Here are a few suggestions for those who want some Christmas carols or who don’t want to cook on Christmas Day!
Christmas concerts and Carol services
Traditionally Christmas Eve is the main Christmas event for families in Portugal, but for expats, one tradition is to attend or join in with a Christmas concert or carol service. Here are some options in the lead-up to Christmas as well as on Christmas Eve itself.
On Saturday 21 December enjoy the Christmas Rock & Swing with the Lucky Duckies Band at the Lagoa Auditorium at 9.30pm
In Portimão you can enjoy a Christmas concert on 21st December with the Portimão Philharmonic Society starting at 5pm at the Tempo theatre.
Still on the 21st, there is a Christmas concert with the Jazz Orchestra of the Algarve, at 9.30pm at the Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves. Tickets are €6.
On Sunday 22 December, Silves Cathedral is hosting the Silvense Philharmonic Society Band and Choral Croup Christmas carol concert at 5pm.
Also on the 22nd, there is a Christmas concert by Orquestra Classico do Sul at the Teatro das Figuras in Faro at 6.30 pm. Tickets cost €7.50.
Nossa Senhora da Luz church at Praia de Luz is hosting an Anglican Carol Service at 6pm on Sunday 22nd.
Julie’s Taverna in Santa Barbara de Nexe will be having Christmas Carols and snacks on Christmas Eve from 5pm. A cosy and fun atmosphere enjoyed by all.
A Christmas Carol Service held in Vale Judeu at the International Evangelical Church of the Algarve, on Christmas Eve at 7pm.
Another event takes place in Vila Real de Santo Antonio: while this is a non-food and non-song event, it should be make for a good time out for all the family never-the-less. It’s a giant nativity scene, on display at the Cultural centre every day until 7 January. With over 4000 figures it really is big!
Christmas Day Dining
The Evora Hotel has a Christmas package on offer for those who want a complete break. Including accommodation, welcome drinks, breakfast and dinner buffet plus a special Christmas Dinner, entertainment as well as a ‘Christmas Special Water Aerobics’ class and use of the indoor pool and Jacuzzi. It’s not too late to book for a pampered Christmas!
Lagos
Situated in the heart of Lagos, No Patio Restaurant is putting on a special Christmas lunch: 4 courses with a champagne cocktail on arrival at a cost of €65 per person. To make a reservation call 282 763 777.
Carvoeiro
The Holiday Inn (formerly the hotel Garbe) will be hosting a Gala Dinner starting at 7.30 pm. This is a buffet dinner costing €50 per person including house wine and a visit by Father Christmas. Live music will be playing in the bar to give a really jolly atmosphere. Contact: [email protected]
Taste Restaurant is laying on a 4 course festive dinner starting at 7pm. Priced at €38 per person with a children’s price on request, you can contact them on 969 577 644.
Porches
The Vila Vita Parc Resort is offering special Christmas packages at this exclusive Michelin starred restaurant. Contact: [email protected]
Albufeira
Enjoy a Festive 6 course lunch with sparkling wine and canapés on arrival at Castelo do Mar Restaurant which is situated on the hillside between the marina and the old town. The cost is €59 per person (a deposit is required). For reservations and pre-orders call 937 021 204.
Golden Triangle: Almancil, Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago
The Conrad Algarve Hotel in Vale de Lobo invites you to enjoy a 5 course Festive lunch with a DJ and saxophonist at their Michelin-starred restaurant Gusto. The price is €85 per adult and €50 per child 6-12 yrs. Call for reservations.289 350 700
Vaults Restaurant, located in Almancil offer a great celebration for Christmas with Buck’s Fizz and canapés on arrival and featuring their traditional carvery. Be sure to look up and enjoy the fabulous vaulted ceiling! Reservations are recommended.
Couleur France in Vale de Éguas in Almancil is offering a festive Christmas in a relaxed atmosphere from 1pm to 6pm on Christmas day. The price is €55 per person and booking is recommended. More information here.
Monchique
Head into the hills to the rustic and traditional Jardim das Oliveiras restaurant in Monchique. They are offering a traditional Portuguese Christmas lunch by reservation only. Contact the Jardim das Oliveiras to make your booking.
So there you have it, some options to sing and dine your way through until Christmas. Why not spoil yourselves and “get stuffed” from up and down the Algarve.
