Christmas

This year, the usual collection of food is not possible, owing to the sanitary context; as such, the campaign “Partilhar o Natal” [“Sharing Xmas”, free translation] is aimed at making up for that and advocates for companies and people to donate food and other items.

This year, the traditional Christmas tree will not be displayed in front of Porto City Hall, as it could lead to crowd gatherings. Amid the ongoing Covid-19, the usual festive programme is halted, namely ice rinks, concerts in the Avenue and in other street stages scattered all over town, as well as street theatre and travelling street performances. The New Year’s Eve fireworks, which usually brings together thousands of people to downtown Porto is cancelled as well.

The University of Porto really has some of the best ideas for giving back and helping out this season. The event "Atividade física por uma causa" ["Physical Activity for a Cause", free translation] is the motto for a worthy initiative: you take part in the UPfit Programme for free and in return you give goods that will help those on need.

Porto can pull the most amazing events on Xmas Holidays; this year's event "Natal à Porta", freely translated as "Xmas by the doorsteps" brings back unexpected concerts in the most iconic buildings in the Invicta.

As the end of year closes in and Christmas celebration is just a few days ahead, the Municipality of Porto invites everyone to join in, as of 30th November the year's greatest feast is served.

The Xmas tree is already up at Avenida dos Aliados, in Porto and the Municipality of Porto invites everyone to see inside the tree as merry events will bring a free festive trail of events for the younger generation. The magical events kick off on 1st December.

Rui Veloso takes to the stage of the renovated Super Bock Arena-Rosa Mota Pavilion, on 14th December, at 10pm. This will be a Xmas special, both for the singer and the fans who can't wait to hear the tunes of timeless hits songs such as "Chico Fininho","Porto Covo", "Anel de Rubi" or "Primeiro Beijo".

What better way to plunge into the Christmas holiday season than to visit a good old Xmas market? 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, be it with friends or family. All 31 markets in the city of Porto are access free for the entire month of December.

The Guerra Junqueiro Museum opens a visual display that tells the history of Father Christmas and other mythical or folkloric gift-bringing figures who appear around the Christmas period, since the 17th century. The opening is on 14 December, starting at 6.30 pm.