 AM at the end of December. The sunset is around 5.15 PM in the first half of the month.
After Christmas, the days get longer, and the sun sets around 7:25 in late December. You will enjoy 9,5 hours of daylight with an average of 4 hours of sunshine.
What should I wear in Lisbon in December?
With temperatures between 9°C/48°F and 15°C/59°F, you will definitely need to bring some warm clothes. During the day, when the sun shines, you might be okay in a long-sleeved T-shirt, but in the evening and on cold days, you will need a jacket.
I often wear a denim jacket with a cardigan underneath, which keeps me warm enough. On some days, I might wear a scarf, but rarely gloves. Wearing layers is the best tip I can give you!
You will be happy to know it does not snow in Lisbon in winter, so it is never super cold. However, the rain and wind can make it feel colder than it is. The coldest month is actually January in Lisbon, but the winter weather is super cosy with all the decorations in the city.
As you can expect more rain in December in Lisbon, do bring comfortable shoes with a good grip. The streets can be very slippery when wet! The typical calçada Portuguesa pavements look beautiful but offer no support. Even sneakers can be slippery, depending on the soles. I often wear hiking boots when it rains or when the streets are still wet.
What to do in Lisbon in December
You might wonder which attractions are worth visiting in Lisbon, and the Portuguese capital has much to see! Year-round, it gets busy, but some spots have far fewer crowds. I selected several ideas for you so you can start planning your December trip to Lisbon!
Visit the Christmas markets in Lisbon!
Many tourists, including Portuguese tourists, come to Lisbon in December to see the Christmas markets! After living in Germany for several years, I did not expect Lisbon to look so beautiful! You can visit several markets the entire month, and two have already started in November!
Wonderland Lisboa is the largest Lisbon Christmas market and is located at Parque Eduardo VII. The Ferris wheel offers the best views over Lisbon, and there is an ice skating rink. Kids can visit Santa, and there are plenty of places to enjoy food or mulled wine.
The Rossio Christmas market is located in downtown Lisbon. It’s another great spot to enjoy local food and wine. Try a Bolo Rei, for example. This is the typical King cake people eat during the Christmas season. At Rossio Square, you can also step on board the Christmas train. This way, you can drive by many of the beautiful decorations in the city!
Both markets are free to visit, but there are many more! Christmas in Lisbon is a magical time, with plenty of events and tasty foods!
Book a photoshoot with the Christmas lights
Visiting Lisbon during the festive season? Make your trip even more magical with a professional photoshoot set against the city’s twinkling Christmas lights!
I offer Lisbon photo sessions year-round, but from late November to early January, I run special Christmas-themed photo shoots! This way, you will see the most beautifully lit streets and Christmas markets, while I take your picture!
Whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner, or bringing the whole family, this is a perfect way to capture your winter trip. And it’s especially popular for surprise proposals!
Check the calendar below to view availability and book your Christmas photo experience in Lisbon. I can’t wait to help you capture your memories!
Enjoy a Portuguese food tour in Lisbon
Lisbon is the perfect city for a food tour. A guided tour will take you to local establishments, where you can try traditional dishes accompanied by Portuguese wine. Your guide will tell you a lot about the dishes and snacks, and you can try many things! Maybe you already had a pastel de nata, but do you know what a bifana is?
Winter travel also means specific winter meals! For example, you will see plenty of roasted chestnuts on the streets of Lisbon. They are sold by half a dozen or a dozen, and they make a great little snack on the way. When it’s a bit cooler, it’s also the perfect weather for Caldo Verde, a cabbage soup with potatoes that will ensure you stay warm.
Christmas shopping in Lisbon
Lisbon in December is a great time for Christmas shopping. You can find many stalls at the Christmas markets, where sellers offer original handmade and local products. But there are also shopping malls in Lisbon and high street shops in downtown Lisbon. Most shops are located around Rua Augusta, and there are several shopping streets running parallel to it.
Armazéns do Chiado should be on your wish list if you like shopping and Christmas decorations. It is a small shopping centre, but it is beautifully decorated. Each night, there is a display on the facade with music and twinkling lights. Remember that most shops close on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Explore the city by tuk-tuk
The temperatures might feel too cold to explore the city, but there is a super easy way to get around! The Lisbon tuk-tuk tours are top-rated, and even with bad weather, you can see a lot in Lisbon quickly. During the winter, the guides offer you a blanket to stay warm, and the tuk-tuks have a roof and a rain cover.
