Christmas is arriving this weekend to Lagos. From November 29 to January 10, the town is transforming into a full-blown ‘Christmas Bay’, bringing a packed programme of family-friendly fun to the western Algarve.
Praça do Infante will host most of the celebrations, from Santa’s House to a Christmas market, sledding slope, ice rink, mini-wheel, train rides, face paintings, jugglers, photospots, craft workshops and plenty of other activities for children.
This year also brings a brand-new stage floating on the square’s reflecting pool, set to host performances by Grupo Zahirah, Colégio de S. Gonçalo, the Ukrainian Choir Kryla and the Academia de Ballet Dança & Arte Sofia Rodrigues.
At the Armazém Regimental, the Christmas magic will arrive in the form of children’s theatre (“O Natal na Aldeia dos Elfos” and “O Regresso dos Piratas para o Natal”), storytelling with Márcia Gamito and the show “Pandora” by Duo Niu and Teatro Experimental de Lagos.
Local markets will also be joining the festive program with several live performances.
New this year are Christmas workshops at Barão ConVIDA in Barão de São João, where visitors can learn to make advent wreaths, wool-woven decorative stars and biodegradable beeswax candles.
The program continues with festive concerts by cultural associations at the Lagos cultural centre and events across the municipality, from choirs and jazz to dance, gymnastics and community performances. Families can also enjoy activities at the municipal library, the Natalândia fair at Lagos Zoo (December 5-24)), and the annual José Cortes Animated Nativity exhibition (November 29 – January 10), a long-standing Christmas tradition.
The popular “Natal no Comércio Local” campaign also returns in partnership with Algarve retailers’ association ACRAL. Shoppers spending €10 or more at participating businesses receive prize draw vouchers, with the chance to win €100 shopping vouchers to spend locally.
