We're officially into the Christmas season and all the streets of Porto are decorated with sparkling lights, giant Christmas trees, and, of course, Christmas markets! Wherever you are, there's a Christmas market on every corner, from Porto and Gaia to Maia and Matosinhos.
Every year around this time, people travel to different parts of the world to visit the countless Christmas markets, not only to learn about the traditions of each country but also to get into the Christmas spirit.
Porto District is no exception: you can enjoy the Christmas season in every city, from Porto to the other side of the Douro River, in Gaia, to Maia and Matosinhos. In Portugal, Christmas Markets are the ideal opportunity for local artisans, traders, and businesses to introduce themselves and their work to the public.
So, wherever you are, there's a Christmas Market for you - with our 5 suggestions it'll be hard to choose!
Praça da Batalha
Praça da Batalha is usually a place where you can find stalls selling handicrafts, but this Christmas season it's completely transformed into a little Christmas village!
At this market, you can buy fashion accessories and jewellery for the fashionistas, toys for the youngsters, local gastronomic products for the sweet tooth, and vinyls for music lovers.
If you keep up the tradition of writing a letter to Father Christmas, you can always hand-deliver it to him, because at the Christmas Market in Praça da Batalha there's a Santa Claus’ house ready for the task!
This market is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m.) until 30 December 2023, so don't miss the chance to take a trip to downtown Porto and visit Praça da Batalha.
Jardim da Cordoaria
If you want to stay in the centre of Porto, we also recommend the Jardim da Cordoaria Christmas Market, next to the Clérigos Tower!
Besides the typical small stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and food, you can also see an “Enchanted Forest” - an exhibition of 14 Christmas trees painted by renowned urban artists. You can also "travel" to one of Europe's capitals by the Parisian Carousel, a typically French and Christmassy attraction, ideal for kids and adults alike!
Source: https://agendaculturalporto.org/eventos/mercado-de-natal-jardim-da-cordoaria/
Matosinhos
Christmas markets are also a great opportunity to buy presents to put under the tree or to give away at Secret Santa dinners. Even more so when it comes to the Matosinhos market, as it contains around 80 local craftspeople, artists and traders and hundreds of sustainable and original options to offer.
This is the 28th edition of this craft fair dedicated to Christmas and it's even more diverse, with traditional products as well as decorations and jewellery, design products and, for the first time, a bookshop for the bookworms out there!
As well as taking a tour of all the stalls, you can also see the Christmas lights and take photos on the swings and with the giant Christmas tree in the background.
You have until 23 December to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit in the city of Matosinhos!
Source: https://www.leca-palmeira.com/fama-natal-feira-de-artesanato-de-matosinhos-ate-23-de-dezembro/
World of Wine
A giant Christmas tree, carousels, and a breathtaking view of the city of Porto? At the World of Wine, you'll find that and much more! In Gaia, the World of Wine will once again dazzle all those who visit the Christmas Market, as it is transformed into a small theme park - which appeals to young and old both.
The space is full of activities, from stalls to buy presents, a carousel, Christmas lights, trampolines, and inflatables. And on rainy days, the fun doesn't have to stop: there's a covered area to deal with the greyest of days!
Meet Father Christmas and enjoy the Christmas season overlooking Porto at the World of Wine until 7 January!
Source: https://www.dn.pt/viver/wow-acende-luzes-de-arvore-de-natal-gigante-no-sabado-17380951.html
Maia
Christmas markets and winter are synonymous with... ice rinks! In Maia, as well as the typical stalls, you'll also have the chance to test your ice-skating skills!
And, if Christmas is your excuse to be extra gluttonous, then the Maia Christmas Market is ideal: this edition is even more dedicated to sweets: ice creams, “brigadeiros” the typical Brazilian little sweets, ice-creams, hot chocolate, French crepes and many other delicious temptations.
If, on the other hand, you'd prefer to avoid sweets, then, of course, you can't miss the typical sale of handicrafts, jewellery, toys, and even books - there are a total of 26 stands to take a look at!
Take the opportunity to show off your artistic skills on the ice or have a sweet treat in Maia - you have until 31 December; all you have to do is convince your friends!
Source: https://www.visitmaia.pt/eventos/mercadinho-de-natal-maia-natal-2023
We think these 5 Christmas Market suggestions will be enough for you to enjoy this cold Christmas season here in Portugal in the best possible way!
Now all we must do is wish you luck because we know it's going to be hard to choose which Christmas Market to visit first in Porto!