Christmas in Cascais officially kicks off with the opening of the much-loved Cascais Christmas Village. Parque Marechal Carmona transforms into an enchanted wonderland where, until January, families can visit Santa’s House, the wizard’s tower, the elves’ workshops, real reindeers, and a live nativity scene (complete with camels!). The donkeys from Pisão also join the festivities, offering rides for the little ones, who can stop by the sweet house for face painting sessions.
Tickets: How much are they, and where can I buy them?
Tickets for the Cascais Christmas Village range from €12 (ages 3–11 and over 65) to €14 (ages 12 and up). Special family packs can save you a few euros: two adults and two children pay €48; two adults and three children, €59; and two adults and four children, €70.
You can buy tickets at the door (the ticket office follows the event's opening hours), but to avoid extra queues, it's best to buy online. There are card payment options available, and your ticket grants access to all attractions except the ice rink and slide, which require separate payment. Tickets are valid for one day only.
How do I get to the venue?
There are several ways to reach the Cascais Christmas Village. If you're driving, there are several paid parking options nearby: Marechal Carmona Park, Cascais Marina, the Cidadela (by the bay), the Hippodrome, and Cascais Center.
If you prefer to take the train, get off at the final station on the Cascais line (Cascais), which is about 800 metres from the event site. The walk is a pleasant one along the bay, but if you'd rather not walk (or if it’s raining), you can hop on the M27 bus.
What are the opening and closing times for Cascais Christmas Village?
The Cascais Christmas Village runs from November 23rd to January 5th, with schedules varying depending on the day of the week, festive dates, and even the kids' Christmas holidays. Take note: on November29th, 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th December it opens from 11.00 to 20.00; on all Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on 18th, 19th, 20th, 23rd, 26th, 27th, and 30th December, and 2nd and 3rd of January, it operates until 21.30; on 24th and 31st of December you can visit from 11.00 to 17.00; and on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day it is open from 15.00 to 20.00.
How do I find my way around inside?
Every year, the Cascais Christmas Village takes up a large portion of Parque Marechal Carmona, while still allowing visitors to enjoy part of the garden for free.
This year, there are 4,000 square metres of Christmas magic, as the event extends to the lawn of the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, where an artificial lake, a stage with seating for 300 people, and a larger food court than in previous years will be set up. The Cascais City Council has also promised new decorations and a greater focus on lighting.
At the entrance, there’s a map marking everything.
Everything?
Where you can find the Santa Claus house, the wizard's tower, the elves' workshops, the reindeer, the Pisão donkeys, the live nativity scene, the Nazareth village, the Roman camp, the carousel, the mini Ferris wheel, the sweet house (where face painting takes place), the ice rink and ramp. The food areas and toilets are also marked. Activities such as storytelling sessions or small plays are announced over the loudspeakers.
What can you eat and drink?
The food and drink stalls at Cascais Christmas Village haven't been announced yet, but the classics of this type of event are always present: hot dogs, pizzas and burgers, crepes, roasted chestnuts, and hot drinks.
What about the Christmas lights in Cascais and the Santa Claus train?
The Christmas celebrations in Cascais aren't limited to Parque Marechal Carmona. In Cascais Bay, there's a Christmas market, a Ferris wheel, carousels, and a large Christmas tree. All over the municipality, a Christmas parade circulates, featuring a train with themed carriages and characters like Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Here are the dates and times for Cascais Christmas on Tour: on November 24th, the train will be in Cascais, stopping at ONE Market and Areia; on December 8th, it will visit Estoril, with stops at Quinta da Carreira and Jardim dos Passarinhos. November 30th will be Carcavelos’ turn, with stops at Carcavelos Market and Praça do Junqueiro; and on December 14th, the train will head to Parede, specifically to Praça 5 de Outubro and Jardins da Parede. São Domingos de Rana will host the parade on December 1st and 15th, and Alcabideche on December 7th and 21st. These routes start from 17.00 and end in Cascais Bay, between 19.00 and 20.00. Watching is free.
Cascais Xmas Village, November 23 – January 5. Various times. €12-€14.