The streets are filled with colourful balls, stars and bows and several façades exhibit their decorations. The store windows also become more exuberant, in a contest to show which one is the most creative of all. Not to mention the traditional Christmas trees.
The magic of walking through the streets of Lisboa during this time of the year is enhanced by indispensable details on the itinerary, such as a visit to the animations and the little Christmas markets. Differently from other European capitals, there are small points of sale spread throughout all of Lisboa. There are markets from Alvalade to Belém, passing through Rossio. But they also exist in Almada, Sintra and Cascais. They promise entertainment and fun, side by side with an invitation to discover the national handicraft and to try traditional gastronomic specialities as well as seasonal delicacies.
The recreational activities dedicated to Christmas are also unmissable. For kids and adults, there are artificial ice-skating rinks, decorated tourist trains running through the main streets of Lisboa, small decorated villages with visits to Santa Claus, parades and concerts.
With this many activities, it is easy to work up an appetite and during the Christmas season there are traditional recipes to which no one remains indifferent. In Lisboa, the most popular dish on Christmas Eve, 24th December, is the ‘bacalhau com todos’ (‘codfish with everything’), which means cooked codfish with vegetables and potatoes. The tradition was upheld until today due to the influence of the catholic church. Besides the religious practices, one of the main traditions in Lisboa is having roasted stuffed turkey for lunch on Christmas day. This dish became popular before the 16th century, in a time when these birds filled the streets and were sold for Christmas Eve.
The traditional dishes of the season are joined by the desserts to round off the meal. Coscorões, azevias, sonhos, aletria, arroz doce, fatias douradas… (all traditional Portuguese desserts). The proposals are many but the highlight goes to the bolo rei (King’s cake). Shaped like a crown, with Christmas colours, thanks to the candied fruits, and a characteristic flavour, this dessert stands out on the Portuguese tables.
Christmas in Lisboa is experienced like this, with all five senses.
Merry Christmas!
