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Lisbon in December & November 2025: Guide to Festivals & Concerts
- Pedro Ferreira
- Oct 8
- 8 min read
There’s something special about Lisbon as the year draws to a close. The summer crowds fade, the air turns crisp, and the city begins to sparkle with lights, festivals, and live music. From tech gatherings to heart-pounding concerts and cozy Christmas markets, Lisbon’s late autumn and early winter months bring an irresistible blend of culture, warmth, and creativity.
If you’re thinking about visiting Portugal’s capital in November or December 2025, you’re in for a treat. Here’s your complete guide to what’s happening — with where to stay, what to see, and how to soak in the city’s best moments.
The Winter Weather in Lisbon: Light Jackets & Golden Sunsets
Lisbon is blessed with one of the mildest winters in Europe. In November, daytime temperatures hover around 63°F (17°C), cooling down to 52°F (11°C) at night. You’ll still get plenty of sun — perfect for sightseeing or café hopping.
By December, the air feels a touch fresher, with highs around 59°F (15°C) and evenings around 48°F (9°C). It’s jacket weather, not coat weather — and when that golden Lisbon light hits the terracotta rooftops, it’s pure magic.
Pro tip: Bring layers, comfy walking shoes (those cobblestones mean business), and a small umbrella for the occasional drizzle.
Major Conferences & Expos in Lisbon
Web Summit 2025 — November 10–13, 2025
📍 Altice Arena, Parque das Nações
Lisbon turns into the world’s tech capital every November when Web Summit takes over the city. Expect 70,000+ attendees, startup showcases, and headline speakers from across the globe. Whether you’re attending or just soaking in the buzz, it’s an exciting time to be in town.
Stay close to the action at Tivoli Oriente Hotel, a modern, glass-fronted stay right in Parque das Nações. The rooftop Sky Bar offers sweeping river views — perfect for post-conference cocktails — and the spa is a lifesaver after long days of networking. If you prefer something playful, Moxy Lisbon City brings a youthful vibe with neon lights, vibrant design, and late-night social spaces ideal for meeting other travelers. For business convenience, VIP Executive Arts Hotel is a solid choice — sleek rooms, hearty breakfasts, and excellent Wi-Fi.
When you’re not talking tech, take a cable car ride over the Tagus River, wander through Lisbon Oceanarium, or grab dinner at D’Bacalhau, a beloved local spot famous for its four different codfish dishes.
ABAI International Conference — November 11–13, 2025
📍 Centro de Congressos de Lisboa
Right on the waterfront in Belém, this international conference draws professionals from around the world to discuss behavioral science and applied innovation. Between sessions, step outside for riverside walks, pastel de nata breaks, and views of the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Stay nearby at Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, a luxury five-star property that’s practically art in itself. Sleek, modern architecture meets Michelin-starred dining and tranquil spa facilities — the kind of place where you’ll want to extend your stay “just one more night.” For a more affordable but stylish option, Vila Galé Ópera offers a comfortable atmosphere with a pool, river views, and easy access to trams heading downtown.
Decor Hotel Expo — November 20–22, 2025
📍 FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa
Design lovers, this one’s for you. Decor Hotel is Portugal’s premier expo for interior design, architecture, and hospitality professionals. It’s a feast of creativity — think cutting-edge furniture, smart home innovations, and sustainable design showcases.
Stay right by the venue at Ibis Lisboa Parque das Nações, a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to compromise on comfort.
If you prefer a bit more polish, Melia Lisboa Oriente blends business elegance with Portuguese hospitality — the lobby bar is lively in the evenings, and the breakfast spread could rival a brunch spot back home.
When you’re done browsing design trends, head to the nearby Gare do Oriente, an architectural masterpiece by Santiago Calatrava. Wrap up the day with sushi and river views at WA Sushi, just a short stroll away.
DGT Insights — November 27, 2025
📍 Lisbon Congress Center, Belém
A smaller yet fascinating conference focusing on digital transformation and innovation, DGT Insights is perfect for professionals who love thought-provoking talks without the Web Summit frenzy.
Where to Stay: The Vila Galé Ópera, located right next door, offers a cozy atmosphere, riverfront views, and a pool for winding down after long sessions. For a five-star treat, Altis Belém Hotel & Spa (yes, worth mentioning again) is the epitome of riverside luxury — think private balconies, spa treatments infused with sea minerals, and sunset dining that’ll make you forget about email altogether.
Lisbon Concerts & Live Music Highlights
Lisbon knows how to throw a concert. Whether it’s international pop stars or local legends, the city’s live music scene is electric in late 2025. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Larkin Poe & Son Little — November 12, 2025
📍 Coliseu dos Recreios
This iconic concert hall in central Lisbon has hosted everything from rock icons to symphonies, and in November it’ll vibrate with the raw energy of Larkin Poe’s blues-rock and Son Little’s soulful voice. The building’s grand balconies and glowing chandeliers make the experience both intimate and unforgettable.
Stay nearby at Hotel Mundial, a Lisbon classic overlooking Rossio Square. The rooms are modern, but it’s the rooftop bar that steals the show — the kind of spot where you can sip port wine with a panoramic view of the city lights. If you’re looking for something more personal, My Story Hotel Rossio is right around the corner and offers boutique charm, artistic interiors, and the kind of breakfast spread you’ll actually wake up early for.
After the show, stroll down to Rua Augusta for a nightcap or explore the Carmo Convent ruins, softly lit and hauntingly beautiful under the stars.
BORA FORROZAR - LISBOA — November 15, 2025
📍 LAV – Lisboa Ao Vivo
Lisbon turns into a slice of Brazil for one night at this energetic forró festival. Expect upbeat accordion tunes, lively dance floors, and a crowd that doesn’t stop smiling.
