Public holidays in Portugal – plan your trip to Lisbon with these in mind

What are the major holidays in Lisbon? There are public holidays spread throughout the year that mark religious, historic and special events.

Most of Lisbon’s shops and attractions stay open throughout public holidays.

However, the frequency of public transport is reduced on these days (as it is on weekends) when compared to working days.

To plan your trip to Lisbon, find out what are the upcoming public and school holidays in Portugal.

Upcoming public holidays

Public Holiday20232024
New Year’s DaySunday 1 JanuaryMonday 1 January
Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras
(Optional holiday)
Tuesday 21 FebruaryTuesday 13 February
Good FridayFriday 07 AprilFriday 29 March
Easter SundaySunday 09 AprilSunday 31 March
Freedom DayTuesday 25 AprilThursday 25 April
Labour DayMonday 1 MayWednesday 1 May
Corpus Christi
(60 days after Easter Sunday)
Thursday 08 JuneThursday 30 May
Portugal DaySaturday 10 JuneMonday 10 June
Saint Anthony’s Day
(Municipal holiday in Lisbon)
Tuesday 13 JuneThursday 13 June
Saint John’s Day
(Municipal holiday in Porto)
Saturday 24 JuneMonday 24 June
AssumptionTuesday 15 AugustThursday 15 August
Republic DayThursday 5 OctoberSaturday 5 October
All Saints DayWednesday 1 NovemberFriday 1 November
Restoration of IndependenceFriday 1 DecemberSunday 1 December
Immaculate ConceptionFriday 8 DecemberSunday 8 December
Christmas DayMonday 25 DecemberWednesday 25 December

 

Christmas and New Year’s holidays

On 24 December and 31 December shops in Lisbon, including shopping centres, close at 7pm.

On Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January) most Lisbon attractions, shops and many restaurants are closed. Public transport is affected on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with reduced service. On 26 December many shops start their winter sale.

Easter holidays

Most Lisbon attractions will open on Good Friday, but some may close on Easter Sunday.

School holidays

School term dates change slightly from year to year. Traditionally, there are three school terms, with three short mid-term breaks and a longer break over the summer:

Summer holiday: late June to early September
Christmas holidays: late December to early January
Carnival holidays: Carnival Monday, Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
Easter holidays: two weeks before Easter Sunday

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