Tomorrow is December, also a bank holiday in Portugal, and what a better day to get enjoy the new installations and events that are opening in Lisbon? There are loads of Christmas activities and markets, but also theater and workshops.

Here is my selection for this month, but you find more in my Lisbon with kids Agenda. Ready for the fun?

  1. Enjoy the upcoming videomapping installations at Reservatorio Patriarcal: Impressive Monet & Brilliant Klimt, Mysterious Egypt at Immersivus Gallery Lisbon and the latest festive addition Frida Khalo show. The 3 installations happen on alternate schedule every day (except Mondays), so you can check them all in one sit (last about 30 minutes each).
  2. If you are looking for a sustainable Christmas Tree be sure to check Pinheiro Bombeiro: more options for real and Christmas trees are included in my list Lisbon with kids Christmas tips.
  3. A pequena Sereia is a musical version of Little Mermaid of H.C. Andersen more famous fairytale. It takes place at Teatro Politeama and it’s a great way to practice your Portuguese.
  4. Wonderland Lisboa is back after a year break: a Christmas village with free entrance, a panoramic wheel (don’t bring the stroller if you want to go on it) ice skate rink, carousels food and artisanal vendors and plenty of fun for the whole family. Open from 1st December until January 2nd
  5. Rossio Christmas Market: a one month long Christmas Market with food and artisanal vendor. You can also catch the little Santa train for free right next to the market and enjoy a ride to appreciate Baixa and the Christmas lights.
  6. DAY by Carsten Höller at MAAT it’s the best program for a rainy day: an interactive exhibition for kids all age: check the Mercantina Restaurant for a brunch on weekends, but only until 12.00.
  7. Magical Garden: Alice in Wonderland will be open until April, but now it’s proably a great time to visit. If you can’t go in the evening, you can always check the garden during the day, and see the installations (without light, of course)
  8. Music Room is organizing Christmas themed Fun Days for kids 5-8 YO during upcoming bank holidays: they will have a morning and afternoon option.
  9. Another Family teather piece is O Meu Melhor Amigo – My best friend, a piece about fur animals at Teatro Maria Matos.
  10. Winter Kids Market is Market with lots of local brands happening at Cavalariças of Pestanha Palace 4th and 5th of December.
  11. Gemma Urban is leading many artistic workshops weekly at Oficina Imposivel. Check her page
  12. If you are looking for Christmas shows, than you can check Christmas Show – A Kind of Musical by BYfurcação’s (in Portuguese) at Auditório Carlos Paredes, in Benfica.
  13. If you are looking for 1 Christmas themed getaway, you should definetely check Vila Natal in Obidos: a fortified city that become a Chirstmas village for the month of December
  14. Edp Planeta Zero Market is perfect if you are looking for a sustainable approach to Christmas or to spend a rainy afternoon around Belem: sustainable brand, a real Santa with its mailbox, a DIY Ornament corner, a big swing and the possibility of rent a Christmas tree for Pinheiro Bombeiro… What are you wainting for?
  15. Also in CCB, check Architect at play, an installation about architecture at Garagem Sul with daily workshops for kids 4 and above
  16. Reino Natal in Sintra is a perfect full immersion in the Christmas vibe, right 30 minutes by train or car from Lisbon: Santa village, Christmas market, plenty of workshops and events for the kids and the whole village is covered in lights.
  17. An International Circus will be in town, perfoming at Coliseo dos Recreios only 3 times in December : 5/12, 19/12 and 25/12. From 3 YO and above.
  18. Quinta Azenhas Workshops are about connecting to nature. Check their IG page for more info
  19. More Christmas market happening in December: Mercado Design & Craft in Jardim da Estrela on weekend 4th/5th December and following too, Santos Collective (every weekend from 4th December until 1th), Dona Ajuda with local charities selling their products,
  20. More Christmas Villages to explore out of Lisbon: Cascais Vila Natal with Panoramic Wheel and Aldeia de Natal in Seixal