It is only after the autumn holidays that we start thinking about Christmas again. Of strolling around traditional Christmas markets. And with Christmas, we automatically think of snow, cold and crackling log fires. But did you know there is a place where you can also experience the ultimate Christmas feeling, but in the sun? It can be done in Obidos, one of Portugal's most beautiful villages!
Obidos: the town of queens
We love a white Christmas and hope it is nice and cold during the December holidays. How different it is in southern Europe where people actually hope for a nice temperature to celebrate Christmas with each other outside on the streets. One of the gems in the south is undoubtedly the beautiful Obidos in Portugal. This medieval gem is one of Portugal's most picturesque fortified towns. Obidos sits atop a mountain(s) on the Atlantic Ocean. The fortified town is surrounded by high city walls over which you can stroll.
Traditionally, Obidos has been the town of the queens of Portugal. This is reflected in the cosy and narrow streets where love and attention have been given to the often cute and colourful houses. The town also has many Manueline-style churches (Portuguese architecture with lots of decorations). This style is sometimes also found on the houses.
The streets in Obidos are still quiet. Around Christmas it is different 
Many houses and shops only have decorations around the doors 
Obidos is all about colour 
Insight into the greengrocer who also knows how to run the local library 
The public library, a lovely place to take a break 
Christmas apples 
Low sun and shade make the colours stand out less 
The cosy streets of Obidos 
The doors seem to deceive your eyes Christmas in Obidos: 19 degrees and Christmas trees
During the Christmas period, Obidos is even cosier. You won't find stalls but all the shops and bars have done their best to decorate the town as nicely as possible. A walk at a temperature of 19 degrees between Christmas branches, Santa Claus and delicious drinks suddenly feels very different. Obidos in the sunshine in winter then is a party!
Christmas is not celebrated indoors here, but mainly on the streets, says an employee of the traffic office. In Obidos, you drink Ginja de Obidos in the process. This delicious drink is a local liqueur made from slightly sour cherries. You taste it in a bowl of chocolate, which is really the perfect match but also dangerous because it is actually too good. The Ginja de Obidos is also used for a Portuguese Kir-Royal which is clearly preferred by most women.
The people in this part of Portugal are friendly and go out of their way to please you. Souvenirs and local products are inexpensive and you never feel like you've landed in a place that's too touristy. The pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere actually do the rest. People say celebrating Christmas is a party and it feels like one.
Hour's drive from Lisbon
Obidos is not very far from the capital Lisbon and is highly recommended if you want to experience Christmas in a different way. The town and its surroundings are more than worth a visit!
Dreamcatchers for Christmas dreams 
Friendliness suits people in Obidos 
Father Christmas - Papai Noel (Portuguese) 
The coat of arms of Obidos 
Beautiful example of use of colour in this particular place 
Advertising in style for local liqueur 
Portuguese saints in clay 
Here we were not allowed to photograph, just the lamp then 
Macaron d'Óbidos made with local produce tastes great with a glass of Ginja d'Obidos
