Porto is a city full of charms and attractions, especially in December, when the streets light up with Christmas decorations and the festive spirit spreads far and wide. If you're planning to visit Porto this month, there's no shortage of things to do and places to see.

Discover some ideas for making the most of your stay in the Invicta city.

See emblematic monuments

Porto is a city that prides itself on its wealth of emblematic monuments. Among its most notable buildings are those that form part of Porto's Historic Centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Some examples are the Sé Cathedral, the Clérigos Tower and Church, Porto's ex-libris, São Bento Station, the Lello Bookshop, full of history and secrets, the Palácio da Bolsa, the São Francisco Church, the Luiz I Bridge and the Serra do Pilar Monastery (Gaia). Visiting these monuments is a way of getting to know the history, art and identity of Porto, a city that is also a living and dynamic museum.

Visit to the Porto wine cellars and tastings

Porto wine is one of the region's most famous and appreciated products, and December is a great month to taste it, as the temperature is ideal for enhancing its flavour and aroma. You can visit one of the many Porto wine cellars on the south bank of the River Douro, in Vila Nova de Gaia, and learn about the production and ageing process of this fortified wine. You can also taste different types of Porto wine, such as white, tawny, ruby and vintage.

Night city walks

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Porto is to go for a walk at night, guided by an expert who will show you the city's main bars, tell you about the history and curiosities of the main neighbourhoods and streets. Let yourself be dazzled by the imposing façades of Avenida dos Aliados, which come alive at night. You can also admire the Christmas lights, which create a magical and cosy setting, and feel the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the city.

Fado Shows

Fado is a typically Portuguese musical style that expresses feelings of longing, melancholy and love. Porto has a strong Fado tradition, and there are several places where you can watch a live Fado show, accompanied by a Portuguese guitar and a viola. You can choose between more traditional Fado houses, such as Ideal Clube de Fado or Fado na Baixa, or more modern and alternative venues, such as Casa da Guitarra or Embaixada do Porto. In any case, you'll enjoy a unique and exciting experience.

Attending concerts and shows

The city of Porto comes alive with an intense cultural programme during the month of December. Classical music concerts, performances by Christmas choirs and theatre shows take place in iconic venues such as the Casa da Música and the São João National Theatre. The festive atmosphere of the theatres is enriched by music and art, providing unforgettable experiences for spectators.

Entertainment for families and children

For those looking for more active fun, Porto offers temporary ice skating rinks during the Christmas season. Places such as Praça de Gomes Teixeira, better known as Praça dos Leões, offer rinks where children and adults can enjoy moments of fun gliding on the ice, providing entertainment for the whole family. You can also explore the fascinating journey of the Portuguese navigators at the World of Discoveries, which offers an immersion in history suitable for the whole family. Also close by is Porto Legends - The Underground Experience, a captivating multimedia show full of mystery and magic, designed for all ages.

Christmas lights in the streets

One of the main attractions in December in Porto are the dazzling Christmas lights that transform the city's streets. Avenida dos Aliados, Rua de Santa Catarina and the Ribeira area become magical settings, adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. An evening stroll through these places is a marvellous way to feel the festive atmosphere taking over the city.

Christmas markets

Christmas markets are a beloved tradition throughout Europe, and Porto is second to none when it comes to offering enchanting markets. The Christmas Market on Avenida dos Aliados is one of the most popular, where visitors can find handmade products, unique gifts, culinary delights and much more. In addition, the Porto Belo Market, in Praça de Carlos Alberto, offers a more alternative atmosphere, with a diverse selection of handcrafted products and local gastronomy. You can also explore Christmas markets in Jardim da Cordoaria, Avenida de D. Afonso Henriques and the Mercado da Alegria in Praça da Batalha.

Enjoy a Christmas Tuk Tuk tour in Porto, exploring Porto's Christmas lights and markets in a fun and environmentally friendly way.

Christmas gastronomy

The Christmas season is the perfect opportunity to savour traditional Portuguese dishes. Restaurants and cafés in Porto offer special menus with delicacies typical of this festive season, such as boiled cod with potatoes, octopus à lagareiro, convent sweets and, of course, the famous bolo-rei. Trying these local delicacies is an essential gastronomic experience for visitors.

New Year's Eve party in Porto

If you want to celebrate the arrival of the new year in style, Porto is the place to be. The city offers a variety of events and parties to suit all tastes and budgets, from free concerts on Avenida dos Aliados to a dinner party in Vila Nova de Gaia. One of the most popular traditions is to go on a cruise to watch the fireworks display that lights up the sky and the Douro river at midnight, and which can even be seen from various points in the city, such as Ribeira, Foz or Serra do Pilar. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a New Year's Eve party boat, with a DJ on board and the best view of the city of Porto. Then the celebrations continue into the night in the city's bars, discos and clubs.

These are just some of the things you can do in Porto in December, but there are many more. You can visit museums, gardens, bookshops and much more. Porto is a city that surprises and delights its visitors, and always has something new to discover.

Have a great stay in Porto in December. Happy holidays!

Explore what to do at Christmas and New Year's Eve in Porto and the best activities in Porto in the rain.

Visit Living Tours for more travel experiences in Portugal and Spain. And explore more travel ideas on the Living Magazine Blog.