What to do in Porto in December? The city transforms into a festive playground, filled with Christmas magic at every corner. From captivating events to delightful tours and engaging activities, Porto offers a remarkable array of things to do in December to celebrate the holiday season. Scroll down through our December guide for all the details.
What to do in Porto in December
#1 Get up early to watch the sunrise
Head to the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal. It’s free, it’s peaceful, and it’s worth every moment. Trust us, there’s nothing like watching Porto wake up.
#2 Visit a Christmas Market in Porto
Christmas markets spring up all over the city – from the Mercado Porto Belo to Mercado de Artesanato do Porto and let’s not forget Mercado do Natal do Porto. Stop by and pick up something meaningful.
#3 Jump from one Porto Art Gallery to the other on the famous Miguel Bombarda street
The time flies by slowly in Porto’s Art District (or Art’s block). There’s plenty to see: tons of contemporary art exhibitions, vintage shops and tea rooms. Visit one of Porto’s art galleries or museums and observe a variety of sculptures, art, and heritage… some of our recommendations include Ó! Gallery, Galeria Nuno Centeno, and Galeria São Mamede.
#4 Christmas shopping in Porto
Porto’s streets are alive with gift-worthy treasures. Need inspiration? Our Gift Guide is here to give you some Portuguese inspiration for your Christmas gifts this year – check it out as it is a perfect addition to your list of what to do in Porto in December.
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#5 Learn more about the famous Port Wine on our Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour
Our Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour is loved by first-time visitors and covers 3 kilometers of classic Portuguese food & drinks, history, architecture, and culture – making it a must for what to do in Porto in December. This Food Tour includes a mini-masterclass in Port wine as well. Join us for a slice of Porto that you’ll never forget!
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#6 Get mesmerized by the Douro region
Visiting Porto allows you to experience the Douro Valley, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. If you want to enjoy a day in the wine region where Port wine and other table wines originate from, we recommend Douro Exclusive for the most authentic experience.
#7 Plan ahead to welcome the arrival of the new year
We have been scouring the city for the hottest places to enjoy your holiday break in Porto. With that in mind, here are some amazing possibilities to consider for New Year’s Eve celebrations and what to do in Porto in December. Have a safe and sound New Year’s Eve!
#8 Eat bacalhau
Our Christmas is not imaginable without eating at least one dish with codfish, aka bacalhau. We love bacalhau! Did you know that there are more than 100 ways of cooking? To be honest, some of us could eat it every single day. Traditionally on Christmas tables for dinner or next-day lunch, you will see bolinhos de bacalhau, bacalhau à Zé do Pipo or bacalhau à Gomes de Sá. Try it and let us know which of the bacalhau dishes was your favorite.
#9 Make rabanadas
Like we cannot imagine Christmas without Bacalhau, we also cannot imagine it without various desserts served during the holiday season. One of the most typical desserts, that can be easily eaten also during breakfast, is Rabanadas, also known as Portuguese-style French toast. Here’s how to make rabanadas (Portuguese French toast recipe), a delicious treat that’s perfect for what to do in Porto in December.
And there you have it, some of the best things to do in Porto this December are right here. These fun winter activities are guaranteed to beat the cold-weather blues.
Also, don’t forget to enjoy a bit of winter sun as well. Porto is blessed with a pleasant climate and amazingly beautiful scenery, which makes it the perfect city for a little time outdoors during the wintertime.
With love,
The Taste Porto Foodie Team
