Beja City Council promotes the campaign “It’s Christmas in Beja 2024”, which runs from 30 November 2024 a 6 January 2025.
The program offers a wide variety of cultural activities, playful and supportive, inviting the entire community to experience the magic of Christmas, while encouraging shopping in local businesses.
Programming Highlights
Christmas Lighting: The city shines with the arrival of Christmas lights, of 30 de novembro a 6 January, from 5:30 pm to 2:30 am.
Music and Street Entertainment: Shows in the historic center and artistic presentations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Christmas Market: In the days 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 of December, the 10a.m. to 7 p.m., visit the Christmas Market. Near 80 craftsmen, artists, agri-food producers and traders show us what they do best. Take the opportunity to buy your gifts here.
Father Christmas House: Installed no Cod Garden, Santa Claus House will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, the 10a.m. to 1 p.m. e the 14a.m. to 7 p.m., with an Enchanted Forest, toys, elves and games for the little ones. It will also be open on Market Sundays, on days 8 and 15 of December.
Father Christmas arrival: On 7 of December, at 15:00, Santa Claus will arrive in town in style, in a special parade full of Christmas magic. You can follow the route from Praça da República to Santa Claus House, in Jardim do Bacalhau. In between, you will visit the Municipal Market and other streets in the historic center.
Christmas Parade: On 14 of December, to 15h00, a parade with more than 20 Figures from children's imagination roam the city's main streets. The route includes emblematic places such as Praça da República, Rua das Portas de Mértola, Municipal Market and other central points, ending at Santa's House.
Inflatable Park: Do Not Vista Park they, the 10a.m. to 1 p.m. e the 14a.m. to 7 p.m..
Initiatives and Competitions
“Discover Beja”: A fun challenge to discover Beja as a family, with a draw for a night at the Vila Galé Nep Kids Hotel for 2 adults and 2 children. Available from 6 of the December 6 January.
Big Christmas Draw: For each 20 euros in purchases in local commerce between 1 December 2024 and 6 January 2025, consumers receive coupons to participate in the draw that enables 20 fantastic prizes. Coupons must be deposited in the Santa Claus House tombola.
Watch Contest: Merchants are challenged to decorate their stores with creativity and Christmas spirit, making the city even more charming.
Photography Contest: Photography lovers will be able to capture the best angles of the decorated historic center and participate in this creative competition.
Other activities
Workshops and Sustainability: Do Not Municipal market, will be carried out Workshop 7 R’s – Global Sustainability, aimed at schools, exploring the principles of sustainable development.
Adopt a Pine Tree: Do Not Municipal market, between 6 and 13 of December, Is it possible to adopt a baby pine tree?, with the commitment to plant on World Tree Day, in 21 March 2025.
Write a Postcard to Santa Claus: At Santa's House, Little ones can write and send their requests directly to Santa Claus
Solidarity: The campaign also promotes solidarity actions with the initiative “Being Christmas – 2nd Edition”, which takes place in Cod Garden, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the 19h00 from 21h00, providing moments of sharing and human warmth with snacks served by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Beja.
Nativity scenes and Tradition
Different locations around the city will display nativity scenes created by local artisans, highlighting the cultural and artistic richness of the region.
-Botanical Nativity Scenes: In Agricultural School, from Monday to Friday, with creations inspired by nature.
-Nativity scenes at the House of Culture: Made by the Casa da Cultura Ceramics Workshop, showcase the manual art and dedication of the community.
-Nativity scene in the Church of Misericórdia: Created by Centro Social Lidador, celebrates faith and tradition in one of the most symbolic spaces in the city.
-Nativity scene of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Beja: On display of 8 December 2024 a 13 January 2025, features pieces signed by several local artisans and other talented artists. This project is artistically coordinated by Alexandra Santos Rosa and is a testimony to the artistic richness of Beja.
Free parking
Underground parking at Casa da Cultura and Av. Miguel Fernandes free
Maximum of 3 daily hours per vehicle
Monday to Friday: from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; 24/12 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Holidays and weekends: christmas market 7 a 8/12 and 14 a 15/12 From 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Days 21, 28/12 and 4/01/25 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and New Year's Eve: 31/12 from 8:00 to 24:00 and 1/01/25 from 0:00 to 4:00
Surface parking
Free 1 hour It is necessary to place the vehicle registration number on the parking meter to benefit from this discount..
“It's Christmas in Beja” will transform the historic center into a magical setting, with special decorations, ambient music and lots of animation.
More Information: For full schedule details, visit the official website: enatalembeja.pt.
Beja City Council invites visitors to share their Christmas experience on social media, using the unique campaign filter.
Source: City of Beja
