Christmas in Portugal

In Portugal, Christmas means the birth of Jesus. The nativity scene is placed in homes, churches and even in the street for everyone to enjoy. We recreate the moment, as a family, placing the manger under the Christmas tree. 

Christmas in Lisbon is similar to other European destinations. It is customary to gather with the family to celebrate Christmas Eve around a table and have Consoada, the main Christmas dish made with boiled cod or octopus, potatoes and Portuguese cabbage.

Following tradition, Portuguese families gather on December 24 for dinner and the table is served with cod dishes, although roast turkey and other meat dishes, which used to be eaten in the following days, are also starting to be included in the menus.