In Porto, Christmas is lived slowly, around a beautifully set table and stories passed down from generation to generation. The streets light up, the cold invites you indoors, and inside the home, the aromas of cinnamon, aletria, and Port wine announce that the most special time of the year has arrived. More than a religious celebration, Christmas in Porto is a moment of togetherness, sharing, and, above all, soulful gastronomy.

Christmas Eve Dinner: the reign of “bacalhau com todos.”

The night of December 24th is marked by the classic “bacalhau com todos”, boiled cod served with potatoes, cabbage, eggs, and generously drizzled with olive oil. Simple in essence, this dish symbolises unity and sharing, the core values of Christmas Eve.

In Porto, as in many homes in the North, there is room for variation: some families choose octopus, others add chickpeas or transform the cod into sautéed flakes. But the spirit remains the same: gathering around the table and celebrating together.

Christmas Day: comfort food and hearty flavours

Christmas Day brings richer, more comforting dishes. Leftovers from Christmas Eve are transformed into the traditional roupa velha, where cod and cabbage find new life in a hot pan. At lunch, oven-roasted meats such as veal or turkey are common, and in many households, roasted kid goat still holds its place, especially among families with rural roots. Dessert closes the meal on a high note: fluffy pão de ló, served with a glass of Port wine.

Christmas sweets, Porto style

Christmas in Porto would be incomplete without its dessert table. Rabanadas reign supreme, often made with Port wine, giving them a deep and unmistakable flavour. Creamy aletria, light sonhos, and crispy filhoses complete the spread.

Local tip: To taste some of the best versions, visit historic pastry shops such as Pérola do Bolhão, Confeitaria do Bolhão, or Leitaria da Quinta do Paço, where tradition is still very much alive.

A toast full of flavour: Port wine at the Christmas table

More than a drink, Port wine is part of the city’s identity. It appears in desserts, in rabanadas and, of course, in toasts shared with family and friends. A Ruby Port pairs beautifully with fried sweets, while an aged Tawny is perfect with dried fruits and pão de ló.

While Christmas gives Porto a very special charm, the truth is that the city knows how to welcome visitors in every season. In spring, the streets come alive with longer days and bustling terraces; in summer, the Douro River, the sea, and popular festivals create a unique atmosphere; in autumn, golden tones and comforting gastronomy invite a slower pace of life.