December arrives in Porto with that special atmosphere that blends tradition, lights, music, and plenty of entertainment. It’s a month filled with markets, shows, gastronom,y and cultural programs, and those staying at Almada234, right on Rua do Almada, are at the heart of it all. From here, the city literally unfolds at your doorstep.

If you’re planning a getaway during this season, December is the ideal time to book your stay.

The magic of lights and shows at the Aliados

The Christmas lights are officially switched on November 29, always a highly anticipated moment. The giant tree at Praça General Humberto Delgado, the “Missão Nutcrackers” video mapping, and the 94 illuminated streets create the perfect setting for evening strolls.

Throughout the month, the Aliados Stage hosts free concerts, from Mariza to Capitão Fausto and Rita Rocha, turning this area into one of the liveliest in the city.

Staying at Almada234, you can reach all this festive scenery on foot in less than two minutes.

Artistic immersion at Clérigos

The Immersive Clérigos Concert – Spiritus Natalis cycle offers a unique experience combining live music with 360º projections. Christmas classics such as The First Noel and Silent Night come to life in a performance where art, technology, and spirituality meet.

An ideal program for those who appreciate innovative presentations in historical settings.

Flavor and creativity at The Champions Burger

Until December 21, Parque da Cidade hosts the European final of The Champions Burger, bringing together more than 20 food trucks specialising in gourmet burgers. It’s a relaxed, mouth-watering event where each proposal has a fixed price, and visitors can vote for the “Best Smash Burger”.

A distinct gastronomic alternative during your stay.

Christmas market and entertainment at Cordoaria

The traditional Cordoaria Christmas Market returns to bring life to Jardim João Chagas, with artisanal products, Santa’s House, children’s workshops, and roaming entertainment. In the nearby Largo do Amor de Perdição, the ice rink, the Parisian carouse,l and the Christmas Tent offer activities for visitors of all ages – all within a few minutes’ walk from Almada234.

December classics: from the Christmas Circus to musicals

The city offers a wide cultural program this season:

• The Coliseu Christmas Circus, a Porto icon since 1941, returns with an original show from December 12 to January 4.
• Family-friendly musicals such as The Little Mermaid on Ice, Garfield – A Musical with “Gatitude” (Super Bock Arena) and They Stole Christmas! (Teatro Sá da Bandeira).
• Candlelight Christmas at Palácio da Bolsa, which transforms the emblematic building into a glowing scene lit by hundreds of candles to the sound of a string quartet.

Light-filled experiences beyond the city center

For those wanting to explore something different, Greater Porto offers two highly popular proposals:

• Luzes Selvagens at Zoo Santo Inácio: a nighttime trail with more than 600 illuminated figures, including animals and dinosaurs.
• Ballet of Lights at Auditório Francisco de Assis: a luminous reinterpretation of Sleeping Beauty, featuring fiber-optic costumes and visual effects in the dark.

A special journey: the return of the Christmas Tram

From December 3^rd to January 6^th, the historic Christmas Tram returns to the tracks, offering a themed ride that evokes the tradition and nostalgia of the season. A memorable experience for families and lovers of the city.

Preparing for New Year’s Eve in Porto

For many, December culminates in the celebration of the new year. Outdoor concerts, thousands of people at Aliados, and a unique festive atmosphere make this one of Porto’s most iconic nights. You can read the dedicated article on the Almada234 blog: New Year’s Eve in Porto. And enjoy other articles that complement this guide: Christmas in Porto and December Holidays in Porto.

Stay at the center of everything: book December at Almada234

Almada234 is the perfect base to experience Porto in December: close to the Christmas lights, markets, major cultural attractions, and the best seasonal events. A stay here guarantees comfort, centrality, and the opportunity to enjoy the city authentically, on foot and without complications.

For more events and updated programming, you can check Porto’s Cultural Agenda.