Fun Activities for Kids During the Christmas School Holidays
As the Christmas school holidays approach, there is an opportunity to spend special moments with our children, accompanied by the urgent need to keep them entertained. From the North to the South of Portugal, there are plenty of enchanting activities to enjoy as a family during this magical time of year.
Let’s explore some options that are sure to delight our little foxes. And don’t forget to visit Petit Fox to make sure your little ones are not only entertained but also fashionable with carefully selected second-hand clothes for this festive season.
1. Visit Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are a tradition this festive season, enveloping visitors with twinkling lights and festive aromas. This Christmas school holiday, take the kids to explore local markets, where they can discover festive decorations, indulge in traditional treats and even meet Santa Claus on occasion.
- Lisbon : Wonderland Lisboa (Eduardo VII Park - 30 Nov to 01 Jan)
- Cascais : Cascais Christmas Village (Marechal Carmona Park - 30 Nov - 02 Jan)
- Obidos : Obidos Christmas Village (Obidos - 30 Nov to 31 Dec)
2. Unleash your creativity in Creative Workshops
Help your kids exercise their imagination by enrolling them in creative workshops. Many cities offer crafts and arts activities especially designed for children during the Christmas holidays. From making Christmas ornaments to painting themed pictures, these workshops provide fun and educational moments that little ones are sure to enjoy.
- Guimarães : Creative Christmas Sweets Workshop (Paço dos Duques - 20th and 21st December)
- Lisbon : Is There Only One Christmas? | Creative Writing (Fundação Oriente - December 20th and 21st)
- Porto : Christmas Holidays at the Biodiversity Gallery (MHNC-UP - 18-21 & 26-29 December)
- Palmela : Cultural Holidays – Christmas 2023 (Cineteatro São João - December 18th to 21st)
3. Sliding on Ice Rink
For a truly magical experience, try ice skating on some of the temporary rinks that pop up during the festive season. Kids will love gliding down the rink to the sound of Christmas music, surrounded by winter decorations. It’s an activity that promises to bring laughter and unforgettable memories.
- Amadora : UBBO Ice Resort 2023 (UBBO - Nov 31 to Jan 14)
- Santa Maria da Feira : Perlim Ice Rink (Santa Maria da Feira City Park - 25 Nov to 30 Dec)
- Bragança : Ice Rink (Camões Square - 1 Dec to 7 Jan)
4. Attend Shows and Concerts
Seeing a Christmas theater show or concert is a great way to celebrate the festive spirit. Many cities offer performances that are tailored to children, providing a cultural and fun experience at the same time.
- Lisbon : Christmas Circus (Lisbon Coliseum - 1st to 26th December)
- Penafiel : The Reindeer of a Thousand Colors Theater (Penafiel Municipal Library - December 20)
- Porto : Panda and the Caricas (Super Bock Arena - 23rd December)
5. Visit Museums and Themed Exhibitions
Explore the educational side of the holidays by taking your children to museums and themed exhibitions. Some cultural venues feature temporary exhibitions dedicated to Christmas, providing a unique opportunity for learning while having fun.
- Porto :Soares dos Reis National Museum
- Lisbon : Lisbon Museum
6. Outdoor Tours
Take advantage of the milder temperatures and go on family outings during the Christmas school holidays. Whether it’s a walk in parks decorated with Christmas lights or a visit to a farm where the kids can interact with animals, contact with nature is always invigorating.
- Mafra : Mafra Park
- Porto : Crystal Palace Gardens
- Cascais : Yellow Stone Base Camp
7. Storytelling and Reading Night
End a busy day with a quiet evening of storytelling and reading. Choose Christmas-themed books to create a cozy atmosphere and share moments of magic through stories.
These are just a few suggestions for making the Christmas school holidays truly special for your children. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy family time and create memories that will last a lifetime.
