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 Holiday | 2019 | 2020 |
| New Year’s Day | Tuesday 1 January | Wednesday 1 January |
| Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Optional holiday) | Tuesday 5 March | Tuesday 25 February |
| Good Friday | Friday 19 April | Friday 10 April |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday 21 April | Sunday 12 April |
| Freedom Day | Thursday 25 April | Saturday 25 April |
| Labour Day | Wednesday 1 May | Friday 1 May |
| Portugal Day | Monday 10 June | Wednesday 10 June |
| Saint Anthony’s Day (Municipal holiday in Lisbon) | Thursday 13 June | Saturday 13 June |
| Corpus Christi (60 days after Easter Sunday) | Thursday 20 June | Thursday 11 June |
| Saint John’s Day (Municipal holiday in Porto) | Monday 24 June | Wednesday 24 June |
| Assumption | Thursday 15 August | Saturday 15 August |
| Republic Day | Saturday 5 October | Monday 5 October |
| All Saints Day | Friday 1 November | Sunday 1 November |
| Restoration of Independence | Sunday 1 December | Tuesday 1 December |
| Immaculate Conception | Sunday 8 December | Tuesday 8 December |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday 25 December | Friday 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 either side of Easter Sunday
