If you’re visiting Lisbon during the holidays, or you live here and want to capture the season, it’s a really fun time to book a shoot. The Christmas lights make an incredible backdrop for portraits, but getting beautiful pictures without spending the whole time fighting crowds takes a little planning.
I'm a photographer in Lisbon and the festive season is always a busy period. From family photos and surprise proposals to solo portraits and couples shoots, my camera gets an extra workout this time of year.
This will be my sixth year photographing portraits in Lisbon, but my love of festive photography goes back even further. I was photographing Christmas markets in Germany and elsewhere in Europe before that.
If you're wondering what to expect from a Christmas photoshoot in Lisbon, I'll walk you through the best times and locations, how the experience works, and how we can avoid the worst of the Christmas crowds.
Best Lisbon Christmas photo locations
From mid to late November until early January, Lisbon transforms into a sparkling dreamscape! Especially downtown, you'll find Christmas markets such as Wonderland Lisboa and the Rossio Christmas market. But the festive atmosphere doesn't stop at the markets!
Praça do Comércio is home to the tallest Christmas tree in Lisbon, and the area around the Rua Augusta Arch is one of my favourites! The decoration is different each year, so the backdrops change all the time. In between the historic buildings, we've seen peacocks, clouds, angels and jellyfish in recent years.
Praça do Comércio and the streets leading up to the square offer some of the best opportunities. But another favourite area is Praça Luís de Camões and Rua Garrett. The square usually has one large festive installation, while the old trams rattle past from time to time.
When you book a photoshoot with me, you can pick where we start, but I am more than happy to help you choose. And depending on how much time we have together, I will happily show you the most beautiful decorations.
What does a Christmas photo session in Lisbon look like?
We won't spend the whole time standing in one spot and posing. I like to keep things relaxed and moving, walking through different streets and stopping whenever we find beautiful light, decorations or a backdrop that catches my eye.
I will guide you throughout, so you never need to worry about what to do with your hands or where to look. We can mix more posed portraits with natural moments while you're walking, talking and enjoying the moment.
One popular option, for example, is to start in Alfama. Along the way, we can stop near Lisbon Castle, famous viewpoints like Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Sé Cathedral and Tram 28. From there, we can gradually make our way towards downtown as the decorations become more visible.
Another much-loved option starts in Bairro Alto, with stops around the Bica Funicular and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara before heading downhill towards the festive streets of central Lisbon. Depending on how much time we have together, we can finish near the Rossio Christmas Market or Praça do Comércio.
Every photoshoot is a little different, so I don't follow one strict route. The weather, crowds, light and the kind of photos you want can all influence where we go.
Want Christmas photos in Lisbon?
When should you start your Christmas photoshoot?
The Christmas lights look their best when it's dark, but most of my clients like to meet a bit earlier. Depending on how much time we have together, we usually meet one hour before sunset. This allows us to take some pictures in the daylight, during the blue hour, sunset and at night.
In winter, the sunset is around 17:30. I start most shoots around 16:00 or 16:30 to take advantage of the best light. This option will give you a lovely mix of images!
Some people also like a fully nighttime photoshoot. This is certainly possible, and in that case, I suggest meeting around 17:30 or 18:00.
Who are Lisbon Christmas photoshoots for?
Christmas photoshoots in Lisbon can work for almost anyone, but I photograph mostly solo travellers, couples and families during the festive season. As long as you like the Christmas atmosphere, you'll love it!
If you're travelling solo, having your portraits taken is a lovely way to come home with more than selfies from your trip. You don't need to know how to pose either. I'll guide you while we walk through the city and take photos.
For couples, the cosy atmosphere adds an extra romantic touch to the photos. Some book a session simply to remember their trip together, while others are celebrating an anniversary, engagement or even planning a surprise proposal.
Families often book to capture a trip to Portugal or create updated family photos in a setting that feels a little different from a traditional studio Christmas shoot. We can keep things informal, which works especially well if you're travelling with young children. I also always bring some props to keep your kids entertained during the experience.
