Christmas magic illuminates Coimbra until Three Kings’ Day

Coimbra inaugurated its Christmas lights at the end of the afternoon, in a symbolic moment that brought together mayors and hundreds of people who filled the downtown area. The Christmas lights officially mark the start of the Christmas season, which lasts until January 6 and aims to attract visitors, boost local commerce and reinforce the festive atmosphere in the municipality. “The Christmas lights switch-on is much more than the lights that decorate our city. It’s a moment of encounter, sharing and celebration, which transforms Coimbra into a magical space, providing us all, and those who visit us, with moments of joy and affective and collective memory,” said the mayor of Coimbra, Ana Abrunhosa.

Inaugural concert with voices from the city

After the arrival of Father and Mother Christmas at Praça 8 de Maio, the atmosphere took on even more color with the concert that inaugurated the program. The Choir of the São Teotónio School of Music and the Coimbra Gospel Choir, from Amazing Arts – Companhia de Artes de Coimbra, performed a Christmas repertoire that echoed through the Baixa and received loud applause from the population.

Lights that run through the city

The illumination stretches for several kilometers and runs through Coimbra from end to end: from the riverfront to the São Francisco Convent, passing through Rossio de Santa Clara, Portagem, Baixa, Quebra Costas, D. Pedro V Municipal Market, Praça da República, Celas and Solum. A continuous route that draws a festive map and transforms the streets into scenes of light, color and tradition, inviting late afternoon strolls and Christmas shopping in local shops.

Extended hours until the new year

The lights will be on daily until January 6, between 5pm and midnight. At weekends and on Christmas Eve, the hours will be extended until 2 a.m. and on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m.

An investment to boost trade and attract visitors

The initiative represents a municipal investment of 121,613.18 euros and aims to strengthen the city’s tourist attractiveness at this time of year, enhancing traditional trade and stimulating the experience of the Baixa and the various shopping areas.

Coimbra prepared for a Christmas lived on the street

With light, music, tradition and an illuminated route that crosses the entire city, Coimbra opens the door to a Christmas lived on the street, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the season in a welcoming, luminous atmosphere full of festive spirit.

Photo credits: Coimbra City Council | Tiago Costa