50 unmissable events for Christmas and New Year in the Algarve, 2025

First, it’s Mariah “accidentally” popping up on every playlist, then kids start humming jingle bells under their breaths, and before you know it, the Algarve lights up as if to say: right, Christmas is officially here! The shiniest of seasons always creeps in quietly, and suddenly you find your calendar packed with markets, concerts, Christmas villages, pop-up ice rinks, and plans to fill weekend after weekend.

If you still think there’s no more to the Algarve than its beaches, December is here to prove you wrong. From Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, you’ll find twinkling streets, cosy markets, children’s entertainment, late-night concerts for grown-ups, and daily events until the new year hits.

To ensure you don’t miss the best of it, we’ve put together a list of the best goings-on this Christmas and New Year in the Algarve, helping you choose where to wander, spend time with the family, and raise a glass at midnight. Whether you’re after a lively New Year’s Eve in the Algarve or something a little quieter, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Ready to find out what December has in store and start planning your New Year in the Algarve? Let’s dive in.

Albufeira

• 09/12 | 9:30–12:30 – Christmas ATC Workshop
  Albufeira Arts and Crafts Centre
  Create your own Artistic Trading Cards using collage, painting, and drawing techniques.
• 15/12 | 2 – 5 pm – Doce Fino (Algarve Marzipan) Workshop – Christmas Edition
  Albufeira Arts and Crafts Centre
  Learn to make the traditional marzipan-like almond paste: doce fino.
• 19/12 | 9 pm – Symphonic Christmas
  Ferreiras Church, Albufeira
  Concert by the Algarve Orchestra.
• 20/12 & 21/12 | 2 – 8 pm – Christmas Market 2025
  Albufeira Multi-use Pavilion
• 31/12 – New Year in Albufeira
  Pescadores Beach
  Silence 4 perform on the 31st December and Os Quatro e Meia on the 1st January.

Alcoutim

• 01/12–31/12 – Nativity Scene
  Giões Church, Alcoutim
• 06/12 | 4 pm – “Pinocchio” Children’s Musical
  Espaço Guadiana, Alcoutim
• 14/12 | 10 am – Father Christmas Motorbike Parade
  Parishes of Alcoutim and Pereiro
  Motorbike parade where riders dress up as Father Christmas.

Castro Marim

• 13/12 | 9 pm – The Voices of Christmas
  Altura Mother Church
  Concert by the Algarve Orchestra and AMA Community Choir.

Faro

• 11/12 | 9 pm – The Voices of Christmas
  CGD Large Auditorium, University of the Algarve (Gambelas)
• 12/12 | 10h30 e 21h00 – O Quebra-Nozes
  Lethes Theatre, Faro
  Porto Young Dance Company.
• 13/12 | 9 pm – Christmas Concert
  Lethes Theatre, Faro
  Faro Philharmonic Association Philharmonic Band.
• 19/12–21/12 | 9 pm – The Nutcracker
  Figuras Theatre, Faro
  Algarve Dance Company.
• 31/12 – New Year in Faro
  Manuel Bívar Garden and Marina
  Live bands, DJs and midnight fireworks.

Lagos

• 29/11–24/12 – Christmas in Lagos 2025 “Lagos, Christmas Bay”29/11 a 24/12 – Natal em Lagos 2025 “Lagos, Baía do Natal”
  Infante Dom Henrique Square, Lagos
  Christmas village with entertainment, stalls, and family activities.
• 05/12–24/12 | 10 am – 5 pm – Natalândia 2025
  Lagos Zoo
  A Christmas theme park for children with activities.
• 29/11–10/01/2026 | 10 am – 6 pm (Tue–Sat) Animated Nativity Scene by José Cortes
  Lagos Cultural Centre – Exhibition Room 0
  A traditional nativity scene depicting moments of local daily life. Free entry.
• 06/12–08/12 – Christmas Craft Exhibition
  Levante Market, Lagos
• 13/12 | 10am – Guided tour: “Discovering Christmas in Lagos”
  Route through Lagos old town; registration required.
• 13/12 | 7 pm – Soul & Gospel – Lagos Light Orchestra featuring Carina Lima
  Lagos Cultural Centre
• 17/12 | 9 pm – Christmas Concert
  Santa Maria Church, Lagos
  Choir and children’s choir.
• 18/12 | 9 pm – Christmas Concert
  Lagos Cultural Centre
  1.º de Maio Lagos Phillarmonic Society
• 23/12 | 7 pm – Vintage Swing
  Lagos Cultural Centre
  With António Saiote, Ana Rita Inácio & the Algarve Jazz Orchestra.
• 31/12 | 10:30 pm – New Year’s Eve in Lagos
  Infante Dom Henrique Square, Lagos
  Concert by Pedro Abrunhosa, fireworks and DJ TobyONE. Free entry.