Bom appetito and a very Merry Christmas to all.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Algarve Christmas Song and Dine
by Sun's Dragon
Here are a few suggestions for those who want some Christmas carols or who don’t want to cook on Christmas Day!
Christmas concerts and Carol services
Traditionally Christmas Eve is the main Christmas event for families in Portugal, but for expats, one tradition is to attend or join in with a Christmas concert or carol service. Here are some options in the lead-up to Christmas as well as on Christmas Eve itself.
On Saturday 21 December enjoy the Christmas Rock & Swing with the Lucky Duckies Band at the Lagoa Auditorium at 9.30pm
In Portimão you can enjoy a Christmas concert on 21st December with the Portimão Philharmonic Society starting at 5pm at the Tempo theatre.
Still on the 21st, there is a Christmas concert with the Jazz Orchestra of the Algarve, at 9.30pm at the Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório in Silves. Tickets are €6.
On Sunday 22 December, Silves Cathedral is hosting the Silvense Philharmonic Society Band and Choral Croup Christmas carol concert at 5pm.
Also on the 22nd, there is a Christmas concert by Orquestra Classico do Sul at the Teatro das Figuras in Faro at 6.30 pm. Tickets cost €7.50.
Nossa Senhora da Luz church at Praia de Luz is hosting an Anglican Carol Service at 6pm on Sunday 22nd.
Julie’s Taverna in Santa Barbara de Nexe will be having Christmas Carols and snacks on Christmas Eve from 5pm. A cosy and fun atmosphere enjoyed by all.
A Christmas Carol Service held in Vale Judeu at the International Evangelical Church of the Algarve, on Christmas Eve at 7pm.
Another event takes place in Vila Real de Santo Antonio: while this is a non-food and non-song event, it should be make for a good time out for all the family never-the-less. It’s a giant nativity scene, on display at the Cultural centre every day until 7 January. With over 4000 figures it really is big!
Christmas Day Dining
The Evora Hotel has a Christmas package on offer for those who want a complete break. Including accommodation, welcome drinks, breakfast and dinner buffet plus a special Christmas Dinner, entertainment as well as a ‘Christmas Special Water Aerobics’ class and use of the indoor pool and Jacuzzi. It’s not too late to book for a pampered Christmas!
Lagos
Situated in the heart of Lagos, No Patio Restaurant is putting on a special Christmas lunch: 4 courses with a champagne cocktail on arrival at a cost of €65 per person. To make a reservation call 282 763 777.
Carvoeiro
The Holiday Inn (formerly the hotel Garbe) will be hosting a Gala Dinner starting at 7.30 pm. This is a buffet dinner costing €50 per person including house wine and a visit by Father Christmas. Live music will be playing in the bar to give a really jolly atmosphere. Contact: [email protected]
Taste Restaurant is laying on a 4 course festive dinner starting at 7pm. Priced at €38 per person with a children’s price on request, you can contact them on 969 577 644.
Porches
The Vila Vita Parc Resort is offering special Christmas packages at this exclusive Michelin starred restaurant. Contact: [email protected]
Albufeira
Enjoy a Festive 6 course lunch with sparkling wine and canapés on arrival at Castelo do Mar Restaurant which is situated on the hillside between the marina and the old town. The cost is €59 per person (a deposit is required). For reservations and pre-orders call 937 021 204.
Golden Triangle: Almancil, Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago
The Conrad Algarve Hotel in Vale de Lobo invites you to enjoy a 5 course Festive lunch with a DJ and saxophonist at their Michelin-starred restaurant Gusto. The price is €85 per adult and €50 per child 6-12 yrs. Call for reservations.289 350 700
Vaults Restaurant, located in Almancil offer a great celebration for Christmas with Buck’s Fizz and canapés on arrival and featuring their traditional carvery. Be sure to look up and enjoy the fabulous vaulted ceiling! Reservations are recommended.
Couleur France in Vale de Éguas in Almancil is offering a festive Christmas in a relaxed atmosphere from 1pm to 6pm on Christmas day. The price is €55 per person and booking is recommended. More information here.
Monchique
Head into the hills to the rustic and traditional Jardim das Oliveiras restaurant in Monchique. They are offering a traditional Portuguese Christmas lunch by reservation only. Contact the Jardim das Oliveiras to make your booking.
So there you have it, some options to sing and dine your way through until Christmas. Why not spoil yourselves and “get stuffed” from up and down the Algarve.
Bom appetito and a very Merry Christmas to all.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.