Festive Markets & Christmas Events in the Algarve 2025

From twinkling markets to live music, Christmas villages and New Year’s Eve spectacles, the Algarve feels especially magical in December. We at The Buyer’s Agent Algarve, have pulled together your complete guide to confirmed festive markets and events for 2025 — perfect for locals, visitors, and anyone exploring the region as a potential place to buy.

Olhão

Artist & Fleas – Christmas Edition – Click here for more information

6 December, 10:00–17:00 A lively, creative Christmas edition of the Artist & Fleas Market returns to Olhão, offering handmade pieces, art, décor, second-hand finds, vintage items and unique artisan gifts. It’s ideal if you’re after one-of-a-kind Christmas shopping or want to explore Olhão’s independent, artistic spirit.

While you’re in Olhão: Stroll through the charming old town, stop at the famous waterfront market halls, or enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch by the Ria Formosa. December is a lovely time for a ferry ride to the islands too, with quieter beaches and soft winter light.

Faro

Christmas in Downtown Faro – Click here for more information

29 November – 23 December (Daily except Sundays) | 10:00–19:00

24 December | 10:00–16:00

Downtown Faro transforms into a festive hub with stalls, handmade gifts, local foods, children’s entertainment and plenty of Christmas sparkle. A brilliant option for picking up regional products or enjoying the festive décor in the old town.

While you’re in Faro: Explore the historic walled city, visit the cathedral viewpoint, wander the marina, or enjoy cafés and wine bars in the pedestrian streets. Faro is especially charming at Christmas thanks to its lights and calm, local atmosphere.

Loulé – Vale do Lobo – Quinta do Lago

Loulé Christmas Market  - Click here for more information

1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026 The town is beautifully decorated, and stalls pop up throughout the historic centre. Expect unique artisan gifts, local produce, decorations, and plenty of festive cheer.

Feira da Serra – Christmas Edition - Click here for more information

6, 7 & 8 December | 12:00–20:00 | Free Entry

Held in the old Carnival Warehouse next to the Santo António Convent, this special edition brings the traditions of the Serra do Caldeirão to town: • Local foods, honey, cheeses, sausages, medronho • Handicrafts, woodwork, ceramics, and mountain-made products • A wonderful opportunity to buy authentic, regional Christmas presents

Vale do Lobo – 15th Edition Christmas Market – Click here for more information

6 & 7 December | 10:00–17:30 | Vale do Lobo Auditorium A popular, elegant Christmas market offering handcrafted items, festive foods and beautifully curated stalls — perfect for relaxed festive shopping near the coast.

While you’re in Loulé / VDL / QDL: Visit Loulé’s castle, walk the cobbled centre and see the main Moorish market. Down by the coast, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago offer beach walks, stylish cafés and scenic nature trails through the Ria Formosa.

Vilamoura & Quarteira

Artist & Flea Market – Marina – Click here for more information

13 & 14 December | 10:00–17:00 | Rua da Marina This two-day market sits right by Vilamoura Marina, with artisan goods, vintage finds, handmade gifts and independent sellers.

While you’re in Vilamoura / Quarteira: Explore the marina, enjoy an alfresco lunch, or walk along Quarteira’s long beachfront promenade (and follow it back to Vilamoura again after a shop in local stores in Quarteira). (Especially lovely in winter sunshine.)

Albufeira

The Waterfront Christmas Market – Click here for more information

19 December | 14:00–22:00 | The Waterfront (near Inatel) Expect a festive atmosphere with decorations, music, street food, Christmas drinks, and a great variety of unique gifts. Plus, keep an eye out for surprise guests!

Ferreiras Christmas Market – Largo da Nora , 6 & 7 December

Albufeira EMA Market (near Lidl), 20 & 21 December

Albufeira Christmas Market – Praça dos Pescadores – Click here for more information

6 December – 6 January | 10:00–20:00 daily A large, lively Christmas market offering handmade crafts, decorations, festive treats and visits from Santa.

While you’re in Albufeira: Walk the old town streets, enjoy ocean views from the cliffs, or warm up with Portuguese comfort foods at local restaurants.

Lagoa & Carvoeiro

The Warehouse – Parchal Christmas Market – Click here for more information

6 December | 12:00–18:00 A creative venue hosting artisan sellers, festive food, handmade products and local crafts — perfect for Christmas shopping with a modern twist.

Quinta dos Vales – Wine & Beats Christmas Edition – Click here for more information

13 December | 14:00–19:00 Expect wine tastings, live music, festive stalls and seasonal bites at one of the Algarve’s best-known wineries.

While you’re in Lagoa / Carvoeiro: Take a coastal walk between Carvoeiro and Algar Seco, visit Ferragudo for its Christmas lights, or enjoy a winter wine tasting.

Lagos & Luz

Lagos Christmas Market – Praça – Click here for more information

14 December | 11:00–17:00A charming one-day market ideal for families and holiday shoppers.

Factory Fusion Hub – Lagos - Click here for more information

20 December | 2–6pm Second-hand treasures, crafts, regifts and handmade items.

Tito’s Luz Christmas Market – Click here for more information

10 December | From 17:00 (Choir at 18:30)A cosy evening market full of atmosphere, live music, and festive snacks.

While you’re in Lagos / Luz: Explore the old town, visit the marina, or enjoy dramatic winter views at Ponta da Piedade.

Online Christmas Market – Buy Local!

For those wanting artisan gifts from the Algarve but unable to attend in person — several sellers will take part in online festive marketplaces promoting local talent and handmade goods. Click here for full catalogue.

Nativity Scenes to See

One of the most beautiful traditions of Christmas in the Algarve is the nativity (nativity scene) displays. For 2025, here are some special ones well worth a stop when visiting the markets or towns:

• In Lagos : there is an intricate, handmade nativity scene on display at the Cultural Centre, available until 10 January 2026.

• In Portimão : a life-sized nativity scene is located at Largo da Mó.

• In Castro Marim : a nativity scene made with salt and natural elements is displayed at the Casado Sal, available until 6 January.

  
  

Why This Matters — For Buyers & Visitors

As a buyer's agent focused on overseas clients looking at the Algarve, Christmas is a golden time to showcase what living here could feel like. The festive markets, nativity scenes and local traditions reflect community spirit, cultural depth, and a slower-paced, family-friendly lifestyle.

Whether someone is exploring holiday homes or planning a short stay, a December visit — with a stroll through a Christmas market, a walk through the old town, and a dinner of local seafood, shows a side of Algarve beyond resorts.

Let’s be honest the Algarve does not scream Christmas, but the community comes together to make it feel magical.

Thinking About a Home in the Algarve? We're Here to Help.

If exploring the Algarve's festive markets has inspired you to picture life here more permanently, we'd love to guide you. At The Buyer's Agent Algarve , we work exclusively for buyers — never sellers — meaning our advice is completely unbiased, focused solely on your best interests, and 100% fee-free for you.

We help you:

• Access the entire property market, including off-market opportunities

• Avoid common pitfalls when buying overseas

• Compare areas, negotiate the best price, and handle due diligence

• Save time, money, and stress throughout the entire process

Whether you're relocating, retiring, or searching for a holiday home, our family-run team offers friendly, knowledgeable support from your first viewing to your move-in day.

Get in touch anytime — we'd be delighted to help you find your place in the Algarve.

richard@thebuyersagentalgarve.com