Lagoa

• 12/12 & 13/12 – Living Statues at Christmas
  Rua 25 de Abril & Largo 5 de Outubro
  A living statues performance.
• 19/12–21/12 | 2 – 7 pm – Christmas Market at Vila Vita Parc
  Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
  Market stalls, mulled wine, and entertainment at the Piazetta.

Loulé

• 06/12 | 10 am – 5:30 pm – Vale do Lobo Christmas Market 2025
  Vale do Lobo Auditorium & gardens
• 15/11–06/01 – Christmas Village at MAR Shopping Algarve
  Almancil
  Market, children’s activities and festive décor.
• 06/12–23/12 | 10 am – 6 pm – Christmas Bazaar
  Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé
  Around 35 artisans and designers.
• 06/12–08/12 | 12 – 8 pm – Christmas Edition of the “Serra” Fair
  Old Carnaval Warehouse, next to the S. António Convent
• 14/12 | 4 pm – The Voices of Christmas
  S. Pedro do Mar Church, Quarteira
• 31/12 – New Year’s Eve in Quarteira
  Passeio das Dunas
  Xutos & Pontapés and Richie Campbell.
• 31/12 | 7 pm – New Year’s Eve with Julio Iglesias Jr.
  Algarve Congress Centre, Vilamoura
  Gala dinner, concert, fireworks, DJ, late supper and brunch.

Monchique

• 12/12–21/12 – Monchique Christmas Market 2025
  Chorões Square.
• 22/12–04/01/2026 – 9th Monchique New Year New Circus
  Descansa Pernas car park, Estrada de Sabóia.
  “Hourvari” and “Strano” shows.

Olhão

• 20/12 & 21/12 – República 14 Christmas Market
  República 14 Cultural Association.
• 31/12 – New Year in Olhão
  Pescador Olhanense Garden
  21:00 – 3 AM
  22:30 – Diogo Piçarra
  00:00 – Fireworks
  00:15 onwards – DJ Deelight

Portimão

• 01/12/2025–06/01/2026 – “Portimão, a Christmas Dream 2025”
  Free programme with decorations and family activities.
• 12/12 | 6:30 pm – Mickey & Friends Christmas Concert
  TEMPO – Portimão Municipal Theatre
• 14/12 | 4 pm – Christmas Concert with Barlavento Ensemble
  Portimão Museum.
• 20/12 | 9 pm – Symphonic Christmas
  TEMPO – Portimão Municipal Theatre
• 31/12 – New Year in Portimão
  Praia da Rocha
  Bands, DJs and fireworks at midnight.

Silves

• 21/12 | 6 pm – Christmas Concert with the Algarve Jazz Orchestra
  Al-Mutamid Square, Silves
  With António Saiote and Ana Rita Inácio.

Tavira

• 19/12–21/12 – Christmas Village 2025
  Santa Luzia.
• 07/12 | 4 pm – Tavira Christmas Dance Show
  António Pinheiro Municipal Theatre
  D’dance Cia and local academies.
• 13/12 | 9 pm – The Nutcracker
  António Pinheiro Municipal Theatre
  International Classical Ballet.
• 14/12 | 5 pm – Glenn Miller Orchestra – In the Christmas Mood
  António Pinheiro Municipal Theatre
• 20/12 | 9:30 pm – Tavira Christmas Choir Concert
  António Pinheiro Municipal Theatre

Vila do Bispo

• 06/12 | 5:30 pm – Christmas by the Fireplace – Chamber Music
  Barão de S. Miguel Church
• 07/12 | 5:30 pm – Christmas by the Fireplace – Chamber Music
  Budens Mother Church

Christmas in the Algarve is simple, but special. If you choose to spend December here, take a break: fewer notifications, more conversations around the table; less scrolling, more memories that don’t need a photograph.

*To confirm times, locations and programme details, please check official sources, especially in the event of last-minute changes.