Portimão begins the Christmas season with the traditional arrival of Santa Claus and a 37-day program of entertainment, between December 1st and January 6th, highlighting the inauguration of lighting and various activities in various spaces in the city.
The official start takes place at Largo da Antiga Lota, at 4:30 pm on December 1st, with the musical moment “Sons de Natal no Arade”, by Gonçalo Rosa, who performs on board a boat on the Arade River. At 4:50 pm the Master of Ceremonies arrives and, at 5:00 pm, the Santa Claus parade accompanied by two music bands and mascots, which begins the “A Christmas Dream” event.
The Santa Claus Factory opens in Largo da Antiga Lota, followed by the Christmas Stage with a circus show and, at 5:35 pm, the Christmas Market. The route of the entertainment follows Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes, Jardim 1º de Outubro, Rua Direita, Rua Vasco da Gama and Praça da República, where, at 5:50 pm, the Christmas Lights will be turned on.
Santa Claus then goes to Largo da Mó to inaugurate the life-size Nativity Scene, one of the emblematic centers of the square and located in the heart of local commerce. At 6:10 pm, in Alameda, the inauguration of the Ice Rink, Santa Claus House and the “Christmas at the Window” initiative will take place, with the “Mélanie Trio” concert, as part of a program that extends to around 50 different locations in the municipality.
One of the main novelties is the installation of new festive axes next to the Arade River, integrating three main spaces in Largo da Antiga Lota: the Christmas Market, the renovated Santa Claus Fábrica and the Christmas Stage. Praça da República will be the central hub of the celebrations with the Santa Claus House and the Ice Rink, and Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes will be decorated to host moments of conviviality and photographs.
The connection between the various centers in the city will be ensured by the Christmas Train, which runs between Alameda and the downtown area, providing an immersive journey into the atmosphere of the court.
The Christmas Stage, installed in an air-conditioned tent in Antiga Lota, will feature daily performances until December 23rd, at 7pm, with around five hundred artists, 80% of whom are residents or natives of Portimão. The program includes music, circus arts, poetry, theater, magic, puppets, dance and concerts, valuing local talent.
This year, Fábrica do Santa Claus includes the new Christmas Playground with an indoor ropes course and entertainment areas for various ages, as well as creative workshops, Story Time, cookie making and wrapping techniques, in an educational and interactive offer for children and families.
The parishes of Alvor and Mexilhoeira Grande also participate in the celebrations, with themed parades on Saturdays and public holidays in December, the VI Alvor Christmas Fair on the 13th and 14th, and the solidarity event “Natal na Vila” in Mexilhoeira Grande between the 5th and 7th of December.
At the same time, Portimão offers other cultural activities, such as “The Christmas Party” with Mickey and Friends at the Portimão Museum on December 12th, “Os monstros das Emoções” on December 13th, the Barlavento Ensemble Christmas Concert at the Museum on December 14th and “Symphonic Christmas” with the Orquestra do Algarve at TEMPO on December 20th.
To stimulate local commerce during the season, Portimão City Council launched the “At Christmas, Buy Local” campaign with 30 thousand euros in shopping vouchers to be drawn every fortnight during December. The vouchers, worth €25, €50 and €100, can be used until January 31, 2026 in participating stores. The initiative is the result of a partnership with regional trade and tourism associations.
The municipality states that the “Um Sonho de Natal” event aims to liven up the city, distributing a diverse cultural and recreational offer for all ages, reinforcing Portimão as a reference destination this festive season.
The entire detailed program is available at .
Also read:
