Christmas wishes for in-laws USA families love to send at the holidays carry warmth, gratitude, and a little American cheer. Whether you are writing to your mother-in-law in Texas, your father-in-law in Ohio, or your brother-in-law and sister-in-law across the country, the right words can make the family dinner feel even closer. This list brings together heartfelt, funny, and short messages made for American homes, snowy mornings, and long drives home for Christmas. In-laws become family in the truest sense at Christmas. They welcome you to the table, share treasured recipes, cheer for the same football team, and help trim the tree. A thoughtful wish thanks them for that welcome and tells them how much their love means through the year. Use these 45 wishes in a card, a text, a holiday letter, or a toast at the table. Pick one that fits your family, add a personal line about a shared memory, and send it early so it arrives before the turkey is carved and the eggnog is poured. Last up...
Christmas in Lisbon is one of Europe's best-kept festive secrets. While northern Europe shivers, the Portuguese capital glows with golden lights, open-air markets, and fado drifting from taverns. With mild December weather, traditions like Missa do Galo, and one of Europe's tallest Christmas trees, Lisbon's Christmas feels magical and refreshingly different.
What makes a Lisbon Christmas special is how it blends the festive with the distinctly Portuguese: sipping ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) between market stalls, tasting crown-shaped Bolo-Rei in historic pastry shops, and sitting down to a Consoada supper of salted cod on Christmas Eve. Feliz Natal!
Last updated: September 22, 2026
Jump to: Christmas Lights | Markets & Shopping | Festive Food | Fado & Traditions | Day Trips | FAQ
Christmas Lights & Iconic Sights
Lisbon's hills and plazas turn into a glittering stage each December — these sights no visitor should miss.
1. Marvel at the giant tree at Praça do Comércio
The centerpiece of Christmas in Lisbon: an enormous tree — around 30 meters tall, among Europe's biggest — dominating the riverside Praça do Comércio. Its lights reflect on the Tagus, and the square hosts concerts and an ice-skating rink.
2. Stroll Rossio Square after dark
Lisbon's liveliest square glows with illuminations and a traditional market. Walk the famous wave-patterned pavement and grab roasted chestnuts from a street vendor.
3. Walk the illuminated Avenida da Liberdade
The grand boulevard wears spectacular light installations every year, with fresh designs each season. Continue down Rua Augusta through Baixa for decorated shopfronts and glowing streets.
4. Ride Tram 28 through the old town
The famous yellow tram rattles through Alfama, Graça, and Baixa — and in December the whole route glows. It's the most picturesque way to see the lights without tiring your legs.
Christmas Markets & Shopping
Lisbon's markets mix handicrafts, gastronomy, and family fun — here are the best.
5. Get festive at Wonderland Lisboa
Lisbon's largest Christmas fair fills Parque Eduardo VII from late November: wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel with sky-high views, an ice rink, and Santa's grotto. Entry is free.
6. Browse the Rossio Christmas Market
Smaller and more traditional, the Rossio market is ideal for unique gifts: handmade ceramics, cork products, and Portuguese sweets. Warm up with vinho quente (mulled wine).
7. Shop inside Campo Pequeno
Inside Lisbon's historic bullring, this market hosts 140+ stalls of crafts, gourmet foods, and eco-friendly gifts — one of Europe's most unusual Christmas shopping experiences.
8. Hunt for unique gifts at LX Factory
For presents with real personality, head to LX Factory, the creative hub under the 25 de Abril Bridge. Independent boutiques sell locally designed fashion, art, and books.
Festive Food & Portuguese Traditions
Portuguese Christmas food is a delicious reason to visit — here's what to taste.
9. Taste Bolo-Rei, the king cake
Bolo-Rei ("king cake") is the crown-shaped Christmas cake in every Lisbon bakery window — studded with candied fruit and nuts, traditionally eaten through December and on Dia de Reis (January 6).
10. Experience a Consoada Christmas Eve supper
In Portugal, the big celebration is Christmas Eve: the Consoada, a late family supper of bacalhau (salted cod) with potatoes, followed by pastéis de nata and Port wine. Book ahead.
11. Warm up with ginjinha and roasted chestnuts
Sip ginjinha, the sweet-sour cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups at tiny bars like A Ginjinha in Rossio, and snack on castanhas assadas (roast chestnuts) from street vendors.
Fado, Music & Celebration
Music is the soul of Lisbon — from festive fado to midnight mass in candlelit churches.
12. Attend a Christmas fado concert in Alfama
Fado — Portugal's soulful, UNESCO-listed music — meets Christmas in the taverns of Alfama, where several venues program special festive nights in December.
13. Go to Missa do Galo on Christmas Eve
The Missa do Galo ("Rooster's Mass") is Portugal's beloved midnight mass, held across Lisbon — including the Sé Cathedral. The candlelit ceremony and choirs make it a moving way to welcome Christmas Day. Arrive early.
14. Skate, spin, and celebrate into the night
Ice rinks pop up at Praça do Comércio and Wonderland Lisboa, and December brings the São Silvestre de Lisboa fun run plus concerts building toward New Year's Eve fireworks over the Tagus.
Festive Day Trips from Lisbon
Portugal's most magical winter scenery is a short train ride away.
15. Escape to Sintra and Cascais
Sintra's fairy-tale palaces are quieter and moodier in December. Pair it with Cascais, where lights line the marina. Both are under an hour by train.
Christmas in Lisbon FAQ
Is Lisbon a good place to spend Christmas?
Yes — festive markets, spectacular lights, and traditions like Missa do Galo, with mild weather, fewer crowds than Paris or London, and lower prices.
Is Lisbon cold in December?
Not really. Days average 14–16°C (57–61°F) with cool evenings around 8–10°C. Snow is essentially unheard of in Lisbon — it's a Christmas of lights and outdoor markets rather than snow.
What is Missa do Galo?
Missa do Galo ("Rooster's Mass") is the traditional Portuguese midnight mass on Christmas Eve, named for the legend that a rooster crowed at midnight when Christ was born. It's celebrated throughout Lisbon, including the Sé Cathedral.
What do Portuguese people eat at Christmas?
The Christmas Eve Consoada supper traditionally features bacalhau (salted cod) with potatoes and vegetables, followed by Bolo-Rei, filhós, and pastéis de nata, often with Port wine.
When are Lisbon's Christmas lights switched on?
The illuminations typically light up in late November and stay on through early January, with the main displays in Baixa, Chiado, Rossio, Avenida da Liberdade, and Praça do Comércio.
What is open in Lisbon on Christmas Day?
Most shops close on December 25, but sights like São Jorge Castle and the Lisbon Oceanarium usually stay open. Markets pause on the 25th and reopen after.
More Christmas Inspiration
Planning a wider European Christmas adventure?
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