Slowly, the shops are changing their assortment, lights appear here and there, supermarkets start to promote presents heavily and the first Father Christmas dolls make their glorious entrance in the shop windows…Christmas in the Algarve is approaching! Algarve Housing has put some facts of this universal celebration in Portugal in a row.
Christmas in Portugal
Christmas In the Algarve is in the first place, about spending time with family. And about traditions. On Christmas Eve, families will come together and have their Christmas dinner, the “Consoada”, consisting of “bacalhau”, the famous codfish, with boiled potatoes, cabbage and eggs.
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.
The Algarve is the beautiful southern coastline of Portugal and the region makes for an enjoyable, alternative Christmas holiday destination. 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….
Weather in December
Weather 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!
December is a wonderful time to visit the Algarve with many wonderful things to see and do. The beaches may not be quite as packed, and a dip on the ocean not quite as appealing, but heading to the Algarve during the winter months means the streets are less busy, the tourist attractions are quieter and you will be able to enjoy your holiday in te Algarve at a more leisurely pace. So what kind of activities and events can you expect to enjoy in the Algarve in December? Read on to find out about things to do in the Algarve in December!
Vila Real de Santo António Christmas Village, Aldeia de Natal
Each year this charming town transforms into a magical Christmas village which both adults and children will enjoy. With quaint market stalls selling homemade goods, an ice drink and live entertainment, if you are in the Algarve in December, this village is well worth a visit.
Algarve in December
Christmas Market in Almancil
This will be held at the Jardim das Comunidades, Rua do Centro Comunitario. This annual event features some great entertainment, festive stalls and music from the Salvation Army Band. This year the market will be held on the 6th December, with a special visit from Father Christmas and all proceeds going to Associação Social e Cultural de Almancil (ASCA), which supports local people in need, you are sure to leave feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Holiday Inn Hike, Armação de Pêra
Each year the Holiday Inn Algarve put on a fun itinerary of events to get you into the festive spirit. The Great Father Christmas Walk at Armação de Pêra takes place in December where people are invited to donate their walking shoes, pull on their Christmas jumpers and hike together. They usually host two swimming events too, so for the bravest among you it is a chance to take a dip and raise some money for a good cause. Donations are welcome and go to help buy shoes for children who are in care.
Christmas tree Algarve
Zoo de Lagos, Barão de São João, Portugal
Every December the Zoo de Lagos turns into a winter wonderland. This is the perfect place to visit if you have children, who will be enthralled with the events and entertainment provided here, as well as the huge ice skating ring of course!
Christmas Shopping
The Algarve is the perfect place to pick up charming and thoughtful Christmas gifts for your loved ones back home. There are some wonderful places to shop in the Algarve from massive department stores and designer boutiques to independent arts and crafts shops, to street markets and fairs. Traditional sweets such as marzipan sweets, and the wonderful Christmas cake ‘Bolo Rei’, which has a topping of candied fruit, along with a glass of mulled wine will give you the energy to shop until you drop!
Concerts and Music
Throughout December be sure to catch a Christmas concert in the Algarve. They are held all over the region, but usually the Philharmonic Association of Faro put on a good show, and the The Algarve Rock Choir, who teamed up with the Sâo Bras Sally Army last year are a real treat.
Music Algarve
So if you are visiting the Algarve in December with these great activities you are sure to have fun and really get into the festive spirit!
