uptowngirl2418

In 2006, we took a ladies trip to Italy leaving on Thanksgiving Day for 2 weeks.

One highlight was the Christmas lights and market in Florence. The evenings were magical.

Considering a trip to Lisbon and/or Madrid in either early November or early December. Our choice of dates may depend on how the cities decorate/celebrate the Christmas season.

Has anyone ever been at that time? What was it like? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

tdyls

I was in Lisbon from 12/25/07 to 12/30/07. Avenida da Liberdade and the Baixa area were very well decorated. Every place else in Lisbon seemed to be fairly routine for any large city's Christmas displays.

Click on this picture and the next 4 or 5 for nighttime lights in the Baixa
http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoVie...69_72717217514
or look at the whole album for pix from the week. I'm the good-looking guy in the green pullover jacket. 8-) I did enjoy the fresh, hot roasted chestnuts on Rua Augusta on Christmas Day though. It was cold and windy (and would rain later on) but the chestnuts were a wonderful source of warmth. A whole bag of chestnuts -- actually a newspaper cone of them -- was €2.00.

Lisbon was almost completely closed on 12/25, inlcuding most bars and restaurants. There were a few places open on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão.

Ivy

I was in Portugal last christmas - look for my trip report on this forum. Had a great time - happy to answer questions.

lobo_mau

Congratulions tdyls, beautiful pictures.
Uptown, the answers can change if your choice is November or December. I'm quite sure that there are no Lisbon's Christmas decorations in early November.

uptowngirl2418

Thanks for the photos and trip report.

Didn't realize the weather was so mild there. Obviously, I have to do more research.

Back with more questions at a later date.

tdyls

When I was there, the weather was mid 40's for lows, upper 50's for highs. I'm cold-natured so what was quite comfortable for me may seem to be one step from the North Pole to you.

eliza3

Not either of the cities you mention but we spent Xmas 2006 in Seville and thought the Xmas lights were lovely. Low key but we preferred them over London the same year. Seville would also be warmer - we found it very mild.

Not sure when the lights go up - but share the doubts expressed earlier re early November.