You can book a guided tour through the old town of Alfama! Or head to Belém, where you can find the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jerónimos Monastery. The Belém Tower is also nearby, and there are stunning museums in Belém, such as MAAT and MAC/CCB Museu de Arte Contemporânea. Lisbon is built on seven hills, but with the tuk-tuk, you can easily travel to all the sights!
See the Christmas lights by tuk-tuk!
Enjoy the Christmas Lights Tour by tuk-tuk and see all the stunning decorations!
Discover the museums
As just mentioned, Belém has some fantastic museums! Another great choice is the National Coach Museum, where you can see an enormous collection of royal coaches. Or enjoy an educational visit to the Quake Museum, where you learn a lot about earthquakes! There was a massive earthquake in Portugal in 1755, and you can experience this in the interactive rooms.
Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. You can also learn more about Fado music at the Fado Museum in Alfama. The National Tile Museum is fantastic if you like the colourful azulejo tiles. Are you travelling with kids? They might enjoy a trip to the 3D Fun Art Museum. Remember to bring a camera!
Lisbon Oceanarium
Speaking of kids, one of their favourite places to visit is the Lisbon Oceanarium! The aquarium is located at Parque das Nações near Oriente Station. Lisbon Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
🐠 Book your tickets for the Lisbon Oceanarium online to skip the queue!
The main tank contains manta rays, sharks, and many other fish. You can even see otters, penguins and sea birds. The Lisbon Oceanarium is also open on Christmas Day, but check availability before you go!
After visiting the aquarium, you can enjoy a ride in the cable car towards the Torre Vasco da Gama inside the Myriad Hotel. You can take the elevator to the top of the 145-meter-tall building with an amazing view over the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama bridge. The perfect spot to see the sun go down with a cocktail in hand!
Photowalks in Lisbon with the Christmas lights
Even in December, Lisbon is perfect for exploring on foot. It’s especially beautiful when the city has all the Christmas lights and decorations!
I offer photowalks in Lisbon’s most beautiful streets, and these workshops are perfect for beginners and photography enthusiasts.
Photo sessions, tips and more!
You can enjoy the holiday atmosphere and learn a few photography tips along the way. Whether you’re using your phone or camera, it’s a fun and creative way to capture the city’s winter charm. Want to join me? Check availability below!
Discover Lisbon old town
Lisbon has some incredible neighbourhoods, one of which is Alfama. It’s the oldest neighbourhood in the city with plenty of sights to discover. Start at the top of the hill at São Jorge Castle. The views are impressive, especially with the winter light!
After visiting the castle, you can walk down towards the two famous viewpoints: Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
With rainy weather, there are also beautiful sights to visit. For example, head over to the Lisbon Cathedral and see the enormous rosary up close.
Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon are on the edge of Alfama and are both worth visiting. If it’s dry, you can enjoy the flea market Feira da Ladra each Tuesday and Saturday.
New Year’s Eve in Lisbon
If you spend New Year’s Eve in Lisbon, you can enjoy multiple events. At midnight, there will be a fireworks display at Praça do Comércio. For an even more unique view of the fireworks, book a boat tour on the Tagus River and see the year change from the water!
Afterwards, there will be parties in town, but for most, you must either make a reservation or pay an entrance fee. Many parties will be in the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, and you can try the area around Pink Street in Lisbon.
My favourite indoor activities in Lisbon for winter days
Although one of the main reasons for me to move to Lisbon was the sun, I secretly love a cosy winter’s day. Here are some of my favourite places to visit, and favourite activities! See a pattern of food and crafts? 😉
Lisbon December events
Besides the Christmas markets, there will be some important events in Lisbon in December. Especially during the holidays, you can expect some closures. This includes public services like public transport and supermarkets. I made this handy list for you so you know the official holidays.
- December 1: Restauração da Independência, or Restoration of Independence Day. There is usually a parade on Avenida da Liberdade, and you can expect some closures.
- December 8: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição). Expect some closures.
- December 24: Christmas Eve (Véspera de Natal), expect closures.
- December 25: Christmas Day (Natal), most places will be closed.
- December 31: New Year’s Eve (Noite de Ano Novo), expect closures.
December day trips from Lisbon
With plenty of sunny weather in Lisbon in winter, it’s highly recommended to enjoy a day trip around Lisbon! Sintra is one of the most popular spots, with fewer crowds in winter! Last year, I went to Sintra National Palace in December and saw only two other people there!
Can you believe having a Sintra palace nearly to yourself? You can even visit a Christmas market in Sintra: Reino de Natal.
Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira always attract large crowds, but December is perfect for seeing these highlights! Remember to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes to Sintra. It’s always a bit colder here, as you are in the Sintra Mountains. From Sintra, you can continue your trip to Cabo da Roca to visit the most western part of Europe.
To enjoy more festive vibes, consider visiting Óbidos during Christmas. The medieval town is always an excellent spot to visit, but in December, you can see the Óbidos Christmas Village or Vila Natal.
Kids will especially love Santa’s house and its many activities, but the town also has beautiful decorations and fabulous restaurants. Vila Natal is from November 28th 2025, to January 4th 2026. The easiest way to get there is with an organised tour from Lisbon.
The winter weather is also perfect for a visit to Nazaré! The coastal town has a stunning beach, but it will be too cold for that. Instead, you might be lucky and witness the big waves Nazaré is known for! Surfers master up to 30-meter-tall waves, and new records are smashed each year. It’s an unforgettable experience!
Where to eat and drink in Lisbon?
Many love the Portuguese kitchen, and December is the perfect month to enjoy a special meal! I have made a selection of my favourites, both Portuguese and international restaurants. There are also several Michelin-star restaurants for which bookings are highly recommended! Restaurants like 2Monkeys and 100 Maneiras have long waiting lists.
Favourite Places to eat in Lisbon
Money-saving tip!
Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.
Where to stay in Lisbon
The winter months definitely require a cosy hotel in Lisbon! I outlined three of my favourite Lisbon hotels below, but you can also use the map. Remember, many homes and apartments don’t have heaters and air conditioning is commonly used to heat the rooms. Most accommodations will have air conditioning or a portable heating unit, but check before completing your booking.
📍 Budget-friendly option: The Nicola Rossio Hotel is next to the Christmas market, and decorations surround the hotel. It’s centrally located in downtown Lisbon and has a breakfast service.
📍 Mid-range gem: PortoBay Liberdade is an excellent hotel for the cold December weather. Come home to relax in the spa and indoor swimming pool (pictured), or book a massage. The 5-star hotel is right next to Avenida da Liberdade. There is a breakfast service and a bar.
📍 Treat yourself to luxury: The December weather is the perfect excuse to treat yourself, and there are many amazing options! Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel is perfect for those who like wellness and comfort. After a day walking in the city, you can enjoy the spa with wet and dry saunas and a hot tub. The certified eco-hotel is near Avenida da Liberdade. The Mediterranean Brasserie offers many dinner options, workshops, and wine tasting!
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Lisbon?
Yes! December is a surprisingly fantastic time to visit Lisbon. While it’s technically winter, there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy, and the crowds are much smaller than in peak season. You can explore Lisbon’s top sights without long lines, enjoy festive events, and take advantage of lower hotel prices.
Is Lisbon rainy in December?
It can be. December sees an average of 126.7 mm of rain, so expect some rainy days. But the weather is still mild (often around 15°C / 59°F), and the sun shines more often than you’d expect. Plus, there are plenty of great indoor activities.
Is Lisbon good for Christmas?
Absolutely! Lisbon goes all out for Christmas. You’ll find Christmas markets, festive events, and light installations all across the city. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree at Praça do Comércio, the holiday lights along Avenida da Liberdade, or the festive stalls in Rossio Square.
What to wear in Lisbon in December?
Layering is key. A warm jacket, sweater, and scarf are usually enough, with comfortable walking shoes for Lisbon’s hilly, cobbled streets. Bring an umbrella or raincoat, just in case.
Are attractions open in Lisbon during December?
Most attractions stay open throughout December, except on major holidays like Christmas Day (December 25th) and New Year’s Day (January 1st). Check the official websites for updated hours during the holidays.
Is December a cheap time to visit Lisbon?
It can be! December is part of Lisbon’s low season, so you’ll often find better deals on hotels and flights, especially in the first half of the month, before the Christmas rush.
Would you visit Lisbon in December?
Visiting Lisbon in December is great for avoiding the busy high season in summer. Hotel prices are lower, and fewer people are visiting the sights. Many Portuguese tourists come to see the Christmas lights and markets, too, but the famous sights are much calmer to visit.
The Lisbon weather is often a bit rainy in December, but there are plenty of sunny days. The average high temperature is 15°C (59 °F), and the average low is 9°C (48.2 °F). Enjoy the winter months with pleasant temperatures and experience a Christmas in the sun!
Check out the other months and seasons in Lisbon Portugal
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