Yes. It’s happening. Certain people we won’t mention by name have their Christmas teees out. Hooray. While we’re not quite ready to be in the spirit, maybe some of you are gearing up, because Lisbon sure is. Here are a few things that are on deck that could potentially get us prepped for the silly season and a happy 2025.
November 23 | LIGHT UP LISBOA | Terreiro do Paço & Benfica | 18h30 | FREE | Official Christmas Tree Lighting at Praça do Comércio and Baldaya Palace in Benfica
The City of Lisbon is officially kicking off the Christmas season this Saturday, November 23, with the lighting ceremony of the humongous Christmas tree in Praça do Comércio followed by a pretty trippy light show. Bring the kids, grab some mulled wine, and finish it off with a concert by the singer Aurea, whose set list includes songs inspired by Christmas-themed films.
Benfica will also join in the holiday spirit with live music on Saturday as it officially turns on its Christmas lights and launches its neighborhood festa at the Baldaya Palace at 18h30. But the parish’s activities aren’t limited to holiday cheer. That same day starting at 10h, the gardens of this iconic cultural space will host the return of the Vinyl Fair, following its successful edition in June. Visitors can explore dozens of exhibitors offering records, LPs, and singles spanning various genres and eras, along with accessories and turntable parts.
December 6 | ORCHESTRA CONCERT | Bica | 21h | FREE | Os Bachs – Concert for Choir, Soloists and Baroque Orchestra at Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Mercês
Conductor João Barros will lead a choir, a few soloists, and an orchestra through seven generations of Bach family compositions starting with arrangements dating back to the 13th-century. And thanks to Lisboa Cultura EGEAC, you can hear it for free. Just pick up your tickets at the venue on the day of the show, starting at 20h. Two tickets per person and kids under six are a no-go.
December 7 | ORGAN CONCERT | Sé | 15h | FREE | Organ Cycle Concert at Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa
The accomplished organist Sérgio Silva will be tickling the ivories at the Santo António church, rounding out their 2024 organ cycle. Fun fact: The original chapel was built in the 15th century on the site where Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, was born, was demolished by the 1755 earthquake, and re-built in 1812. This organ itself was commissioned by the Lisbon City Council in 1872.
December 7 | DJ SET | Avenida | 21h30 | FREE | Batida X Tigerman DJ Set at Capitólio
EGEAC is got a little funky and invited the Afro-electronic DJ, Batida (Pedro Coquenão), to team up with the Legendary Tigerman (Paulo Furtado). Batida is known for his work in radio, hid visual art, and as an author, filmmaker, and theatre director. The Legendary Tigerman, meanwhile, is an artist, musician, and composer whose background is in theatre, cinema, photography, and directing. This back-to-back DJ set is free to attend, subject to space capacity and availability. Just show up at the venue starting at 19h30 and grab your tickets at the door (maximum two per person).
December 7 – 29 | CHRISTMAS CIRCUS | Restauradores | 15h | 25 – 30€ | Lisbon Coliseum International Circus Company 2024
This circus has taken over the Coliseu dos Recreios for 134 years and has therefore become a Lisbon Christmas tradition. Check out what magic, sparkle, contortion, and death-defying feats will take place this year from its cast of international acts and artists. And before you come for us, just know that there are no animals in this one. You grab tickets and see showtimes here.
December 12 – 29 | BALLET | Parque das Nações | Showtimes Vary | 15 – 30€ | Alice in Wonderland
CNB’s production of Lewis Carroll’s masterpiece, Alice in Wonderland, premiered in 2021 at Teatro Camões and is returning to the stage this Christmas! Set to music by PI Tchaikovsky, choreographed by Howard Quintero, and co-produced by RTP this fan favorite will be a hit for the holidays. Follow the white rabbit and get your tickets here.
December 13 | MUSIC & PERFORMANCE | Areeiro | 21h | FREE | Lyvro from the Island of Mactan Iberian and Diaspora Christmas Music from the 15th and 16th Centuries at Igreja de São João de Deus.
It’s been more than 500 years since Magellan first circumnavigated the globe, but we here in Portugal still can’t stop talking about it. Join the conversation with Lyvro de Ilha de Mactan and listen to the sounds of his voyages from the Canary Islands to the fateful Mactan Islands, where Magellan met his match in battle. This performance asks what would have happened if he had followed another path. Who knows? This could get a little funky. Tickets are free and can be picked up at the venue on the day of the show starting at 20h. Maximum two tickets per person and you have to be over six years old to attend.
December 14 | THEATER | Benfica | 11h | 7,50€ | Pinoccio at the Cine-Teatro Turim (Youth Theater)
We all know the story, but does your kid? Bring them over to the Cine-Teatro Turim and (re)introduce them to Geppetto and his famous marionette made from the trunk of an enchanted tree. The whole cast of characters will be there too. Will you? Let your conscience be your guide!
December 14 | CHRISTMAS OLDIES | Avenida | 21h30 | FREE | The Lucky Duckies at Capitólio
The Lucky Duckies have been putting on vintage swing and rock’n’roll shows for over 30 years, so they know a thing or two about how to perform the Rat Pack, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Chuck Berry, and the like. They’ll be putting their own spin on holiday favorites like “Santa Baby,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” as well as a few of original tunes. There will also be a tribute to António Variações, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the rock, pop, and blues artist’s death. And since this is put on by EGEAC, you know the drill: Entry is free but you have to get tickets at the venue starting at 20h30 on the day of the show. Max two tickets per person and sorry, but no kids under six.
December 15 | CHORAL CONCERT | Cais do Sodré | 15h | FREE | Capela Nova Choir at Igreja São Paulo
How about a little Christmas Cantata a cappella? After a few Latin liturgical texts, this choir program will kick off with a program Beginning with four European and Portuguese traditional choral music with a selection of movements from Fernando Lopes-Graça’s First Christmas Cantata. If you can’t make it, you can always catch the show in Mafra on December 6 at 21h, at the Church of Santo Estêvão das Galés.
December 20 | ORCHESTRA CONCERT | Loures | 21h | FREE | Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra at Pavilhão Paz e Amizade
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Haydn’s final symphony, Corelli’s most famous concerto, and other emblematic melodies from this free program presented by the Metropolitan Orchestra. The theme of the show is peace and joy, and hell, we could all use a little of that! Might just be worth the drive up to Loures to get it.
to December 31 | EXHIBIT | Baixa Chiado | Tue – Thu, 10h – 18h; Fri – Sat, 10h – 20h | 5 – 15€ | The Building on Display
Lisbon City Council’s cultural facility, The Museum of Design Lisboa (MUDE), reopened to the public this past July after undergoing massive renovations over the last decade. Now, you can see what went into the process and gain some insight into the architectural transformations that occurred inside the building from Pomboline to modern structures at the exhibit The Building on Display. Stick around to see the rest of the museum as well— there are eight floors to explore!
December 31 | FIREWORKS & LIVE MUSIC | Terreiro do Paço | 24h | FREE | Lisbon’s New Year’s Eve Celebration 24/25
Celebrating the new year in Lisbon is easy- just head to Praça do Comércio at around sundown for live music beyond the countdown, check out the always jaw-dropping fireworks display, and cheers with your friends, family, or that stranger standing next to you to 2025. So far there’s been no announcements of who will be performing during the event, so stay tuned!
