Christmas Events in the Algarve
My Algarve Life
Here is a list of some of the Christmas and Festive activities happening in the Algarve from December 2025 to January 2026.
Christmas, but no snow? It’s normal for me as I’m Australian, but also then a bit weird after having so many colder winters living in London. Christmas here is full of many special traditions, like the chestnut and medieval festival. But also has many new markets set up for families, foreigners and new residents.
Here’s a roundup of Christmas events in the the Algarve. I’ll include dates where possible, locations, and highlights — Of course there are probably, many things I have missed, so let me know! For more details council run events, check with the local Câmara.
Hotels & Resorts
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago Christmas Market, 29 November, 10 -17:00, Quinta Shopping.
Christmas Market occurs through December. It is usually a small market set inside the Quinta Shopping area, with a few stalls.
Dano’s Christmas Light Switch-On, 30 Nov 2025, 16:00 - 23:00, Dano's Sports Bar & Restaurant.
This event is great for families with young children, but it does tend to get busy, so book a table in advance. More info.
Christmas Brunch at Bovino, Bovino Quinta do Lago.
This is a pre-booked buffet brunch on Christmas Day. It is one of the more expensive Christmas Day lunches, with prices start from 155 per person, drinks not included. My honest feedback from last year.. it was ok, but not as Christmassy as I would have liked.
Vale Do Lobo
Vale do Lobo Christmas Market, Vale do Lobo Auditorium, 6th and 7th December, from 10:00 to 17:30.
This is slightly larger than the QDL Market, but mostly the same sort of small knick knacks. Tip- it can get a little busy, so parking can be a hassle.
Viceroy, by Ombira
Christmas market, Ombrias Winter Village. Every Saturday in December: 8, 13, 20, 27th December.
This is the first time the Viceroy has run a Christmas market, as the hotel only opened up this year. It’s a big space further away, so might be worth a visit to check out!
Vila Vita Park
Christmas Market, Vila Vita Park, Porches, Portgual.
This annual market is run by Vila Vita Park. They have some childrens activities and it is a very nice setting, but not the biggest market. Open to non-guests, and they run a few other Christmas activities that you can book into, contact them directly.
More info: https://vilavitaparc.com/en/upcoming-events/vila-vita-christmas-market
Pine Cliffs Hotel, Albufeira
Pine Cliffs Hotel do not have a market, but they have various cooking and creative events, as well as a Christmas Lunch, open to book to non-guests.
More info: https://www.pinecliffs.com/en/whats-on/festive-season/
Local Business and Community Events and Activities for Kids
Bethlehem Village, International Evangelical Church of the Algarve, 5th - 7th December.
Bethlehem Village event, a nativity story run by a local church. Will feature animals and story telling.
Estoi Christmas Weekend, 20th & 21st December at Cinema Óssonoba
A Christmas Weekend, held by a Local parish. Including entertainment like; Magic shows, Santa Claus meet & greet, Christmas stalls and more.
Partee Christmas Market, Saturday 6th December, Vale do Lobo
Located at the Partee Playground, the Christmas market has a few stalls, children’s entertainment and performances from the local Performing Arts Academy.
Rise Christmas Workshops, Algarve Tennis and Fitness Club, Almancil, 23, 30th and 7th December.
A performing arts class full of singing, acting and dancing, for ages 3- 12. Includes a final performance at Quinta do Lago Christmas market (29th Nov) and the Partee Christmas Event 6th December. Contact them here for more information.
Heart and Harmony Christmas Concert, Clube Cultural e Recreativo do Monte Deco, 6th December, 15:00.
Enjoy a cozy Christmas afternoon, and some Swedish Fika, as the Heart and Harmony Choir performs a Christmas concert. Adults €10, kids €5.
Breakfast with Santa, Tony’s Restaurant, Quinta do Lago.
Santa Claus visiting, plus a magic show, at the Italian themed pizza restaurant, Tony’s. Table booking recommended. Contact them here.
The Space, Lagos
The Space, located in Lagos, will have various Christmas events and workshops for both Adults and Children. See more on their website here.
Wine and Co, Almancil
Wine and Co will run several mini Christmas Events from the 17th -21st, 24th- 28th November. Where they will invite a new supplier each day for a free Wine Tasting, along with some light snacks. More info.
Local Council Markets & Activities
Albufeira (& Guia)
Albufeira usually has several events for Christmas, with some to still be confirmed. The Mercadinho de Natal, is usually held in Espaço Multiusos de Albufeira (EMA).
Current Christmas Market Dates:
Guia, 28 e 29 November from 14:00. The market will have several family-friendly activities such as Santa's house, train, merry-go-round and inflatables. In addition to the market, the Street Nativity may be visited between November 28 and January 6, 2026 near the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Visitação.
Ferreiras, 6 & 7 December, Albufeira 20 and 21 December. More details on locations and times to be confirmed by Albufeira Tourism.
Almancil
The Almancil Christmas Market will be on 19, 20 & 21st December from 14:30 -19:00, in Jardim dos Sonhos. Last year there was an arrival of Santa Clause on the first week of December, details for 2025, are yet to be confirmed.
Faro
There will be an arrival of Santa Claus and opening of a Christmas Village, usually in the afternoon in the first weekend of December, exact dates to be confirmed.
Christmas Markets will also be held, held in the Jardim Manuel Bivar and features craft and food stalls, live entertainment. While dates vary annually, it generally runs from early to late December.
Lagos
There will be an arrival of Santa Claus and opening of a Christmas Village, usually in the afternoon in the first weekend of December, exact dates to be confirmed.
Loulé
There will be an arrival of Santa Claus and opening of a Christmas Village, usually in the afternoon in the first weekend of December, exact dates to be confirmed.
The Markets in Loulé run every Saturday as usual, but there is lkiely to be extra Christmas markets and activities announced by the Câmara.
Monchique
Mercado de Natal, Largo dos choröes,expected around early December,exact dates to be confirmed.
Olhão
Mercado Natural de Natal, expected around early December,exact dates to be confirmed.
Paderne
Paderne Medieval Festival, will commence end of December, and run to early January 2026. More details to be provided.
Quarteira
There will be an arrival of Santa Claus and opening of a Christmas Village, usually in the afternoon in the first weekend of December, exact dates to be confirmed.
This year, the Quarteira Christmas Market takes place on December 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 22.
Extra Events
Forum Algarve have a Christmas set up, with a Santa Clause and an Ice-Skating rink.
Mar Shopping also have a free small Santa Village inside the shopping Mall.
Hot tip……
Book ahead. Many of the resort events (non Câmara events) tend to be quite busy, and may require reservations.
Check official websites closer to the dates. Schedules, times, or event details can change. Some events may even be canceled or rescheduled.