Portugal: Making Christmas bright since 1143
Adding new holiday traditions could be your best idea yet.
Christmas in Europe is magical — the roasted chestnuts, the tiny artisan stalls in local Christmas markets, and the medieval traditions that make your standard American inflatable Santa look like a rookie. Portugal especially goes all-out. The main streets glow, and nativity scenes multiply like rabbits, proudly showcased in schools, offices, homes, and government buildings. It´s a place where every village, town, and city oozes holiday charm and goodwill.
Portugal is ancient. “Signed-a-treaty-in-1143” old. Lord of the Rings-level old. With all that history comes traditions so firmly rooted they’ll outlast every battery-powered Christmas decoration you own.
So if you want to put a little Portugal into your holiday season, here’s your guide — filled with food, booze, sarcasm, and just enough sincerity to keep things festive.
Shop Local, Shop Small
If you’re shopping for someone who “has everything,” consider a local Christmas market. In Portugal, they teem with local artisans offering unique gift items, food, and decorations. And you might as well pick up a-little-something cool for yourself while you´re at it.
Last year in Tavira, as I wandered through the Christmas market, I spotted an artist making earrings from thread. Just thread. Meanwhile, I struggle to tie my shoe in under a minute. But she twisted, looped, and knotted her way into my wallet, and every time I wear those earrings, I’m transported back to that moment.
Support local markets. Get something unique with a story to share. And if they don’t like it? Great — keep it. You deserve nice things.
Did you know: The holiday market in Lisbon is ranked among the top 5 Christmas markets in Europe. Go Portugal!
Get Into the Spirit (Literally)
Portugal has many beverages that will warm your holiday spirit, from your esophagus to your frozen toes.
Ginjinha, that cherry liqueur invented by a Lisbon friar in the 19th century, is a crowd favorite. It’s fabulous over ice cream, with pork tenderloin, in cocktails, or straight from an apertif glass. Portugal is synonymous with Port wine. It´s fruity, brandy(ish) yumminess just makes any time of year feel better.
Note to self: Move those vintage crystal apertif glasses from your USA storage to Portugal.
And then there’s Licor Beirão — a 13-herb/seed mystery concoction that tastes like someone liquefied Christmas. A café owner once handed me a shot, and I swear I briefly left my body. But hey, it’s “good for digestion,” which is Portuguese for “go ahead, have another.”
Gift idea: Buy a bottle of Portuguese liqueur + cute glasses = instant holiday hero.
Go to Church
You know, that whole baby Jesus Redeemer of Mankind in a manger thing?! Well, maybe it´s time to reintroduce yourself to God, or maybe introduce yourself for the first time. Here in Portugal, protestant churches are as rare as jeans that actually fit. So I attend mass. My Portuguese comprehension level is… let’s call it “developing,” but the experience grounds me. It slows the season down, gives perspective, and reminds me that Christmas isn’t just shopping carts, sales, and cookie swaps.
Don´t be a grinch, go to church. Any denomination. Any language. Observe Advent. Light the Menorah. Sing traditional songs. And who knows, since the local chapel is walking distance from my apartment, maybe this will be the first year I actually make it to midnight mass. Maybe.
Expand Your Cuisine (Because You Deserve Better Than Another Casserole)
Lighten up your holiday table with some delicious seafood, straight from the nonnas of Portugal. Or, take a break from your latest carb overload and dive into a steaming bowl of Caldo verde soup. And, instead of yet more cookies at the office party, introduce everyone to a Portuguese cake or dessert. I guarantee not a crumb will be left on the plate.
To help you get started, check out these ideas for food and booze from our friends over at Idealista.
Portugal Traditions Worth Trying
Christmas here runs through January 6th, so go ahead and leave your decorations up. If anyone complains, tell them you’re being “culturally sensitive.”
Bolo Rei is the official cake of the season — a round, fruity, nutty ring that hides a dried fava bean. Tradition states that if you get the bean, you’re on the hook to buy next year’s cake. Personally, I prefer the English version, where finding something in your cake means good luck rather than a financial obligation.
Gifts are opened after midnight mass. Yes, AFTER. Portuguese families are built differently. They’re out at midnight eating sardines and drinking espresso with (happy) babies in strollers and grandma chatting with neighbors while I’m half-asleep by 9:15.
And then there are bonfires — ancient celebrations of the returning sun. In the States, feel free to interpret this as “light the fire pit, bundle up with blankets, and pass the Port wine.”
Roasted warm chestnuts are a holiday staple in Portugal. Street vendors sell them in paper cones similar to a sushi hand roll, while crates of these chocolate-toned beauties are in high demand at local grocers. Chestnuts are delicious. I love strolling around the festive town center with warm hands and creamy chestnuts to munch on. In the states, you can find them at major grocers, then roast them at home for a tasty snack with It´s A Wonderful Life, or Love Actually.
A Heartfelt Ending (Wrapped in Humor, Because It’s Me)
This season, you’ll juggle a dozen parties, an office cookie exchange, and Christmas Eve with the in-laws… again. You’ll wrap gifts, burn at least one batch of something, and have one small meltdown in a grocery store (tradition!).
But here’s the thing:
The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection.
As an immigrant, you are quickly reminded of the big picture in life and to let go of the small stuff.
Portugal has taught me to slow down, embrace new traditions, eat well, and celebrate everlasting love and the people that make life rich — even when they drive you crazy.
So this year, add a little Portugal to your holiday: a good drink, a warm fire, a soulful meal, prayer, a moment of stillness, laughter, and a whole lot of heart.
And may your nativity scenes and Ginjilha be plentiful. Feliz natal!
Note: The Next article will be in two weeks.