For easy access, stay at Olissippo Oriente Hotel, a comfortable modern stay with spacious rooms, a stellar breakfast buffet, and easy metro access. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Radisson Blu Lisbon offers sleek interiors, a fantastic restaurant, and an excellent location for quick airport transfers — great if you’re flying in just for the weekend.
Before or after the show, head to LX Factory, an artsy district filled with vintage stores, rooftop bars, and creative studios. Have dinner at Rio Maravilha, where the cocktails are as colorful as the views over the river.
OneRepublic & Ella Henderson — November 16, 2025
📍 Altice Arena
OneRepublic and Ella Henderson on the same night? Lisbon knows how to end a week right. Expect chart-toppers, sing-alongs, and the kind of arena energy that gives you goosebumps.
Melia Lisboa Oriente is an ideal stay for concertgoers — just a short walk from the arena and with elegant rooms that offer skyline views. Downstairs, the lounge bar serves inventive cocktails and live music on weekends. Another excellent choice is TRYP Lisboa Oriente, a chic and comfortable hotel with a focus on good food, friendly service, and convenience.
Before the concert, grab a quick bite at Hamburgueria do Bairro, or if you want to extend the night, head to Casino Lisboa, where live performances and bars keep the energy high well past midnight.
Silence 4 Reunion Concert — December 13, 2025
📍 Campo Pequeno Arena
One of Portugal’s most beloved pop-rock bands reunites for an emotional night of nostalgia at Campo Pequeno, the city’s distinctive round red-brick arena. The acoustics are incredible, and the energy is all heart.
Stay nearby at Hotel Real Palácio, where classic Lisbon elegance meets comfort. The rooms are spacious, the spa feels indulgent without being pretentious, and the restaurant serves up Portuguese comfort food done right. For a more budget-friendly but stylish option, Hotel Turim Europa offers modern amenities and easy metro access — ideal if you want to zip around town between sightseeing and the show.
Make an afternoon of it by exploring the surrounding area — stop by Gulbenkian Museum, wander through Eduardo VII Park, or shop along Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s luxury boulevard lined with designer stores and Christmas lights.
Cysex, Photonz & Xaosmos — December 25, 2025
📍 Lux Frágil Club, Santa Apolónia
If you’d rather trade Christmas carols for electronic beats, Lux Frágil is your place. One of Europe’s top nightclubs, this riverside spot brings together cutting-edge DJs and a crowd that dances until sunrise.
For a more boutique experience, stay at As Janelas Verdes Inn, a literary-themed hotel set in a historic mansion with a leafy courtyard and views of the river. It’s cozy, cultured, and perfect for unwinding after a night out. Or try Memmo Alfama, whose rooftop pool and views over Lisbon’s red rooftops will make your mornings (and Instagram) unforgettable.
Before the club, grab dinner at Clube de Jornalistas, a tucked-away gem known for its creative dishes and candlelit ambiance.
Festive Events & Holidays in December
Lisbon in December is pure joy. Lights drape over avenues, markets pop up in squares, and music fills the air.
Restoration of Independence Day — December 1, 2025
A proud national holiday that marks Portugal’s independence from Spain. Expect flag displays, music, and street celebrations, especially around Praça do Comércio. Take a slow walk through Baixa-Chiado, where Christmas decorations are already twinkling.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception — December 8, 2025
Church bells ring across the city for this religious holiday. Many locals attend special services, and it’s a great day to visit Lisbon’s many churches, like São Roque or Estrela Basilica, to admire their art and atmosphere.
Cirque du Soleil “OVO” — Lisbon, December 2025
What & Where
Show: OVO by Cirque du Soleil
Venue: MEO Arena (Rossio dos Olivais, Lote 2.13.01A, 1990-231 Lisboa)
Dates & Times
December 25, 2025 (Thursday) — 5:00 PM
December 26, 2025 (Friday) — 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM
December 27, 2025 (Sunday) — 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM
December 28, 2025 (Wednesday) — 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM
Ticket Info
Price range: €45 to €104 depending on seating
Doors open: about 1 hour before each show
Christmas in Lisbon
Throughout December, Lisbon transforms into a glowing wonderland. The centerpiece is Wonderland Lisboa in Eduardo VII Park — a festive fair with a skating rink, Ferris wheel, and stalls selling everything from roasted chestnuts to handmade gifts. Stroll through Avenida da Liberdade under arches of golden light, and stop by Rossio Square, where the giant Christmas tree makes for a perfect photo spot.
Stay near the festivities at Hotel Avenida Palace, a grand historic hotel that feels like stepping into a winter fairytale, or The Lumiares Hotel & Spa, a stylish retreat in the Bairro Alto district where rooftop cocktails meet incredible city views.
Where to Stay in Lisbon This Winter
If you want to base yourself strategically:
Baixa & Chiado are perfect for first-timers — central, walkable, and buzzing with life.
Alfama offers old-world charm, winding streets, and intimate Fado houses.
Parque das Nações is ideal for event-goers — modern, clean, and close to the arenas.
Belém suits those who prefer a quieter riverside atmosphere with museums and gardens.
Wrapping Up
Lisbon in November and December is full of heart — a city that hums with creativity, joy, and light even as the year ends. Between live music, major conferences, and festive nights under the stars, there’s no better time to explore the city’s mix of tradition and modern energy.
So pack your coat, grab a glass of vinho verde, and get ready to fall in love with Lisbon — one concert, one conference, and one sunset at a time.
*Explore the variety of Yellow bus tickets. Sight-Seeing Buses.