From November 30 to January 6, the town will feature seasonal activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Vila Real de Santo António is preparing to host another edition of Vila Natal, transforming the city’s historic centre into a space full of magic, charm, and Christmas spirit.

The event, which will take place from November 30 to January 6, aims to revitalise local commerce, attract visitors, and strengthen the municipality’s tourism, offering a broad entertainment programme for all ages.

The start of the festivities will be marked by the arrival of Father Christmas on November 30, at 18h00, at Praça Marquês de Pombal, where the traditional Christmas lighting will also be inaugurated.

However, before that, at 15h00, Father Christmas will make a special visit to Ayamonte as part of an initiative to celebrate friendship and cross-border cooperation between the two municipalities.

One of Vila Natal’s main attractions is the giant ice ramp in the heart of the Praça Marquês de Pombal, which promises to be a mandatory stop for families and adventure lovers.

A traditional Christmas market complements the festive atmosphere, offering crafts, regional delicacies and unique ideas for Christmas presents.

The programme, carefully designed to please visitors of all ages, includes unmissable moments, such as Nina’s interactive and fun show «Toc Toc», on December 15 at 17h00, which promises to delight young and old alike.

For sports lovers, the São Silvestre Race, scheduled for December 7 at 18h00, will add energy and celebration to the event.

Another highlight of the programme is the visit of the Three Kings of Ayamonte on January 4. This tradition ends the Christmas festivities and symbolises the sharing and union that characterise this time of year.

Additionally, visitors will be able to enjoy:

XMAS Market by Ria Market: From December 6 to 8, stalls will sell traditional products and regional delicacies.

Concerts and Shows: Throughout the month, entertainment will be guaranteed with performances by the VRSA Regional Conservatory, the VRSA Philharmonic Band, the Contemporary Ballet Academy, and the Splash Dance School, among other artists.

Bolo Rei Tasting: On January 4, a delicious opportunity to taste this traditional Christmas cake.

At the same time, the emblematic Giant Nativity Scene, installed at the António Aleixo Cultural Centre, can be visited until January 6. Made with over 5,800 figurines, this masterpiece remains one of the country’s largest and most impressive nativity scenes, delighting thousands of visitors annually.

“We want Vila Natal to be more than an event: to be a driver for the revitalisation of our historic centre and local commerce, contributing to the vitality of Vila Real de Santo António’s open-air shopping centre. This is an opportunity to reinforce tourism and our municipality’s economy, promoting the congeniality and joy this season brings us”, highlights the president of Vila Real de Santo António City Council, Álvaro Araújo.

Vila Natal is organised by Vila Real de Santo António City Hall in partnership with local associations and communities.