December in the Algarve, for an enjoyable, alternative Christmas holiday destination in Portugal. The winter months were typically the low tourist season for Algarve but over the last few years the Christmas holiday season has become more popular, as many of the North African winter sun destination have become unsafe due to political instability or terrorism.
The increase of visitors to the Algarve means that there are more hotels and restaurants open and there is a livelier atmosphere in the larger towns, like Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos…. Algarve Housing like to update you, and share with you some things to do in December in the Algarve.
Weather in the Algarve in December
You can say unpredictable, but mild. It can be sunny during the day, and you can even sunbath, but it can also be rainy and windy!
If you planning to rent a villa in the Algarve in December, make sure there is good heating, as the evenings are chilly! Another advantage of planning your holiday to the Algarve in December is, the rents are low! And apart from Christmas, cheap flights too!
Things to do in December in the Algarve
The Algarve is great to visit for Christmas. There is a lot to do, like many Christmas fairs, concerts, street parties and Santa Claus Parades. We give a few, but there is much, much more! Nearer to the end of the year, we will give an update.
1 and 2 December in the Algarve:
Swan Lake Quorum Ballet
Faro, Teatro das Figuras
Price: 20/22 euros
An original contemporary version of the classic ballet Swan Lake, performed by Quorum Ballet Dance Company.
2-17 December
Vila Vita Christmas market at the Biergarten
The market is held over 3 weekends!
The market will reflect the spirit and style of Northern Europe’s traditional Christmas markets, with plenty of festive fun, flavours and some added Algarve sunshine! It will be a Christmas Wonderland, nice for children too, as there is a huge chance of meeting Santa Claus!
Till 7th of January
Christmas Village and Ice Rink Forum Algarve
Faro and Albufeira.
Algarve Boat tours
As the weather is still so nice, why not enjoy a boat ride on the Atlantic Ocean. There are various options from various harbours, but the harbor of Albufeira, Vilamoura and Lagos are still very busy, and on daily basis there are various boattrips, like dolphin watching, caves and coastline trips, Fishing and parasailing trips.
Live Christmas Statues Lagoa
Inspired by many great artists, the intriguing living staues are well worth seeing.
You can view the statues on Rua 25 de Abril and Largo 5 de Outubro in Lagoa, on 15th December between 3pm and 6pm and again on 16th between 10am and 1pm.
Paderne Medeival Festival
29 December-1 January
This annual Medieval Festival is part of Albufeira’s New Year celebrations and is a great event for all ages.
Paderne is a typical village in the Barrocal area of the Algarve. To celebrate the history of the area, Paderne turns back the clock to Medieval times for four days over the festive period.
The event attracts thousands of visitors to the old centre of Paderne, where there’s a Medieval market, bars and stalls with delicious gastronomic delicacies, the arts and crafts of yesteryear, exhibitions, musical performances and a historical procession.
This article is brought to you by Algarve Housing, the villa rental company in the Algarve Portugal.
Please contact us for anymore details,
warm regards,
Michele