Plan your visit to one of the Christmas markets in Porto

Partygoers can enjoy this time of year outdoors and do the Christmas shopping while parading through town. 

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a visit to the traditional markets and they are in town until 23rd December. Tick off your Christmas shopping list at Porto's Xmas markets and festive fairs, and find unique gifts, such as joyful crafts, handmade gifts, and original art pieces.

The Mercado da Alegria is wrapped in holiday spirit, at Santo Ildefonso and at Batalha Square. The market will run till 31st December. Circa 40 stalls and stands will offer art crafts, artisanal toys, regional grocery and much more. It operates from Thursday to Sunday, between 10am and 8pm; and from Friday to Saturday, between 10am and 11pm. On 24th December it is open between 10am and 4pm.

The Handicraft and Trade Fair of Porto runs at Poveiros Square till 23rd December. Expect no less than an array of products: ceramics, linen, wools, wooden, leather, iron and stone materials, as well as traditional games, artisanal soaps, rag dolls, and all kinds of homemade souvenirs and liqueurs, by 30 certified sellers.

The market operates from Thursday to Sundays, between 11am and 8pm; Fridays and Saturdays, between 11am and 11pm.

A novelty this year is the debut of Artesanatus Porto, at the Garden of São Lázaro, which runs from 14th to 22nd December, between 10am and 7pm, and bringing to the Invicta the best of traditional and contemporary handicraft.

In addition, the Xmas Market in Bombarda is set up for the three Saturdays before Christmas Eve, on 7th, 14th and 21st December, in the pedestrian area of the Miguel Bombarda, for the first edition of an arts market devoted to Christmas.

Expect nothing but fun and joy. Access is free.