Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Portugal
Picture yourself celebrating Christmas in Porto's markets with all the lights. Lisbon's decorations lighting everything up, Sintra's romantic palaces, Madeira's New Year fireworks over the harbor. Attend midnight mass in churches with centuries of history, taste traditional bolo rei cake, explore medieval towns all decorated, warm up with ginjinha liqueur, watch those spectacular fireworks over Funchal's harbor when the new year comes in.
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Ching • traveled in January, 2026
The itinerary is intensive but it also arrange free time. Most main attractions can be visited.
Northern Portugal with Lisbon - G
George • traveled in October
Great visit to Portugal. We were met on time by driver's for airport transfers. I rate Porto as Great, Douro Valley - outstanding, Coimbra- excellent, Lisbon - good. Tours were not as advertised since we were grouped in large Gray Line tours while in Lisbon. Very little time to enjoy Sintra and Cascais.
Portugal Best Experience - 10 Days - D
Darren • traveled in May, 2025
Everything was great about this tour. The hotel was an excellent choice. The drivers from the port and to the airport were nice and much appreciated. Pedro, our main guide for three days was a joy to be with. A very knowledgeable and friendly guide, a safe driver, etc. On day two the power went out throughout Iberia, so Sintra closed on us (more reason to come back again). Pedro and the hotel worked hard, went above and beyond and took great care of us throughout. We highly recommend Pedro, the Lisboa Plaza Hotel and this tour company.
Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
Our traveler's Moments
10 best Christmas & New Year Portugal tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal travel expert at TourRadar
- Flavors of Portugal & Spain (Christmas Time) 2027
- Northern Portugal with Lisbon
- Portugal Best Experience - 10 Days
- Lisbon’s Charm, Douro’s Vineyards & Algarve W/5-Star Stays
- 5 Days in Lisbon: Culture, Coastlines & Charming Towns
- Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
- Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
- Highlights of Portugal - Lisbon, Alentejo, Sintra, Porto and Douro Valley
- Enticing Douro (Taste of Christmas) 2027
- Best of Lisbon and The Azores: City and Nature Wonders
Cruise Portugal's Douro River for seven nights aboard the AmaVida luxury ship over Christmas, stopping at Porto's historic quarter and the blue-tiled São Bento Railway Station. The ship serves festive meals like a Welcome Dinner and Captain's Gala, and you'll have a traditional home-cooked meal at Quinta da Avessada with live entertainment and unlimited Port wine tastings. Ages 12+.
Duration 8 days Destinations Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhao, Peso da Regua, Mateus, Lamego, Entre-os-Rios, Porto Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$3,549+$280 upfront costs
Northern Portugal with Lisbon
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved all hotels we stayed in, found the coach to be comfortable and the destinations amazing.”
Melissa, traveled in May
Portuguese festivities shine from Lisbon's holiday-lit Restauradores Square to Porto's seasonal wine tastings. The decorated streets of Óbidos welcome visitors while winter views await at Nazaré's elevator. Special holiday atmosphere pervades Roma Lisboa and AC Marriott Porto.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, Fatima, Porto, Braga, Guimaraes, Aveiro, CoimbraSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- US$863
Portugal Best Experience - 10 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The day trips were very interesting, and the hotels were centrally located, close enough to walk every day.”
Valerie, traveled in May
Duration 10 days Destinations Porto, Vila Nova da Gaia, Guimaraes, Braga, Pinhao, Fatima, Coimbra, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $3,180
36% Off- US$2,035You save $1,145
Duration 10 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto, Faro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
36% Off- US$4,682
5 Days in Lisbon: Culture, Coastlines & Charming Towns
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour and had a lovely time. Tour Radar has a great communication throughout with reminders and real time help.”
Ioana, traveled in March
Duration 5 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Evora Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator STM Tours LLC From $819
27% Off- US$598You save $221
Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very smooth, all timetables and bookings worked well with good people as guides.”
Gavin, traveled in November
Holiday magic fills Portugal with Christmas and New Year celebrations in historic settings. Special Fado shows, seasonal wine tastings, and illuminated city tours delight visitors. Turim Avenida hotel provides easy access to decorated Alfama streets and festive markets.
Duration 5 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Estoril, Cascais, Evora Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese Operator Portugal Travel Center From
27% Off- US$1,106
Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cities were charming and the food was excellent. Highly recommend.”
Zara, traveled in January
Traditional Fado shows in Lisbon and seasonal wine tastings in Porto's historic cellars mark the holidays. Sintra's palaces sparkle with Christmas charm (except Dec 24-25), while UNESCO-listed Porto hosts grand New Year celebrations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Pinhao Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese Operator Portugal Travel Center From
27% Off- US$1,898
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Portugal
What are the special Christmas & New Year events can I experience in Portugal?
Portugal's holiday season brings distinctive celebrations across the country. Funchal's Noite do Mercado draws locals and visitors for an all-night Christmas market where you can try local specialties like sandes de carne vinho alhos. In Fatima the Christmas Village displays traditional nativity scenes while Lisbon's Restauradores Square becomes a hub of seasonal activity with its bars and cafes. One TourRadar traveler mentioned "The Christmas festivities were wonderful especially the Funchal market and decorations that brought the whole city to life."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in Portugal?
The peak holiday season in Portugal requires advance planning with bookings recommended 6-8 months ahead. Hotels such as the Mercure Porto Centro and SANA Rex in Lisbon often reach capacity by September. Travelers should note that airfare costs tend to rise sharply 3-4 months before the holidays. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The best hotels and New Year's Eve events were fully booked four months ahead so early planning is essential for the festive season."
What's the weather like during Christmas & New Year in Portugal?
Winter in mainland Portugal brings moderate temperatures. Lisbon sees daily averages of 15°C (59°F) and nighttime temperatures of 8°C (46°F). Porto runs slightly cooler with daytime temperatures of 14°C (57°F) and nights at 5°C (41°F). Madeira offers warmer conditions around 20°C (68°F). A TourRadar traveler reports: "The weather was perfect for sightseeing during Christmas week - not too cold and mostly sunny days."
Which regions in Portugal are best for a Christmas and New Year tour?
Lisbon Porto and Madeira stand out as key destinations for holiday tours. Lisbon comes alive with Christmas markets while Porto offers seasonal river cruises and wine cellar visits. Madeira particularly Funchal draws crowds for its New Year's Eve fireworks. Quality accommodations include the NEYA Porto Hotel and Hotel do Carmo in Funchal with special holiday packages. As shared by a TourRadar traveler "Spending Christmas between Lisbon and Porto gave us the perfect mix of city festivities and cultural experiences."
What are the must-try Portuguese Christmas & New Year foods and drinks?
Holiday dining in Portugal centers on traditional dishes. Look for Bacalhau da Consoada a special cod preparation in Porto's Ribeira district and Bolo Rei from Lisbon's Alfama bakeries. New Year's brings Caldo Verde soup and midnight champagne toasts. The Douro Valley presents holiday wine tastings. One TourRadar traveler shared "The Christmas Eve dinner at our hotel in Porto included twelve traditional dishes representing the twelve apostles making it a truly authentic experience."
What cultural traditions can I experience during Christmas & New Year in Portugal?
Religious and cultural customs define Portugal's holiday season. Visitors can attend Midnight Mass in Fátima or take part in Porto's New Year's tradition of eating 12 raisins at midnight at São Bento Station. Vila Galé hotels across the country host traditional Jantar de Consoada Christmas Eve dinners. A TourRadar traveler shared "Participating in the midnight mass at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon followed by the traditional feast was a highlight of our Christmas tour."
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