Christmas 2024 in Porto

For others wanting reservations in European cities at Christmastime, booking three months in advance was what we were told to do. We were able to book dates for day and nights that we wanted, booking that far out. Hotels may be your only options at this late date.
We spent days walking in the beautiful parks.

Hi,
Thank you for the information - I appreciate it.

Fortunately, I have my lodging booked through AirBnB - but am concerned about finding places to eat! :-)

Christmas Eve is very important to Portuguese, that's actually when they have their family Christmas dinner and afterwards go to midnight mass ( Missa do Galo).
Restaurants are usually closed.
You may want to try non Portuguese restaurants ( Chinese , etc), they might be open.
When we are in Portugal at Christmas we either are with friends or pre - buy food from the supermarket since almost everything will be closed.

Many , many years ago it was similar in North America, we used to go the Chinese restaurant because all others were closed.

Aulopone is accurate. Christmas eve and day in Porto is very different than US. We found that most bars and restaurants began closing around 3 pm or so on Christmas. By 1800 very little was open except for restaurants associated with large hotels and they were packed with tourists. Christmas eve is a big family event. Christmas day is no better with nearly everything closed. Again, the hotel restaurants were packed. On the advice of our tour guide earlier in the week we laid in a good supply of bread, wine, cheeses, dried meats, and fruits. Our b&b did serve breakfast and had a lovely roof top garden that serve as our dinning spot of Christmas eve and day. And a very similar pattern for New Years. Need to plan ahead. Good luck.

Thank you - yep, everything you've said is what I'm experiencing.
If anyone knows specific hotels or restaurants that may be accepting reservations for Dec. 24 or Dec. 25 in Porto, I'd love to get the names of the hotel/restaurant so I can reach out to them directly.
thanks

Yes, you are trying to find a place open on the most difficult days of the year, in a place where family comes before work. Do your shopping before noon on the 24th and plan to feed yourself, unless you are willing to pay a healthy premium. And book now if you find a place you want.

You may also want to look at the Michelin website. Some places may be listing there. There are also places that do not take reservations on the apps you're using, or even with Michelin, but you'll have to email them to see if you can get in. https://guide.michelin.com/en

Note that many places will only offer a fixed price menu on these holidays as that's easier on the cook staff.

One thing you may want to consider is picking up a couple precooked meals from the hot counter in the major marketplaces. I've done that in Porto and you can eat very well on a budget that way. Just heat them up the next day.

As for what to do? Nothing will be open. Transportation will be minimal. Plan on walking around. Go to the beach. Take pictures without the crowds getting in the way. Pray it doesn't rain.

Thank you - I appreciate the advice.