2025-10-03
Here’s everything you need to know about the Christmas in Valença 2024 program! It includes the dates and locations of the main Christmas activities!
In recent years Valença has established itself as a very strong Christmas destination, with Portugal’s biggest guiding star, and everything indicates that this year the festivities are going to be even better.
Here at home we love Christmas events, so we never miss an opportunity to go on family trips during the school vacations.
And I have to say that the Christmas festivities in Valença are on the list of our favorites.
So here’s the information I think is important for anyone visiting Valença at Christmas time!
And this is an article that is being updated, meaning that I’ll be adding new information as and when necessary to make it as complete as possible.
✔️Where to stay in Valença during Christmas and New Year: If you don’t have time to read the whole article, then know that I recommend Residencial Portas do Sol (3 stars). The location is unbeatable, right in the center of Valença, and it usually offers good value for money, making it a practical choice for those who want to enjoy the Christmas markets and explore the city on foot.
Christmas in Valença: Official program (TBC)
Good news: between November 29 and January 5, Christmas is coming to Valença!
Throughout these days you can count on countless initiatives that promise to bring joy and entertainment to everyone who comes to Valença.
And if you’ve never been, you’re missing out on quite a party!
So, the main Christmas activities this year are the Chocolate Fortress for the sweet tooth, Duendelândia with the Christmas train for the little ones and the traditional Christmas Market for Christmas shopping.
In addition, you can count on Valença’s main streets being lit up, Christmas concerts, the traditional Olá 2026 New Year’s Eve Party and theInternational Cavalcade of Kings.
As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Valença this Christmas!
Chocolate Fortress in Valença
The Chocolate Fortress will take place between November 29 and December 8 (TBC), which means there are 10 days for the sweet tooth to try different types of chocolate.
But you don’t have to eat everything there, as it’s possible (and recommended!) to take some of these chocolates home with you.
Maybe you can start your Christmas shopping for your friends and family who have done well this year!
And you know, as in previous years, as well as shopping, you can also take part in the showcookings dedicated to this sweet delicacy, so enjoy!
Christmas lights switch-on in Valença
The Christmas lights in Valença will be switched on on November 29 at 6pm (TBC), with the official opening taking place in the Municipal Garden.
However, the Christmas lights will not only be in this garden, as both the historic area and the city’s central avenues will be adorned with colorful lights and decorations.
In addition, the multimedia tree also promises to attract attention with regular shows.
Duendelândia
With families with children in mind, Duendelândia will take place on the weekends of November and December.
As far as opening hours are concerned, note that Duendelândia is open from 14h00 to 20h00 (TBC).
In other words, you have plenty of opportunities to go with your children to have fun on the tree climbing, trampoline jumping, Christmas train, inflatable, mini-carousel, baby park, Santa’s house and other surprises.
Valença Christmas Market
The Valença Christmas Market will take place in the Municipal Garden on the weekends of November and December (TBC).
And what should you buy at this market? Well, I particularly like browsing the craft stalls, as I can always find Christmas presents to give away.
What’s more, many of these pieces are made by local artisans, and I believe it’s an excellent way to support the local economy.
So I recommend that you spend a couple of hours browsing the craft stalls in Valença.
Christmas concerts in Valença
Who doesn’t like listening to Christmas carols? I do, so Christmas concerts are on my list of things to do at Christmas.
So, in Valença, you can enjoy pleasant moments listening to the Fortaleza de Valença Music Academy, the São Pedro da Torre Musical Association, as well as the Eurocity Christmas concert.
Nativity scene exhibition in Valença
You can see the Christmas cribs between December 15 and January 6, (TBC), as well as the life-size log crib that has been so popular in the past.
In addition, there will also be Portugal’s largest guiding star, which has a structure 12 meters in diameter.
New Year’s Eve in Valença: Hello Valença 2026
New Year’s Eve in Valença will be held in the Municipal Garden, with lots of music and entertainment.
As far as I’m concerned, I usually spend New Year’s Eve at home with my family, and I intend to continue doing so, but I confess I’m a little curious to know what New Year’s Eve is like at an event like this.
International Cavalcade of Kings in Valença
The Christmas festivities in Valença end with the International Cavalcade of Kings, which will take place on January 5, at 16:00 (TBC).
The meeting point is the Largo da Estação de Valença, and the route includes the central avenues of Valença, towards the Centenary Bridge and from there to the Paseo da Corredoira, in Tui.
Accommodation in Valença
When it comes to places to stay in the center of Valença, I recommend Residencial Portas do Sol (3 stars), which not only has an unbeatable location, but is also usually good value for money.
However, there are other accommodation options in Valença that you can explore, so I suggest you explore the map below.
👉 Christmas Markets in Porto: Lights, and Must-See Attractions!
You May Also Like:
- Christmas in Viana do Castelo, North of Portugal: Markets, Dazzling Lights, and Much More!
- The world’s largest Santa Claus is in Águeda, Portugal
- 17 Christmas Markets in Europe You Need to Visit
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