Christmas & New Year Tours 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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Viviana • traveled in July, 2025
My trip to Portugal was great. The hotels were very good and the agency was always available and helpful.
Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal - J
JAY • traveled in October, 2025
I would not use Tourradar or its operator, Wanderful Holidays again. First there was not the promised pickup at the Libson airport so I had to call the emergency contact and leave a message. Then the first Libson hotel was very bad...you had to carry you luggage up a flight of steps with no handrail just to get to the old lift at floor zero. Then take that to find a person at reception at floor 1. The room sink countertop was varnished plywood and 6 ft window over sink with shutters had massive paint curled and peeling. The old floors creaked loudly. The tour company booked tours for my first two days departing hotel before their breakfast service even started at 8am...so no buffet breakfast for me. You could do this tour without them and save hundreds through Portugal by simply online booking minivan tours through "Livingtours" and taking Uber or taxis to their tour office to then catch tours. That is what Tourradar did. I was alone and sat with strangers on minivan half day or full day tours with Livingtours. I almost missed my scheduled train from Libson to Porto because Tourradar clearly did not allow enough time, even for moving traffic of 40 minutes. I never got to my assigned 1st class seat ( I sat 11 cars away in second class) because there was not time to move to my reserved seat/car down the platform. The second hotel was better, in Porto, but they booked me , a 300 lb man in a twin bed. I could not even push the twins together because of a fixed, mounted to the wall side table between them. Sleep was not good. On one of the Porto day trips I had to pay for lunch on my own, even though voucher/itinerary said " included lunch". I did seek reimbursement from Tourradar on that. The tour operator company was too wordy and lengthy in their call center communications via What's App. I would not book travel through them.
Portugal: Lisbon, All-inclusive Algarve w/Douro valley cruise - C
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
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
- Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
- 5 Days in Lisbon: Culture, Coastlines & Charming Towns
- Portugal: Lisbon, All-inclusive Algarve w/Douro valley cruise
- 5 Days Lisbon and Fatima City Adventure
- Northern Portugal with Lisbon
- Enticing Douro (Taste of Christmas) 2027
- Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
- Best of Lisbon and The Azores: City and Nature Wonders
- Highlights of Portugal - Lisbon, Alentejo, Sintra, Porto and Douro Valley
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
Best of Lisbon Tour (with Sintra, Évora and Cascais) - 5 Days in Portugal
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent Fado show and excellent dinner at historic restaurant.”
Ray, traveled in August
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
- US$1,133
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 $838
27% Off- US$612You save $226
Portugal: Lisbon, All-inclusive Algarve w/Douro valley cruise
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were a little away from the water. Shuttle transfers weren't as timely as they could have been.”
Thomas, traveled in September
Portugal's festive season comes alive at Lisbon's Christmas markets and Fatima's Basilica. The journey features holiday wine tastings in Porto's cellars and New Year celebrations in Albufeira. December departures include festive meals and seasonal activities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lisbon, Fatima, Sintra, Porto, Pinhao, Albufeira, Faro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,699
10% Off- US$3,329You save $370
5 Days Lisbon and Fatima City Adventure
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It truly took my breath away! Tour radar made it so easy to get from point A to point B.”
Spencer, traveled in January
Lisbon's streets come alive with festive lights while sacred celebrations unfold in Fatima. The Sanctuary of Fatima and Basilica of Our Lady welcome winter visitors. Package includes 4-star hotels, breakfast, and inter-city transfers.
Duration 5 days Destinations Lisbon, Fatima Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $736
32% Off- US$500You save $235
Northern Portugal with Lisbon
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary is intensive but it also arrange free time. Most main attractions can be visited.”
Ching, traveled in June
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
32% Off- US$863
This 8-day cruise through Northern Portugal's UNESCO-listed Douro Valley aboard AmaDouro or AmaSintra takes you to terraced vineyards and historic quintas. Try festive Portuguese cuisine and Port wine at Quinta da Avessada in Régua, walk through baroque gardens at Palacio de Mateus, and have an exclusive holiday dinner at Quinta da Roêda estate in Pinhão.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Mateus, Vega de Terron, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Salamanca, Pinhao, Lamego Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
32% Off- US$3,799+$280 upfront costs
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours 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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