Things to Do in Coimbra in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Coimbra
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- University atmosphere at its peak - December brings Christmas festivities and year-end celebrations at UC Coimbra, with special carol concerts in the Sé Velha cathedral and spontaneous fado performances in República student houses after 10pm
- Minimal tourist crowds mean authentic experiences - you'll have the Joanina Library largely to yourself (tours run every 20 minutes vs hourly waits in summer) and locals actually engage with visitors in cafes along Rua Ferreira Borges
- Winter comfort food season peaks - traditional dishes like chanfana (goat stew) and leitão da Bairrada (roasted suckling pig) are at their hearty best, served in cozy tavernas with wood-burning fireplaces
- Christmas markets and illuminations transform the city - the Mercado de Natal in Largo da Portagem runs December 1-23, featuring regional crafts and warm ginjinha (cherry liqueur) that locals sip while browsing stalls
Considerations
- Short daylight hours limit sightseeing - sunrise at 7:45am, sunset by 5:30pm means only 9.5 hours of natural light for outdoor exploration and photography
- Persistent dampness makes 6°C (43°F) feel colder - high humidity combines with frequent light rain to create bone-chilling conditions that require layered clothing and waterproof gear
- Many outdoor terraces and riverside walks become unpleasant - the scenic Mondego riverbank paths are often empty due to cold winds, and most esplanadas (outdoor cafes) close their terraces until spring
Best Activities in December
University of Coimbra Historical Tours
December is ideal for exploring UC Coimbra's UNESCO World Heritage campus as tourist groups disappear and you experience the authentic academic atmosphere. The Joanina Library maintains perfect humidity for its ancient books, and winter lighting creates dramatic shadows in the baroque halls. Students are preparing for January exams, so you'll witness real university life rather than summer tourist theater.
Traditional Portuguese Cooking Classes
December weather drives locals indoors for hearty cooking sessions, making this the perfect time for authentic culinary experiences. Learn to prepare seasonal comfort foods like canja de galinha (chicken soup) and rabanadas (Portuguese French toast) in warm, intimate kitchen settings while rain patters outside.
Fado Performance Experiences
Winter nights bring out Coimbra's most authentic fado tradition. December evenings in student republicas and intimate fadistas venues create the perfect melancholic atmosphere for this haunting music. Cold weather keeps casual tourists away, leaving space for genuine cultural immersion with university students and local fado enthusiasts.
Monsanto Forest Park Nature Walks
December transforms this 75-hectare (185-acre) urban forest into a mystical landscape with morning mists and crisp air perfect for hiking. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) main trail offers stunning winter views over Coimbra without summer heat or crowds. Rain-washed eucalyptus forests smell incredible and wildlife is more active in cooler temperatures.
Convent of Christ Day Trips to Tomar
The 30-minute train journey to Tomar reveals the magnificent Convent of Christ without summer crowds. December's soft light illuminates the Manueline architecture beautifully, and the 2°C (36°F) cooler temperature in Tomar makes indoor exploration of this UNESCO site particularly appealing. Return trains run hourly until 7pm.
Wine Cellar Tours in Bairrada Region
December harvest celebrations continue in nearby Bairrada wine region, 45 minutes by car from Coimbra. Winter tastings feature robust reds perfect for cold weather, and smaller groups mean intimate experiences with winemakers. Sparkling wine production peaks in December, offering behind-the-scenes access to traditional methods.
December Events & Festivals
Mercado de Natal de Coimbra
Traditional Christmas market in Largo da Portagem featuring regional handicrafts, warm ginjinha, and traditional sweets like pastéis de nata. Local artisans sell woolen goods perfect for Coimbra's winter weather, and food stalls offer hearty soups and roasted chestnuts.
Concertos de Natal na Sé Velha
The 12th-century Old Cathedral hosts atmospheric Christmas concerts featuring university choir performances and traditional Portuguese carols. The Romanesque acoustics create haunting echoes perfect for seasonal music, with concerts often including period instruments.
University Christmas Celebrations
Student republicas host traditional Christmas dinners and fado performances throughout December. These intimate gatherings offer authentic insight into Coimbra's academic culture, with spontaneous singing and storytelling that continues past midnight in heated common rooms.