Porto Christmas Markets
If you’ve chosen to spend this festive season with us, or to discover Porto at Christmas, prepare to experience one of the city’s most enchanting times of the year.
As December unfolds, Porto glows with shimmering lights, wooden chalets, and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air. Rather than a single Christmas market, the city offers a constellation of festive spaces across its most picturesque neighbourhoods.
Below, we’ve gathered the main ones, with details on their locations, atmosphere, and what makes each worth a visit.
1) Jardim da Cordoaria and Largo do Amor de Perdição – the city’s “official” market
Location: Jardim da Cordoaria, central Porto.
What it is: The main Christmas market organized by Porto City Hall and Ágora, serving as the core of the city’s urban celebrations. It typically features wooden chalets, an ice rink, and a carousel.
Typical dates: Late November to late December / early January (for example, editions starting around November 29–30 and ending between December 23 and January 6, depending on the year).
Opening hours: Weekdays usually from 11 a.m. to around 8–9 p.m.; extended hours on weekends (check the annual calendar).
What to find: Handicrafts, Christmas decorations, seasonal food and drink (mulled wine, sweets), children’s entertainment (ice rink, carousel), and a cultural program with live music and family activities. It’s the most “official” place to soak up the city’s Christmas spirit.
Source: @cmporto
2) Praça da Batalha – a scenic market in the historic heart
Location: Praça da Batalha, right in the city center, near Rua de Santa Catarina and Torre dos Clérigos.
What it is: A traditional market made up of dozens of wooden stalls, turning into a true Christmas village in the heart of the old town.
Typical dates: Late November to late December (some editions extend to December 30 or 31).
What to find: Local crafts and design products, souvenirs, decorative items, artisanal foods, and street food stands. Due to its central location, it’s one of the most visited markets by those exploring the city on foot.
Source: Cm Porto
3) Serralves Christmas Market – design, gastronomy, and culture
Location: Jardim de Serralves
What it is: A shorter market, usually taking place over a weekend or a few days in early December, focused on design, creative goods, and gourmet food, complemented by concerts and family activities.
Typical dates: First week of December (in recent editions, held during the first weekend of December, e.g., November 30–December 1; in 2025, it’s also scheduled for early December).
What to find: A curated selection of designers and local producers, gourmet food, creative workshops, and activities for families. It’s a more “cult” and niche alternative compared to the larger city markets.
Source: Fundação Serralves
4) WOW Christmas Market – wine, crafts, and panoramic views
Location: WOW Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia
What it is: A festive market set within the World of Wine cultural district, offering one of the most scenic Christmas experiences in Porto, overlooking the Douro River. It combines local craftsmanship, gastronomy, and wine culture with concerts, children’s activities, and light decorations spread across the open-air square.
Typical dates: From late November to early January
What to find: Local and regional artisans, gourmet food stalls, mulled wine, traditional sweets, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. The atmosphere is elegant yet cozy, perfect for an evening stroll with city views.
Source: @wow.porto
5) Mercado de Natal do Bolhão – tradition meets authenticity
Location: Mercado do Bolhão, Porto
What it is: A celebration of local culture and craftsmanship inside Porto’s most iconic market. This Christmas edition brings together food vendors, regional products, and small brands, creating a festive mix of flavors and stories in the heart of the city.
Typical dates: Early to late December
What to find: Handmade gifts, Porto delicacies, local wines, and typical Christmas desserts. It’s an authentic, community-driven market that captures the essence of Porto’s everyday life during the holiday season.
Source: Mercado do Bolhão
6) Matosinhos Christmas Market – seaside lights and family spirit
Location: Matosinhos (near Câmara Municipal / Jardim Basílio Teles)
What it is: One of the largest Christmas markets in Greater Porto, combining festive decorations, food stalls, an ice rink, and a Ferris wheel by the sea. It’s designed for families and visitors looking for a complete Christmas village experience.
Typical dates: From late November to early January (e.g., November 23, 2024 – January 6, 2025).
What to find: Artisanal crafts, gastronomy, hot drinks, traditional sweets, and plenty of entertainment – from live performances to Santa’s House. The proximity to the ocean gives it a unique winter-by-the-sea charm.
Source: Cm Matosinhos
7) Urban Market Xmas Edition
Location: The event is going to be at the Time Out Market Porto, located in the south wing of the São Bento Railway Station.
What it is: A contemporary twist on the Christmas market, blending gastronomy and design under one roof. The market features curated brands, pop-up food concepts, and seasonal events in a lively indoor setting, ideal for rainy December days.
Typical dates: The Christmas festivities ran from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
What to find: Designer gifts, gourmet food products, limited-edition menus from local chefs, and live music sessions. It’s the go-to market for those seeking a stylish, culinary take on the holiday season.
8) Other markets and events (Ribeira, Palácio de Cristal, themed fairs)
In addition to the main hubs, Porto often features other Christmas-themed spaces and events:
- Ribeira Market: Small fairs and pop-up events near the riverside area, often tied to local cultural or gastronomic venues.
