2025-01-03
The Christmas markets are gaining more and more fans in Northern Portugal, and Braga has joined the celebration! The program “Braga é Natal” features various activities such as the Christmas market, concerts, giant Bolo Rei, São Silvestre race, Christmas parade, and street entertainment.
Also, the Braga Christmas Market will take place at Praça Conde Agrolongo. If you want to know everything that will happen in Braga during Christmas, then keep reading.
The tradition of Christmas festivities in Braga is not new, but the Christmas Market at Praça Conde Agrolongo promises to be one of the highlights of the celebrations. The first edition was last year and was a success!
Check out the program I gathered from the municipality’s website and choose the best day to visit Braga. In fact, the events are so interesting that we will probably return to Braga soon.
At the end of the article, there’s a video with footage from the inauguration of the Christmas lights in Braga. Enjoy and subscribe to the YouTube channel to watch new travel videos.
The Christmas festivities in Braga (Braga é Natal)
As I mentioned, from Christmas lights in the streets of the historic center, street entertainment, concerts, theaters, a Christmas parade, a giant King’s Cake, the São Silvestre Race, and even the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration, well, the events planned for the Christmas season are many.
The Christmas festivities in Braga extend until January, so you have some time to plan your trip, but don’t leave everything for the last minute.
The motto ‘Braga is Christmas’ has already gained popularity, so a sea of people is expected in the coming weeks.
Don’t forget to book accomodation in Braga in advance, as prices tend to become less friendly closer to the dates.
Let’s see everything you can do in Braga at Christmas.
Christmas in Braga (Braga é Natal)
Since the Braga é Natal Program is extensive, I’ll provide a list of activities that I find most interesting.
In any case, you can receive a PDF with the complete and updated schedule of Christmas festivities in Braga.
INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 5:30 PM: CONCERT by André Sardet.
Christmas Parade: 4:00 PM, in the Streets of the Historic Center: CHRISTMAS PARADE.
At Praça Municipal: GIANT KING CAKE; 9:30 PM: at Praça da República: SÃO SILVESTRE RACE.
DECEMBER 31 – 9:30 PM, at Altice Forum Braga: NEW YEAR’S EVE.
NEW YEAR CONCERT.
Christmas Market in Braga
The giant tent is set up in Conde Agrolongo Square, and inside, there are only good things! Stalls with crafts, sweets, hot chocolate, and a few other things you’ll have to go see for yourself.
In fact, the whole city is filled with details worth capturing, starting with the angel wings on the streets of the historic center and the details of Christmas decorations.
Christmas Market Schedule in Braga
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
December 24: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Hotels with great location in Braga
The best area to stay in Braga if you’re looking to make the most of the Christmas Market is the historic center.
Therefore, the Vila Gale Collection Braga is a hotel with history, centrally located, offering free private parking, a spa, and a heated pool.
It’s truly an accommodation worth considering, but if you prefer more budget-friendly options, check out Residencial Centro Comercial Avenida Bragashopping or Praça 44, which offers apartment options for four or six people.
If none of these suggestions convinces you, then explore all the hotel options in Braga below.
How to Get to Braga
The city of Braga is easily accessible using the A3, A7, or A28 highways, depending on your starting point.
For example, if you’re coming from Porto, take the A3, and in about 57 km, you’ll have reached your destination.
If you prefer public transportation, the Flixbus is a good option. In the case of Porto, the direct bus departs from Campanhã Station and goes to the Braga Bus Terminal, which is about a 10-minute walk to the city center.
Expect a bus journey of 45 minutes to 1 hour, offering free Wi-Fi and USB outlets for charging your phone.
Take advantage of the bus to Braga, as there are still online tickets available for €3.99 until the end of the year.
Another option is to use the train, and in this case, the journey takes a bit longer, with 24 stops between Porto São Bento Station and Braga Station.
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