Whant to kmow more about world’s largest Santa Claus? The city of Águeda in central Portugal becomes even more enchanting during the Christmas season.
While the allure of the world’s largest Santa Claus draws many visitors to Águeda, there is a plethora of festive attractions beyond this iconic figure.
From the smallest Santa Claus, only visible under a microscope, to the charming umbrellas and streamers adorning the city’s streets, the Enchanted Park, the Selfie Factory, and various Christmas exhibitions and decorations scattered throughout, Águeda offers a delightful holiday experience.
Visiting Águeda during Christmas is a journey of constant surprises, with new delights unfolding around every corner. In 2023, the Christmas lights will be inaugurated at 6 pm on November 18th, and the festive spirit will linger until January 7th, 2024.
For detailed information about the Christmas events in Águeda for 2023, continue reading this article.
Discover the Festive Magic: Águeda’s Highlights for Christmas 2023
See the biggest Santa Claus in the world
Experience the Grandeur of the World’s Largest Santa Claus. In the heart of Águeda, specifically at Jardim do Largo 1º de Maio, stands the world’s largest Santa Claus, a towering spectacle reaching over 21 meters – equivalent to a seven-story building.
Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, this colossal Santa adds a touch of enchantment to Águeda’s festive atmosphere.
As night falls, the scene transforms into a mesmerizing display, illuminated by 250,000 LED lights that bring the Giant Santa Claus to life. Surrounding this magnificent figure, visitors can explore a lively Christmas market featuring food stalls, including traditional tripe dishes, charming carousels, and a vibrant forest adorned with colorful lights.
To enhance the festive ambiance, the air is filled with the melodies of various Christmas songs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy.
How to find the biggest Santa Claus in the world?
Looking for the locating the World’s Largest Santa Claus in Águeda?
To discover the colossal Santa Claus in Águeda, head to Jardim do Largo 1º de Maio, conveniently situated near the riverbanks.
The spectacle is particularly captivating at night when the Giant Santa Claus comes to life, adorned with dazzling lights that beckon from a distance.
Discover the World’s Tiniest Santa Claus
Lesser-known but incredibly fascinating, behold the smallest Santa Claus in the world. This micro-sculpture is no larger than a period, requiring a microscope to appreciate its intricate details.
Crafted by the renowned UK-based artist Willard Wigan, the microscopic masterpiece features Santa Claus alongside a Christmas tree. To view this unique creation, visit the Águeda Tourist Office, conveniently located next to Praça da República.
Entrance to the exhibit showcasing the smallest Santa Claus is free, and at the end of your visit, you can capture a photo, also complimentary, and receive a Happy Holidays card!
The World’s Smallest Santa Claus is on display at the Águeda Tourist Office, Largo Dr. Elísio Sucena 24, 3750-172 Águeda, during the following hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 1 pm / 2 pm – 8 pm
- Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am – 8 pm
The exhibit is closed on Mondays, and on December 24th and 31st, it opens from 10:13 am. For inquiries about the World’s Smallest Santa Claus (or Águeda’s Christmas programming), feel free to contact 234 601 412.
The Umbrella Sky Project Illuminates Christmas
Originating in Águeda in 2012 with a mission to add color to the more subdued aspects of cities, The Umbrella Sky Project has embraced the Christmas spirit by adorning the city with dazzling umbrellas.
Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance as you witness glittering umbrellas in festive hues of red and green decorating the Águeda sky in anticipation of Christmas. Adding to the welcoming atmosphere is a giant umbrella accompanied by a bicycle, along with Santa’s sleigh just a few meters away.
We recommend strolling through the streets, paying attention to the intricate details, and exploring the decorations in less conventional places.
Christmas Program 2023 in Águeda (icluding world’s largest Santa Claus)
The festive season in the region kicked off on November 18th at 6 pm with the grand inauguration of the Christmas lights, extending its joyous spirit until January 7th, 2024.
For comprehensive details on all the Christmas events happening in Águeda, we recommend visiting the Municipality’s Facebook page.
Key highlights of the program include the enchanting Christmas Parade on November 18th at 4:30 pm and the Christmas Run and Walk scheduled for December 16th.
Additionally, a unique Christmas experience awaits on the Vouga Historic Train.
Don’t miss the bustling Christmas market at the site of the world’s largest Santa Claus, offering traditional products, handicrafts, an ice rink, and a variety of carousels. Take a stroll through the Enchanted Park in Vila Alta Park (with free entry) while enjoying the festive Christmas program.
Best Things To Do and See in Águeda, Portugal
- Explore the train station and take note of the vibrant tiles adorning the facade.
- Catch one of the many weekend music shows.
- Discover urban art installations along the main streets and in buildings, including works like “Pisco” by Bordalo II.
- Indulge in regional sweets such as tripa, featuring an undercooked dough reminiscent of a crepe, and savor the delightful ovos moles.
Where to park in Águeda
On weekends, parking in Águeda tends to be more difficult to find.
Our suggestion is that you try to leave your car near the Igreja Matriz de Águeda, at the market, at the Fire Department or at the Vine and Wine Institute.
Alternatively, you can choose to go to Águeda by train, whose station is located in a central area and has the advantage of not needing to worry about parking your car.
Accomodation in Águeda
Staying overnight in Águeda is an excellent option, as this way you can admire the Christmas lights until later.
So, you can choose to stay in the center, just a few meters from the biggest Santa Claus in the world when you book the Hotel Conde de Águeda.
On the other hand, if you prefer more economical accommodation while maintaining a central location, we suggest XPT Águeda – Alojamento Local.
If none of these alternatives convince you, see below for other hotel options in Águeda and the surrounding area.
How to get to Águeda
Águeda is located about an hour from Porto following the A1, or two and a half hours from Lisbon. Another possibility if leaving Porto is to drive along the A32, which can be useful at times of greater traffic.
See also: Christmas in Vigo: street lighting, ferris wheel.
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