The Most Magical Time of the Year Arrives in Lagos
The festive season has officially taken over the streets of Lagos. This year, the municipality transforms into a true “Christmas Bay”, offering a varied programme for all ages from 29 November to 10 January. With Santa’s Village and House, children’s amusement rides, shows, creative workshops, storytelling sessions, market entertainment, José Cortes’ Animated Nativity Scene and the return of the “Christmas in Local Commerce” initiative, there is no shortage of reasons to celebrate the season.
The heart of the festivities
Infante Square once again becomes the heart of the festivities, from 29 November to 24 December, featuring an inspiring new theme: “Lagos, Christmas Bay.” The area will host Santa’s House, a Christmas market, sledding track, ice rink, mini Ferris wheel, train rides, face painting, jugglers, photo spots, arts-and-crafts workshops and a range of attractions designed especially for children.
Santa himself is scheduled to arrive on 1 December at 3 p.m.
New addition
This emblematic venue will also feature another new addition: a stage set up on the Water Mirror, ready to welcome performances by Grupo Zahirah, Colégio de S. Gonçalo, the Ukrainian Choir Kryla and the Dança & Arte Sofia Rodrigues Ballet Academy.
Magic Theatre
At the Regimental Warehouse, the magic continues with equal charm, hosting children’s theatre productions Christmas in the Elf Village and The Pirates’ Christmas Return, storytelling sessions with Márcia Gamito and the show Pandora, presented by Duo Niu and the Lagos Experimental Theatre.
To bring holiday cheer to shoppers at the municipal markets, there will be performances by Roberto Bernardino, Humberto Silva and Grupo ÀModaAntiga at Viv’o Mercado, the Sociedade Filarmónica Lacobrigense 1.º de Maio at the Santo Amaro Market, and roaming entertainment at Mercado da Avenida.
The traditional Christmas Fair by the Barlavento Artisans’ Association returns on 7 and 8 December at the Levante Market.
This year also introduces festive workshops at Barão ConVIDA in Barão de São João, where participants can learn to create Advent wreaths, woven quadralas stars and biodegradable beeswax candles.
The programme goes far beyond these highlights, featuring seasonal performances by cultural associations at the Lagos Cultural Centre – including the Lagos Light Orchestra, Sociedade Filarmónica Lacobrigense 1.º de Maio, Lagos Dance Association and the Algarve Jazz Orchestra. As well as events across the municipality involving Clube Artístico Lacobrigense, Impacto Ímpar / Sons ao Crepúsculo, Lagos Choir, Lagos Gymnastics Club and Odiáxere Sports Club.
Families can also enjoy activities at the Municipal Library, “Natalândia” at Lagos Zoo (5–24 December) and the ever-popular Animated Nativity Scene by José Cortes at the Cultural Centre (29 November–10 January) a beloved classic that continues to captivate all generations.
A boost for holiday shopping
In partnership with ACRAL, the “Christmas in Local Commerce” initiative also returns, offering a boost for holiday shopping. For every purchase of €10 or more at participating shops, customers will receive entry coupons for a chance to win €100 vouchers redeemable at local businesses.
Join us in celebrating this special season, filled with lights, tradition and joyful smiles.
Find full information here, and access the complete programme, schedules and entry details here.