And you certainly don't need to be visiting the capital to book a session. I also photograph locals who simply want to make the most of the decorations and create some festive memories close to home.
Planning a Christmas proposal in Lisbon
Christmas decorations make the city feel especially romantic, so it’s no surprise that December is a popular time for proposals. I photograph surprise proposals throughout the year, but the warm golden lights around the city make photoshoots feel particularly special and unforgettable.
The biggest challenge is usually finding the right balance between a beautiful festive backdrop and enough privacy for the moment itself. This is a busy time of year, especially around the main squares and shopping streets, so choosing the right location and timing makes a big difference.
I have plenty of experience photographing surprise proposals in Lisbon, and I can help you choose the right spot and timing while keeping the moment as private as possible. At times, I feel like a secret agent! We can share live locations on WhatsApp, agree on a secret signal and plan exactly where you'll propose so I can be ready without giving the surprise away.
Thinking of proposing in Lisbon during Christmas?
What to wear for Christmas photos in Lisbon
Lisbon winters are generally mild, but the evenings can feel chilly. You will definitely need to bring warm clothing. The average temperature in December is 9°C (48°F) to 15°C (59°F) during the day. The evenings are the chilliest with temperatures of 9°C to 10°C (48°F–50°F).
Some of my clients just go for it and leave warm clothes at home! Others wear a winter coat and scarf and are wrapped up from head to toe. My suggestion is: wear layers. During the shoot you can mix and match, and I will happily hold coats while you look your best!
Neutral colours tend to work well against the colourful backgrounds, but I wouldn't worry too much about matching the decorations. The most important thing is wearing something you feel comfortable moving around in. And that includes good shoes!
Christmas crowds in Lisbon
December is vibrant and attracts many national and international visitors.
There are usually two separate Christmas light switch-on events that I avoid photographing. When the main lights and Christmas tree are switched on at Praça do Comércio, you can expect thousands of people on the square, and there is usually a fireworks display, a drone show or sometimes both. The other inauguration happens on Rua Garrett at shopping centre Armazéns do Chiado.
I tend not to photograph on these two occasions as it just gets too busy. Weekends are usually busier too, and the closer it gets to Christmas, the more crowds will come to see the lights and get their shopping done.
My favourite days are Monday to Wednesday, but there are enough hidden corners to discover on other days too.
What if it rains?
It does rain more in the winter, and it's not ideal for a portrait session. A few days before the shoot I will check the weather, and if needed we can reschedule. A little rain or drizzle can actually create a beautiful effect as the raindrops will create even more sparkles!
If it rains heavily, or the weather is so severe that it creates a hazard, we will certainly reschedule. If neither of us is available on other days, I will provide a refund.
Lisbon Christmas photoshoot packages
I offer 30, 60 and 90-minute packages. Which one is right for you mostly depends on how much time you want in front of the camera and how much variety you'd like in your final gallery.
All packages include a private gallery and personal guidance.
30-minute photoshoot
€140
The 30-minute option is ideal if you want a shorter shoot focused on one area. We can create a beautiful collection of festive portraits without taking up too much of your day.
You'll receive 20 edited high-resolution photos.
60-minute photoshoot
€195
With 60 minutes, we have more time to relax into the session and explore different backgrounds nearby. It's a great option if you want a mix of decorations, historic streets, some well-known sights, and a little more variety in your gallery.
You'll receive 40 edited high-resolution photos.
90-minute photoshoot
€245
A 90-minute option gives us the most time to explore and create a wider variety of photos. Depending on where we start, we can move through different neighbourhoods and capture the city as the light changes from late afternoon into the evening.
You'll receive 60 edited high-resolution photos.
When should you book your shoot?
These photoshoots are seasonal, only run for a limited period, and they can fill up quickly. Christmas and New Year's dates are especially popular, and some clients book as early as May. From September onwards, I get more requests.
If you have a special event or date, I would suggest booking as soon as possible. You can request bookings up to one year in advance. Don't see your date available in the calendar? You can always reach out and I can see if anything can be changed or moved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we avoid crowds during a Lisbon Christmas photoshoot?
Not entirely. We can certainly reduce them, although I cannot promise empty streets during the holiday season. I usually recommend quieter weekdays and can adjust our starting point and route depending on the time. I also know plenty of corners where we can step away from the busiest crowds.
What happens after I book?
During the booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can tell me what kind of photos you like, whether you have a particular location in mind, and anything else that would help me plan your photoshoot.
If you’re not sure what you want yet, that’s completely fine. I can help you choose a location and suggest what will work best based on your group, the time of day and the type of photos you’re hoping for. Before the photoshoot, we’ll agree on a meeting point and any final details. Then we’ll meet and start taking photos!
Can I choose where my photoshoot starts?
Yes. You can choose a location you already love, or I can recommend a starting point based on the type of photos you want and the duration. If you book 60 or 90 minutes, we may be able to combine the classic streets and viewpoints with the lights downtown.
Are these experiences suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. I photograph solo travellers throughout the year, and this is a beautiful time to capture your trip to Lisbon. I travelled solo myself for years, and I always love connecting with other globetrotters!
Do you help with posing?
Absolutely! You don't need to know how to pose or feel comfortable in front of the camera beforehand. I will guide you throughout the photoshoot and give you simple directions so you always know what to do. And don't worry if you feel a little awkward at first, that's completely normal. Most people relax very quickly once we start walking, chatting and taking photos.
What happens if it rains on the day?
A little drizzle doesn't necessarily mean we need to cancel. The reflections and Christmas lights can actually look beautiful in photographs. If heavy rain or severe weather makes things impractical or unsafe, we'll look at rescheduling. If neither of us is available on another suitable date, I provide a refund.
How far in advance should I book?
Christmas photo sessions are available for a limited period and the most popular dates can fill early. Some clients book as early as May, although enquiries increase significantly from September onwards. If you need a particular date, I recommend booking as soon as your plans are confirmed.
Can you photograph a Christmas proposal in Lisbon?
Yes. I photograph proposals throughout the year and can help you choose a location and time that keeps the moment as intimate as possible, even during the festive season. We can plan the details together beforehand so you know exactly where to go and what will happen.
How many photos will I receive and when will I get them?
The number of edited photos depends on the package you choose. A 30-minute session includes 20 high-resolution photos, a 60-minute session includes 40 photos, and a 90-minute session includes 60 photos.
I aim to deliver your finished gallery within 48 hours, although delivery can take up to 5 working days during busy periods.
Make some Christmas memories in Lisbon
Every Christmas in Lisbon looks a little different. The decorations change, new lights appear around the city and I always find a few new favourite places to photograph along the way.
Whether you're visiting solo, travelling as a couple, spending the holidays with your family or planning a surprise proposal, a photoshoot is a lovely way to remember this time in the city.
Ready for your own Christmas photos in Lisbon? Check my available dates below and choose the package that works best for you.
Prefer being behind the camera? I also offer photography workshops during Christmas! Instead of having your portrait taken, we can head out together and work on photographing the festive lights.
Whichever side of the camera you prefer, I'd love to help you capture your time in the city.
30-minute photoshoot
€140
The 30-minute option is ideal if you want a shorter shoot focused on one area. We can create a beautiful collection of festive portraits without taking up too much of your day.
You'll receive 20 edited high-resolution photos.
60-minute photoshoot
€195
With 60 minutes, we have more time to relax into the session and explore different backgrounds nearby. It's a great option if you want a mix of decorations, historic streets, some well-known sights, and a little more variety in your gallery.
You'll receive 40 edited high-resolution photos.
90-minute photoshoot
€245
A 90-minute option gives us the most time to explore and create a wider variety of photos. Depending on where we start, we can move through different neighbourhoods and capture the city as the light changes from late afternoon into the evening.
You'll receive 60 edited high-resolution photos.
