Rua da Prata, December 2009.

Movie Christmas decoration

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 in Lisbon, 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 (You Tube video), 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!

Lisbon’s unique & original Ladra Alternativa (Alternative Flea Market ).

Christmas decoration made from recycled Nespresso caps (3 euro)

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

Benetton shop Lisbon, window dressing,  Rua Garrett

The clothing market shrinked this year because of the crisis, as well as the sweaters of  Benetton in the window ;-)

Maria dos Angos (Maria of the Angels) & Jesus Lee

Nowadays Maria & Jesus own a famous restaurant in Mouraria, a historical area of Lisbon. Cook is Jesus Lee (Goan origin) and owner is Maria dos Angus (Maria of the Angels). The genuine Goan family food is created with Jesus’ love! “Tentações (Temptations) de Goa”.

A nice holiday  3-bedroom apartment with patio in this area

NEW YEAR: on the night of December 31, Lisbon is one big street party! Live music and a fantastic fireworks display at Parque das Nações , ( EXPO 98).  The famous square Praça do Comércio will be filled on the night of December 31st with concerts by Portuguese bands and with the lights of the fireworks at midnight. Cultural agenda Lisbon

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!

Share on Facebook

New address Feira Alternativa November 27 and 28, 2010: Rua Maria da Fonte, Mercado no Forno (Market)

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.

Share on Facebook

Christmas window dressing at Largo do Chiado

Elegant shopping district, close to luxury hotel Bairro Alto and Lisbon’s famous nightlife:  possibly one of the best spots in Europe for a night out!

Traditional Christmas window dressing  Rua da Prata

In the same street, Rua da Prata 88, a pierced Santa Claus (2010)

TRIPARTE TATTOO – Body Piercing – Tattoo shop Rua da Prata, 88-90 Baixa, Lisboa

Hermés in December, they love ‘animal window dressing’, Largo do Chiado 9, Lisbon

Baixa area

Rua do Carmo (2010)

Did you ever see stars in the sky wearing glasses ? This street is close to the famous tourist attraction ‘Santa Justa elevator’ (Elevador de Santa Justa) and my favorite square in Lisbon : Praça do Carmo

Rua da Madalena, a reindeer in the window is placed in front of a poster ‘ how to increase your sexual desire’ : ‘Libidosil‘ (2010)

..more about this remarkable street….

 Alfama, Rua dos Remedios,  talho (butcher) do Chafariz

Even de butchers decorate their shops for Christmas…

…Hearing Aid shop & new batteries (pilhas 5 euro)

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

‘Boas Festas e Feliz Natal’ (Merry Christmas and happy New Year!), Praça da Figueira, more about this area……..

Share on Facebook

This broad boulevard, with a pedestrianised centre in the middle, is the Portuguese equivalent of the Champs Elysees.

It’s a lovely avenue to wander down, with cafes where you can take a break. 

If you are looking for luxury international brands you will find here f.i. Luis Vuitton, Emporio Armani and Escada fashionable boutiques.

Be prepared: the prices are the same as in any of these shops in London or Paris.

PRADA boutique Avenida da Liberdade 249  Lisbon, December 2010

Economic crisis in Portugal? Prada does not believe in the miserable economic situation in Portugal and opened a store in Lisbon in 2010 . It was a long search for the location, because Miuccia Prada did not want just any shop. It eventually became a building on the Avenida de Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s main shopping streets. Two floors and 650 m2 of clothing, make-up and perfume.

Many of the original buildings of the avenue have been replaced in the last decades by tall offices and hotel buildings. Nowadays it boasts several interesting buildings that reflect Portuguese architecture from the late 19th through the early 21st centuries and the Moorish influence.

Share on Facebook