Christmas Day
Nationwide public holiday in Portugal · Dia de Natal
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 December | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 25 December | Saturday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Portugal.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 25 Dec – Sun 27 Dec is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Lisbon around 25 December: high 16°C (61°F), low 12°C (54°F), rain on 24% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Lisbon. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 25 December in Lisbon: (MET Norway)
About Christmas Day
Christmas, Natal, is mainly a family celebration in Portugal. The most important gathering often takes place on the evening before, with a long meal followed by Midnight Mass and the exchange of presents, while Christmas Day itself is spent with relatives.
Traditions
The Christmas Eve supper, the consoada, traditionally centres on boiled salt cod with potatoes and cabbage. Typical sweets include bolo-rei, a ring-shaped cake topped with candied fruit, along with rabanadas, fried slices of bread soaked in milk or wine, and filhoses.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Portugal
Friday, 1 January 2027
Christmas Day in other countries
More for Portugal
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.