December brings a different atmosphere to Porto: festive lights, Christmas sweets, seasonal markets and streets made for evening walks. 

If you are planning a Christmas city break, it is worth booking before December arrives. Some festive events around Porto are already confirmed for Christmas 2026, while the city’s own Christmas market dates are still being announced. 

Here are some of the markets and festive destinations to keep on your list. 

Christmas markets in Porto 

Porto usually has more than one Christmas market in and around the historic centre, making it easy to combine festive shopping with a day exploring the city. 

Two locations worth watching for 2026 are Jardim da Cordoaria and Praça da Batalha, both of which hosted Christmas markets in recent editions. 

Cordoaria Christmas Market 

The Jardim da Cordoaria, also known as Jardim João Chagas, has been one of Porto’s main Christmas locations in recent editions. 

The market traditionally brings together stalls selling crafts, regional products, jewellery, toys, food and Christmas gifts, alongside seasonal entertainment and family attractions. 

In 2025, the Christmas programme at Cordoaria also included festive attractions nearby. 

The 2026 dates have not yet been officially confirmed, so check the programme closer to your stay. 

From Almada234, Cordoaria is easily reached through the city centre, making it a natural stop during a Christmas afternoon in Porto. 

Christmas Market at Praça da Batalha 

Praça da Batalha is another regular festive market location in central Porto. 

In recent editions, Mercado da Alegria – Natal has brought together Portuguese crafts, ceramics, jewellery, clothing, toys, food products and other gift ideas. 

Its location also makes it easy to combine with São Bento, Rua de Santa Catarina and the Christmas lights through the Baixa. 

The dates for the 2026 edition are still awaiting official confirmation. 

Christmas lights in the Baixa 

The markets are only part of Christmas in Porto. Avenida dos Aliados, Rua de Santa Catarina, São Bento, Clérigos and the surrounding streets traditionally become some of the city’s main festive areas once the Christmas lights are switched on. 

An evening walk through the centre is therefore one of the simplest ways to enjoy Porto at this time of year, particularly when combined with a Christmas market, a stop for Bolo-Rei or some Christmas shopping. 

Matosinhos at Christmas 

Matosinhos is another easy addition to a December stay in Porto and has hosted the FaMa Christmas Market at Parque Basílio Teles in previous editions. 

The market traditionally brings together artisans and seasonal products in the centre of Matosinhos. 

The 2026 dates are still to be officially confirmed, so check the programme before planning your visit. 

Matosinhos is easy to reach by Metro and can be combined with lunch or dinner in a city particularly well known for its fish and seafood restaurants. 

Perlim and the Christmas Market in Santa Maria da Feira 

Perlim: 28 November–30 December 2026 

Christmas Market: 28 November–30 December 2026 

For families, Santa Maria da Feira is one of the main Christmas destinations near Porto. 

In 2026, Perlim returns for its 18th edition at Quinta do Castelo, with shows, themed areas, activities and entertainment created particularly for families and children. 

The Christmas Market in the historic centre adds food and drinks, crafts and Christmas products to the experience. 

This is more than a quick market stop, so it is worth dedicating a substantial part of the day to Santa Maria da Feira. 

Braga Christmas Market 

1 December 2026–6 January 2027 | Avenida Central 

Braga is another option for a festive day trip from Porto. 

The Braga Christmas Market returns to Avenida Central from 1 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, as part of the wider Braga é Natal programme. 

The market brings together traditional and contemporary crafts, decorative items, gifts, food and seasonal sweets. 

Braga is easy to reach by train from Porto, making it possible to spend the day exploring the historic centre and return in the evening. 

Christmas tastes in Porto 

December is also the time to look for some of Portugal’s traditional Christmas flavours. 

Bolo-Rei, Bolo-Rainha, rabanadas and sonhos appear in bakeries and cafés across the city, while Mercado do Bolhão is a good place to discover seasonal products and traditional food. 

A stop for something sweet can easily become part of a day spent between markets, shopping and Christmas lights. 

Stay in the heart of Christmas 

Almada234 is located on Rua do Almada, close to Avenida dos Aliados, placing you within easy reach of Porto’s festive streets, shopping areas, cafés and restaurants. 

Spend the day between Christmas markets and shops, return to the apartment for a break and head back outside when the lights come on. 

For festive trips beyond the centre, Matosinhos is accessible by Metro, Braga by train, while Santa Maria da Feira works well as a dedicated day trip. 

Planning a Christmas break in Porto? Discover the Almada234 apartments and stay in the heart of the city. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are there Christmas markets in Porto in 2026? 

Porto traditionally hosts several Christmas markets and festive events in the city centre. The full programme for 2026 has not yet been announced, but Cordoaria and Praça da Batalha are among the locations that have hosted Christmas markets in recent editions. 

Where are the main Christmas markets in Porto? 

In recent years, Christmas markets have taken place at Jardim da Cordoaria and Praça da Batalha, among other locations in the city centre. 

What Christmas markets near Porto are confirmed for 2026? 

Confirmed options include the Christmas Market in Santa Maria da Feira, running from 28 November to 30 December 2026, and the Braga Christmas Market, from 1 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. 

When is Perlim in 2026? 

Perlim takes place in Santa Maria da Feira from 28 November to 30 December 2026. 

Is Porto worth visiting at Christmas? 

Yes. December brings Christmas lights, markets, traditional sweets, shopping and seasonal events to the city, particularly around the historic centre. 

What traditional Christmas sweets should I try in Porto? 

Look for Bolo-Rei, Bolo-Rainha, rabanadas and sonhos, which are widely available in Porto’s bakeries and cafés during the Christmas season. 

Where should I stay for Christmas in Porto? 

A central location makes it easier to combine Christmas markets, shopping, restaurants and evening walks. Almada234 is located on Rua do Almada, close to Avenida dos Aliados.