Tourism

Xmas flair in Porto: this is the city where you will want to feel the holiday cheer

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Porto.

Xmas is coming to town and it brings holiday decorations, carolers, lighting displays, craft fairs and stands to marvel even the harshest "Bah! Humbug!" of hearts.

As tradition, this time of year is a special lively one in the city of Porto, and markets and fairs are the best getaways for fun and joy. Take a trip with friends or family and find out that little gem you are striving for.

The Mercado da Alegria is wrapped in holiday spirit, at Santo Ildefonso and at Batalha Square. The market will run till 31st December.

Light displays, Christmas decorations, craft fairs, and other fun festivities that bring magic to the most wonderful time of the year. Circa 40 stalls and stands will offer art crafts, artisanal toys, regional grocery and much more. It operates from Thursday to Sunday, between 10am and 8pm; and from Friday to Saturday, between 10am and 11pm. On 24th December it is open between 10am and 4pm.

Also, take a trip with your family and kids to the Handicraft and Trade Fair of Porto, at Poveiros Square. This market runs till 23rd December. Expect no less than an array of products: ceramics, linen, wools, wooden, leather, iron and stone materials, as well as traditional games, artisanal soaps, rag dolls, and all kinds homemade souvenirs and liqueurs, by 30 certified sellers.

The market operates from Thursday to Sundays, between 11am and 8pm; Fridays and Saturdays, between 11am and 11pm.

A novelty this year is the debut of Artesanatus Porto, at the garden of São Lázaro, which runs from 14th to 22nd December, between 10am and 7pm, and bringing to the Invicta the best of traditional and contemporary handicraft.

This will be a magic Xmas, no doubt!