Events in the Algarve in December
Thinking of spending the cold December month in sunny Algarve? A jolly good idea if you love to enjoy the outdoors peacefully. Many beaches are deserted and you won’t find many tourists. Bring a warm coat, but expect crisp blue skies on most days. With Christmas and NYE around the corner, you can definitely feel a festive spirit with all the lights and decorations. Find out what is going on in the Algarve in December.
Christmas markets
December 1 – December 23
Many Christmas markets are taking place in the Algarve. The great shopping malls of the Algarve are also excellent places for your Christmas shopping. In Mar Algarve and Forum Algarve the malls are beautifully decorated and many musical performances will be held along the Christmas trees. Also, these are the places to meet Santa Claus.
New Year’s Eve
December 31
Celebrate the final night of the year in the Algarve and close 2019 with a bang on the beach. Firework shows are displayed along the entire coast of the Algarve. Leading up to midnight there are many great free concerts that you can attend.
Albufeira
Albufeira is the most popular town to celebrate NYE. Every year around 50.000 people come to Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s beach) to listen to the best national and international artists. At midnight you can marvel at a spectacular firework show from the beaches of Albufeira: Praia dos Pescadores, Praia da Oura and Praia de Olhos de Água.
Faro
In the capital of the Algarve you can also enjoy a fabulous public party. In Faro a two day free musical festival will be given by national artists. On the 30th and 31st of December head out to the Jardim Manuel Bívar garden. When the clock hits 00.00 you can watch the firework show.
Lagos
In the West of the Algarve, you will find a great NYE party in the city of Lagos. At the town’s square, Praça do Infante, there will be music performances by popular national artists. At mightnight there will be an impressive firework show from the main beach.
Monte Gordo
In Monte Gordo the end of the year is celebrated in the final 3 days of December with musical performances. On December 31 there will be a spectacular firework show from the beach. In the neighbouring town of Vila Real de Santo António you can also expect a festive NYE celebration outside.
Portimão
At the beach of Portimão, in Praia da Rocha, you will find many concerts on New Year’s Eve. Overall there is a great festive vibe at all the bars and clubs. From the beach an impressive firework show will be displayed.
Tavira
In Tavira the city organizes its New Year’s Eve party at Praça da República (Republic Square). Enjoy concerts, drinks and watch a beautiful firework show.
The Party of the Century at the Conrad Hotel
Prefer to celebrate the final night of the year in unparalled style? The five star Conrad Hotel organizes “The Party of the Century” with a Black & White Ball in 1966 Truman Capote’s style. The party is held in the magnificent ballroom and consists of an exquisite five course menu with wine pairing. There is live entertainment and at midnight the guests head outside for a firework show and a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. The costs are € 340 per person.
Christmas at Mar Shopping (Loulé)
December 1 – 24
It might not be snowing in the Algave, but you can feel the magical Christmas feeling in the air! The largest shopping mall of the Algarve has transformed into a true winter wonderland with a Christmas tree and even Santa Claus! Every weekend there is a children’s programs at the Christmas Village and you can listen to the Loulé Children’s Choir. Come and enjoy Christmas at MAR Shopping!
