Christmas in the Algarve 2024

December is the most magical month, filled with hundreds of events. With temperatures rising and the spirit of togetherness filling the streets and homes, this is the perfect time to celebrate with family and experience new traditions. Enjoy Christmas by the beach, with mild temperatures. To make your Christmas in 2024 unforgettable, we’ve gathered a few activity suggestions to help you make the most of it. Discover the options and have fun in the Algarve.

Photo by Tim Mossholder – Pexels

Christmas Activities in the Algarve

You've got everything ready for Christmas Eve but haven't decided how to make the most of the Christmas activities available in the Algarve until 6th January? Discover our suggestions and experience the best of the festive season.

1.     Ice Rink

December brings a rare sight to the Algarve: ice rinks that transform the towns into unique Christmas scenes. Although the younger ones are the most excited about skating on ice, this activity promises fun for all ages.

In Lagos, the ice rink is part of the Aldeia Natal, located at Praçado Infante. However, today is the last day to enjoy this experience. In addition to the rink, there are many activities dedicated to the festive season, such as visits to Santa Claus, train rides, face painting, and other surprises.

This festive space is just 7 minutes from Belmar Resort, making it an excellent option for enjoying the Christmas spirit with the family.

In the neighbouring city of Portimão, Christmas is in full swing and runs until 6th January. Various spots in the city invite you to discover the magic of the season, which begins in December and ends in the New Year. In the city centre, at Alameda, there is an impressive, covered ice rink, available until Epiphany. With a size that delights both young and old, this is one of the main attractions of the season.

In Lagoa, the Christmas spirit is also highlighted with the event "Lagoa Natal" near the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium. The space is open Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 8 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 8 pm, offering various themed activities.

In Silves, Al-Muthamid square transforms into a scene of joy with an ice rink, a carousel, and a Christmas train, available until 5th January. These activities promise to enchant the little ones and keep the festive spirit alive throughout the season.

2.     Christmas Nativity Scenes

Like the Christmas tree, the nativity scene is one of the most iconic symbols of the festive season. However, this tradition has been losing popularity, and fewer people are recreating this scene at home. To keep the Christmas spirit alive, several municipalities in the Algarve present true works of art, on a large scale and filled with unique details.

Discover where you can visit nativity scenes in the Algarve: Lagos: Mr José Cortes dedicated nearly a decade to creating an intricate nativity scene, displayed annually in the town. All the pieces are handmade and accurately depict the scene of the birth of Jesus. The José Cortes Nativity Scene will be on display at the Lagos Cultural Centre until 10th January 2025.

Portimão: In Largo da Mó, in the town centre, you can visit a life-sized nativity scene. This is a great opportunity to stroll through Portimão's historic area and explore the local shops.

In the Algarve, salt production is a tradition with decades of history, and in Castro Marim, the land of salt workers, salt takes centre stage in the nativity scene. This year, new natural elements typical of the region have been added, such as barley, reed, and palm. The nativity scene includes pieces from a local collector's collection and features the work of Martinha Fernandes and Paula Gaspar in the reed section. It can be visited at the Casado Sal until 6th January.

The largest nativity scene in the country has been on display in Vila Real de Santo António since 3rd December. Built over the last 22 years, this nativity scene includes 5,900 pieces and combines biblical scenes with representations of areas close to the region. The creators are known for using sustainable materials, such as cork and other eco-friendly elements, maintaining the tradition while promoting sustainability. Celebrate another edition of this impressive nativity scene, on display at the António AleixoCultural Centre until 6th January.

Now that you know some of the main Christmas events in the region, take the opportunity to have fun with your family and experience the magic of this special time.