Seasonal Guide
Christmas in Lisbon
Christmas in Lisbon is mild, bright and low key in the best way. Expect festive lights rather than deep snow, long family lunches, and a calm, celebratory city that is easy to explore on foot.
Lights and Markets
A gentle, strolling Christmas
The main avenues and the downtown squares light up for the season, and seasonal markets appear within an easy walk of the centre. It is a gentle, strolling kind of Christmas: wander the lit streets, stop for a coffee and a slice of bolo rei, and watch the city celebrate at its own relaxed pace.
Traditions and Food
Family, food and a kitchen of your own
Christmas here is about family and food: late dinners, seasonal sweets like bolo rei and filhoses, and the traditional Christmas Eve bacalhau. Having a kitchen in the apartment makes it easy to bring home finds from the markets and keep your own pace, rather than working around hotel meal times.
Where to Stay
Where to stay at Christmas
Stay central, with space to gather. A serviced apartment gives you a kitchen and a living area for a proper family Christmas in the middle of the city. Residentas Áurea in Baixa, Residentas Apóstolos in Chiado, Residentas Arco do Bandeira by Rossio and Residentas São Pedro in Bairro Alto all put you a short, flat walk from the festive centre. See also our guide to Lisbon in winter.
Book direct with Residentas for our best rate and a €30 welcome voucher.