Viana do Castelo Christmas lights

The Christmas lights in Viana do Castelo are a huge success.

 

Not only among the Portuguese people, but also among the Spanish.

 

Last year, for example, four buses with around 250 people came from Leon to see the Christmas lights in Viana do Castelo.

 

But why is it so successful and why do so many people come to Viana do Castelo to see the Christmas lights?

 

You’ll find out in this article, and you’ll probably want to visit Viana do Castelo at Christmas time too.

 

Why are the Christmas lights in Viana do Castelo so special?

 

What makes the Christmas lights in Viana do Castelo so special is not just the lighting. There are many other factors.

 

Of course, the Christmas lights in the city of Minho alone are something to behold. The Christmas lights stretch along 30 of Viana do Castelo’s streets, as well as decorating two of the city’s entrances, squares and roundabouts, creating a beautiful visual effect. In addition, between 18th November and 10th January, there are six daily multimedia shows that combine sound and light in a rhythmic way, as you can see in the video below:

 

 

All this would be an excellent reason to visit Viana do Castelo at Christmas. You won’t find this high-quality visual spectacle in many cities in Portugal.

 

But the municipality of Viana do Castelo has raised the bar even higher and, between 18th November and 10th January, is also promoting activities, concerts, street entertainment, exhibitions and much more to add to the fabulous Christmas Lights.

 

See all the activities taking place during the Christmas season in Viana do Castelo.

 

What happens during the Christmas Lights in Viana do Castelo?

 

Between 18th November and 10th January, Viana do Castelo is transformed into an authentic Christmas town.

 

In addition to the above-mentioned shows and Christmas lights, there are other dynamics that take place.

 

The Praça da República, for example, is transformed into an authentic Christmas square, with carousels for children and decorations alluding to the season.

 

 

A 27 metre high 3D Christmas tree is set up in the Marginal Garden, which fits in perfectly with the Diocesan Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (a temple-monument of Santa Luzia).

 

From 8 to 23 December, the Praça da Liberdade and Praça da República will host a Christmas Market, with 32 stalls selling original Christmas gifts, and a giant tent with a children’s workshop where children can learn how to make acorn cribs, chocolates, Christmas balls, gift bags and other Christmas activities.

 

The Christmas market is open from 12h00 to 00h00 on the public holiday of the Immaculate Conception. From Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 16h00 to 22h00 and from Friday to Saturday from 12h00 to 00h00.

 

In the Praça da República, the market is open-air and in the Praça da Liberdade, it is under a giant tent.

 

And, of course, there’s no lack of good food. That’s why Viana do Castelo has created the Feirão do Mel (Honey Fair), where you can buy handmade gastronomic products, including sweets and drinks made with honey. There’s also mulled wine and chestnuts, traditional gastronomic products at this time of year.

 

Throughout the Christmas Lights in Viana do Castelo, there are also charity events to collect toys for underprivileged children in the municipality and a competition to give away vouchers to customers in local shops.

 

 

To round off one of the best Christmas programmes in Portugal, Viana do Castelo also has the famous Father Christmas Arrival, two exhibitions of handcrafted nativity scenes and Christmas trees, and street entertainment with street parades, choirs and Christmas concerts.

 

A unique programme, ideal for spending fun times with your family or friends.

 

For those who love the Christmas season, this is a must-see event.

 

Where to stay in Viana do Castelo?

 

If Viana do Castelo’s Christmas programme has made you want to visit the city at this time of year, but you don’t know where to stay, we have a recommendation for you: the AP Dona Aninhas Hotel.

 

 

Located in the centre of Viana do Castelo, close to all the Christmas activities, the AP Dona Aninhas guarantees high standards of comfort, with a spa, bar and restaurant services to make your Christmas break unforgettable.

Book your stay and give your whole family, especially the little ones, the best Christmas holidays ever.