The Lisbon Connection » Christmas shopping

Lisbon at Christmas time: kitsch, a giant tree, eco-decoration, lingerie and Maria & Jesus

Julie Kruijs — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:24:32 +0000

In December, thousands of colourful lights decorate Lisbon. Portuguese people love ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, celebrating Christmas with a lot of X-mas kitsch. Everywhere you look you see blinking neon lights, Christmas markets and decorated shops. If you are a Christmas hater, maybe it’s a better idea to visit this fascinating city some other time

Rua da Prata, December 2009

National Theatre Teatro Nacional Doña Maria II. Christmas time in Lisbon is similar to everywhere else in the world, except that the decorations has a higher kitsch factor.

Rua da Palma, lingerie shop close to one of my favorite restaurants RAMIRO

Hermes, Largo do Chiado 9. They really love Christmas window dressing with animals! (Christmas 2008)

Watch-guard shop near Rossio, Praça da Figueira

Further, there’s a giant 44m Christmas tree, set up on the highest point of Eduardo VII park, with 1.625.000 (!) mini lights, lighting up the tree’s decorations from 17:30 pm – 1am. Of course, children love it!

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi7h-qLRflc

Lisbon’s unique & original Ladra Alternativa (Alternative Flea Market ). Christmas decoration made from Nespresso caps (3 euro)

A creative idea to make some money at Christmas time……

Benetton shop, Rua Garrett

The clothing market shrinked this year because of the crisis, as well as the sweaters of Benetton

And Maria & Jesus? You can make a reservation in their restaurant in Mouraria, “Tentações (Temptations) de Goa”

NEW YEAR: on the night of December 31, Lisbon is one big street party! Live music and a fantastic fireworks display (Parque das Nações , EXPO 98). According to the Portuguese tradition, twelve wishes are made to the sound of the twelve bell tolls, toasting with champaign to the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! FELIZ ANO NOVO!

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Lisbon’s Ladra Alternativa (Alternative Flea Market) recycled designs & Nespresso caps Christmas decoration

Julie Kruijs — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:26:00 +0000

At the urban handicrafts Fair, Ladra Alternativa, you can find every type of item, from jewellery to home utensils, always with the knowledge that you are buying unique and original items for a cheap price. If you happen to be around: four times a year this indoor fair is held at the Dr Magalhães Lima Cultural Centre, Rua do Salvador, 2A

All creations have in mind the reutilization and recycling of materials. At this Fair in Alfama, the Ladra Alternativa, you’ll find very creative Portuguese designers showing their work like jewellery, arts, crafts and fashion accessories.

You might have been visited Lisbon’s legendary ‘Feira da Ladra” flea market. Although this flea market has slightly the same name, “alternativa” (alternative) points to a different way of approaching this kind of market.

A few years ago (2006) a group of young creators came together to present their work. The market started out as an experiment, but it has really become a great success.

This alternative flea market introduces local Portuguese creators in jewellery, painting, fashion, photography and others. It’s an informal interpretation of art and you will be impressed with the very creative designs!

I bought Christmas decoration made from used Nespresso caps, price: 3 euro.

Alexis’ website , mail: alexis7218@gmail.com

You’ll have the chance to talk to the person who created what you’re buying, change ideas, thoughts and experiences.

The initiators of this Fair are Antonio Azevedo (l), and Patricia Brizido,

Ladra Alternativa, email ladralternativa@gmail.com

(See website).Opening hours: Sat 9am-9pm; Sun 10am-7pm. Price: free, there’s no ATM machine, so bring cash.

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Lisbon shopping: Christmas decoration & remarkable window dressing

Julie Kruijs — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:51:02 +0000

Already in November Lisbon is busy decorating the streets and the trees with lots of Christmas lights. Walking along the Baixa and Chiado, visitors have plenty of opportunity to find the perfect gift, to suit everyone’s wallet. The windows of the shops are dressed up with Christmas decorations, and some are quite remarkable! Herewith some examples of ‘Portuguese creativity’ in Lisbon’s commercial heart, the neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado.

Christmas window dressing Largo do Chiado

Christmas window dressing Rua da Prata

Hermés, December 2008, Largo do Chiado 9, Lisbon

Baixa area

Luxury food shop: shop Manteigaria Silva, Rua D. Antao de Almada 1-C and D

Besides: Jingle bells! Even trams (Electrico Natal) are decorated with lights and steered by Santa Claus himself!

‘Feliz Natal’ (Merry Christmas!).

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