The City Council of Porto has announced that the “most anticipated moment” of the holiday season, the lighting of the Christmas tree and decorations across 94 streets in the city, is set for 6 PM on November 29.
This Saturday, the inauguration of the lights will feature a ‘videomapping’ show titled “Mission Nutcrackers, Christmas Arrives in the City,” projected on the façade of Porto City Hall and extending along Avenida dos Aliados.
On the same day, fado singer Mariza, accompanied by the Orchestra of Young Musicians of Porto, will perform a concert at 6:30 PM on a stage set up in the Aliados.
The Aliados will also host concerts by Capitão Fausto, accompanied by the Costa Cabral Music Academy Orchestra, on December 7 at 6 PM, the band Vizinhos on December 14 at 6 PM, and Rita Rocha, featuring artist Guga, on December 21 at 6 PM.
On December 20 at 6 PM, the final performance of the municipal project Sports in the Neighborhood will occur, featuring participation from various national and international athletes and young people from the city’s neighborhoods.
From November 29 to January 6, the Christmas lights will be on daily, from Sunday to Thursday between 5:30 PM and 11 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 PM to midnight.
Similar to previous years, the municipality partnered with the Porto Merchants’ Association for the Christmas lighting, investing 700,000 euros, the same amount as 2024.
In Cordoaria Garden, until December 30, the Christmas Market will feature “the traditional Santa’s House, open to children and adults, as well as a space for workshops for the little ones — the so-called Crystal Tent,” according to the municipality.
This market will operate Monday to Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM, Fridays and holiday eves from 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays and holidays from 10 AM to 8 PM.
At Largo Amor de Perdição, “there will be the usual Ice Rink, along with the Parisian Carousel” and the Christmas Tent, “a venue open to all with shows featuring new circus acts, dance, music, theater from city schools, and surprises for all generations.”
