Christmas in Abrantes shines with the arrival of Santa Claus and the opening of the Christmas lights
The festive atmosphere invaded the streets of the historic center of Abrantes on the afternoon of Friday, December 1st, with the long-awaited start of the Christmas celebrations. The community warmly welcomed the arrival of Santa Claus, accompanied by GAMA – Grupo de Amigos Motards de Abrantes, starting an event full of magic and fun for all those present.
The Mayor of Abrantes presided over the opening ceremony of the Christmas lights in the Jardim da República, illuminating not only the streets of the historic center, but also the imposing Christmas tree located in the Telecommunications Tower.
Attractions at the event include the Christmas Market, a charming space where local artisans and parents' associations present their creations, offering visitors the opportunity to find unique and special gifts for this festive season.
One of the novelties this year is the synthetic ice rink in Jardim da República, an exciting attraction that, in addition to providing moments of fun, has a solidarity aspect. With each ticket costing 1 euro for every 15/20 minutes of skating, the amount collected reverts to the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Abrantes. This ecological rink is a sustainable alternative, without water or electricity consumption, allowing you to skate in an environmentally friendly way.
The inauguration of the Christmas lights was marked by an atmosphere of unity, where the Mayor of Abrantes expressed gratitude to GAMA, the musical group Arrebimbá Fundo and all the entities involved, highlighting the importance of the partnership between the different institutions in the municipality.
In addition, the mayor stressed the importance of supporting local commerce in this period, mentioning the Christmas Raffle that this year covers 87 stores in various parishes of the municipality. The draw, which takes place between December 1 and January 4, 2024, allows customers to qualify for shopping vouchers when making purchases worth 10 euros or more at participating establishments.
Christmas in Abrantes promises to be an event full of activities for all ages. From musical shows and street entertainment to workshops and activities aimed at children, the festivities will run until January 6, 2024. To consult the entire schedule, just access www.cm-abrantes.pt.
Christmas in Abrantes in numbers:
- 3 workshops (two will be held at the Municipal Market and one at the Library);
- 1 walk through the streets and squares of the historic center;
- 5 musical shows (for children and the general public);
- street entertainment;
- 1 youth party "The Sound of this Christmas" (for young people);
- 6 activities aimed at children (promoted at the Municipal Library, Itinerant Library of Abrantes in Jardim da República and Iberian Museum of Archaeology and Art);
- New Year's Eve at Praça Barão da Batalha with Danny Vita, Sara Santini, DJ and Mossy;
- 1 New Year's Eve concert.
CHRISTMAS 2023 PROGRAM:
December 2 (Saturday)
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market. Garden of the Republic
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Bebeteca "The Magic of Christmas". António Botto Library (tickets available at the Welcome Center – Abrantes Tourist Office)
3:00 p.m. BIA – Christmas Stories. Garden of the Republic
December 3 (Sunday)
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market. Garden of the Republic
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. Parody Circus. Barão da Batalha Square
Dec 07
10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Youth Party "The sound of this Christmas" Abrantes Science and Technology Park (Free admission. Christmas Dress Code)
December 8 (Friday)
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market. Garden of the Republic
11:00 a.m. Christmas Cupcake, by Cléo Martins. António Botto Municipal Library (Free registration, but mandatory: servico.educativo@cm-abrantes.pt )
December 9 (Saturday)
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market. Garden of the Republic
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Santa's House 10:30 a.m. Workshop "Sustainable Christmas Decorations". Municipal Market (Free registration, but mandatory: mercado@cm-abrantes.pt )
11:00 a.m. "It's going to snow in the Library." António Botto Municipal Library (Free registration, but mandatory: servico.educativo@cm-abrantes.pt )
3:00 p.m. "MIAA at Santa's house". Garden of the Republic
December 10 (Sunday)
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market. Garden of the Republic
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Santa Claus House 3:00 p.m. Ponte de Sor Gospel Choir. Barão da Batalha Square (Free entrance)
December 16 (Saturday)
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market. Garden of the Republic
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Santa's House 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Barão da Batalha Square
11:00 a.m. Christmas Cupcake, by Cléo Martins. Registration is free, but mandatory: mercado@cm-abrantes.pt )
3:00 p.m. BIA – Christmas Stories. Garden of the Republic
December 17 (Sunday)
10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Market. Garden of the Republic
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
15h00 Christmas Parade with Locomotive
December 21 (Thursday)
9:00 p.m. "A night at the Convent". End: Dec 22 at 5:00 p.m. António Botto Municipal Library and MIAA-Iberian Museum of Archaeology and Art. WORN OUT
December 23 (Saturday)
3:00 p.m. Musical: A Christmas Carol. Praça Raimundo Soares (Free entrance)
December 31 (Sunday)
11:00-3:30 a.m. New Year's Eve. Praça Barão da Batalha Danny Vita // Sara Santini DJ // Mossy
6 January 2024 (Saturday)
11:00 a.m. Christmas giveaway. Municipal Market
18h00 New Year's Concert - Church of Alferrarede