The Lisbon Connection

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!

Share on Facebook