- Palácio de Cristal Gardens: Occasionally host fairs or Christmas programming linked to concerts and cultural events.
- Pop-up and craft markets: Spread throughout the city (local shops, shopping centers, cultural associations), typically held from November to December; check the city’s cultural agenda for the specific year.
A Christmas in the City of Porto
The Christmas season in Porto is much more than lights and decorations, it’s a celebration of local culture, flavors, creativity, and togetherness. From Serralves to Cordoaria, from WOW in Gaia to the Bolhão Market, each location reveals a different facet of the city and invites you to experience Christmas in a unique way, blending tradition and modernity.
For those visiting Porto at this time of year, Hotels 705 offer the perfect starting point to explore this festive magic. Located near the main markets and inspired by the city’s sense of well-being and authenticity, they provide the ideal retreat after a day of exploring, shopping, and celebrating.
Between a glass of mulled wine, a view over the Douro, and the twinkling lights across the streets, Christmas in Porto becomes a truly memorable experience, and Hotels 705 are the perfect place to enjoy it in comfort and convenience.
Porto is one of those cities that reveals itself slowly, rewarding long strolls and spontaneous detours. But even if you only have a weekend, you can still experience its charm and character. With 48 hours in the city, this guide will help you balance essentials and hidden gems, combining history, culture, food, and, of course, unforgettable views. Think of it as a realistic itinerary: full of highlights, yet leaving space to pause, breathe, and fall in love with the city, and with reasons to come back.
Day 1 – The Essence of Porto: Iconic sights and subtle details
Morning: Tradition with a Side of Coffee
Start your first day in Porto with a good cup of coffee. Two excellent options are Café Guarany, an institution on Avenida dos Aliados with Art Deco interiors, or the more contemporary Combi Coffee, known for its specialty brews.
From there, walk along Avenida dos Aliados, the symbolic heart of Porto, lined with impressive façades and crowned by the City Hall tower. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the Clérigos Tower. Climb its 225 steps, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of the city, stretching from the Douro River to the Atlantic.
Afternoon: Bookshops, Gardens, and Local Art
Your next stop is the famous Livraria Lello, considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. With its neo-Gothic façade, intricate wooden staircase, and stained-glass ceiling, it’s a must-see, but do book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Afterwards, take a break in the Jardim da Cordoaria, a peaceful garden dotted with sculptures and centenary trees. From there, wander through the streets of Cedofeita and Rua Miguel Bombarda, where independent boutiques and art galleries give a contemporary flair to the city. It’s the perfect contrast to Porto’s historic core, showing the city’s creative side.
Evening: Sunset with a View
As the day winds down, head to a viewpoint. Two favorites are the Miradouro da Vitória, overlooking the river and the cathedral, and the Miradouro das Virtudes, popular with locals who gather there for sunset.
If you’re nearby, stop at the outdoor bar of 705 Porto Prime Home, a hidden and welcoming spot surrounded by gardens, ideal for ending your first day with a drink in hand.
Day 2 – Riverside Life, Local Flavors, and Authentic Experiences
Morning: From Market to Ribeira
Begin with breakfast at Época Café, famous for its seasonal menu and natural ingredients, or Nicolau Porto, a bright and trendy spot perfect for a leisurely start.
Next, explore the recently renovated Mercado do Bolhão, a historic market where vendors sell fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties. It’s a lively glimpse of Porto’s daily rhythm.
From Bolhão, walk down to Ribeira, with its colorful houses stacked along the riverbank. This UNESCO World Heritage site is postcard-perfect, with narrow streets, vibrant cafés, and terraces right by the water. If you have some extra time, don’t miss a boat tour beneath Porto’s iconic six bridges. It’s a relaxing way to admire the city from a whole new perspective. And if you’re staying at one of our hotels, feel free to ask at reception for more details, you might even find a little surprise waiting for you.
Afternoon: Across the River to Gaia
Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge on foot, one of the best experiences in the city. On the other side, you’ll be in Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the world-famous Port wine cellars. Many offer guided tours and tastings; among the most renowned are Graham’s and Ferreira, where you’ll learn about the history of this unique wine and, of course, sample a glass or two.
Don’t miss the Serra do Pilar viewpoint, perched high above the river. The panorama here, with the bridge in the foreground, the river below, and the Porto skyline stretching in the distance, is one of the most memorable in the city.
Evening: A Gentle Farewell
For a final moment of calm before leaving, head to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. These romantic gardens offer winding paths, fountains, and sweeping views of the Douro, especially magical at golden hour.
Alternatively, head back to Cedofeita for a final coffee or a light meal. Choose a cosy local café, with its relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere, is the perfect way to say goodbye to the city.
Conclusion
Two days in Porto won’t cover everything, but they’re more than enough to capture the city’s essence. Between hilltop viewpoints, traditional cafés, riverside strolls, and encounters with art and wine, you’ll leave with a sense of its rhythm and charm.
And when you’re ready for your base in the city, look no further: Seven O Five is just steps away from what truly matters, giving you comfort, style, and a front-row seat to experience Porto at your own pace.