Medieval fairs and events in Portugal and Galicia
From Vigo’s Christmas lights to the walls of Óbidos, choose a place and a date for your trip. Find the organisers’ programmes and practical ideas for getting there and back.
This winter
Vigo · Christmas lights
The switch-on is scheduled for 14 November 2026. From Porto, choose opening night for the ceremony or another evening for a quieter dinner. Agree on the return time in Spanish local time and a meeting point outside any closed streets.
Óbidos · Vila Natal
From 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, inside the castle grounds. Families can spend the afternoon in the village before visiting the Christmas event. Travel from Lisbon or stop between Lisbon and Porto. Check opening days and admission with the organiser.
Braga and Porto · European football nights
Braga vs KuPS · 26 November 2026
Flying into Porto? Travel on to Braga, have dinner before the match and arrange a ride back to your hotel afterwards.
Braga vs Egnatia · 17 December 2026
Spend the afternoon in Braga’s historic centre. Agree on a meeting point after the match that takes account of street closures on the day.
FC Porto vs Slavia Praha · 19 January 2027
Plan your ride from the hotel to the Dragão and back after the final whistle. Match tickets are arranged separately from transport.
Santiago · Holy Year 2027
Visit Santiago for the day from Porto or arrange a return journey from Santiago after walking the Portuguese Camino. If a cathedral celebration is central to your visit, check its time and access arrangements before choosing a pick-up time.
Medieval fairs to follow
The organisers have yet to confirm the 2027 dates for these three fairs in this guide.
Viagem Medieval in Santa Maria da Feira
For a day out from Porto, choose the performance you would most like to see. Use its start time to plan your arrival near the castle and agree where to meet for the return journey.
Óbidos Medieval Market
From Lisbon, allow a day to explore the walled town. If Óbidos is a stop on your way to Porto, leave time to browse the stalls on foot and arrange where your luggage will stay.
Feira Franca in Pontevedra
If you are staying in Vigo or Porto, consider lunch in Pontevedra and an afternoon in the old town. Check the edition’s programme before choosing a pick-up time.
Archive or venue photograph, resized for display.
Photography: Óbidos Castle by P. Hughes; Pontevedra’s Feira Franca by Iago, photographed in 2010. Images resized for display.
Plan my visit
Tell us where you are staying, who is travelling and what you would like to see. Our local team can help with departure times, a vehicle that fits your group and a meeting point for the return journey.