Lisbon Awaits - Week of January 13, 2025

⭐️ Main Events

More than Houses: How will we live on April 2074?

How can we tackle the housing crisis by adapting cities and territories to the economic and social context and climate and technological changes?

1751 students and 281 faculty members from 25 programs in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Fine Arts across the country present proposals to address this challenge in the exhibition "More than Houses: How will we live on April 2074?".

The exhibition is organized by the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto in partnership with MUDE — Museum of Design.

It stems from a unique academic meeting that began in April 2023 as part of the "More than Houses" program, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 25th April 1974 revolution.

🎭 Theater, Opera and Dance

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

At the home of young Clara and Fritz, Christmas Eve holds an enchanting adventure, triggered by the arrival of Clara's Godfather, a former Magician and owner of a toy store.

As a gift, Clara receives an unusual Nutcracker. After the 12 chimes, everything transforms and comes to life to defeat the fearsome Mouse King and save the Kingdom of Fantasy.

On this journey, Clara meets fantastic characters and discovers the true spirit of friendship and mutual help.

Swan Lake | Tchaikovsky National Ballet

Swan Lake, a timeless classic that delights everyone while preserving the essence of the style, comes to life on stage with captivating costumes and sets, and by perfect choreography.

The story of the love between the prince and Odette, a beautiful young woman turned into a swan by a spell, and the deadly deception and dramatic plot merge with Tchaikovsky’s music to create a magical experience.

🎉 Festivals

🎶 Music and Concerts

Last Night in Amsterdam | The Black Mamba

The eagerly anticipated album, The Mamba King, will be presented, including the popular singles Crazy Nando, Sweet Amsterdam, Love is Dope, and Love Is On My Side.

🏛️ Exhibitions

More than Houses: How will we live on April 2074?

How can we tackle the housing crisis by adapting cities and territories to the economic and social context and climate and technological changes?

1751 students and 281 faculty members from 25 programs in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Fine Arts across the country present proposals to address this challenge in the exhibition "More than Houses: How will we live on April 2074?".

The exhibition is organized by the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto in partnership with MUDE — Museum of Design.

It stems from a unique academic meeting that began in April 2023 as part of the "More than Houses" program, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April 1974 revolution.

🗓️ Upcoming

Lisbon Half Marathon ‘25  - (March)

Speaking in competitive terms, the course is flat and very fast. The Start is at the tolls’ square of the bridge and the Finish Line is in front of the Jerónimos Monastery.

Surely one of the most attractive races in the world.

❄️ Weather in January: Lisbon's Winter Tranquility

Average High: 15°C / 59°F
Average Low: 8°C / 46°F
Average Rainfall: 100 millimeters / 3.9 inches

January in Lisbon showcases the city's serene winter character, offering visitors a mild Mediterranean winter experience that sets it apart from much of Europe. While the rest of the continent often shivers in freezing temperatures, Lisbon maintains a gentle climate with average highs of 15°C (59°F), perfect for exploring the city's historic streets. Nights are cool but rarely bitter, with lows around 8°C (46°F), encouraging visitors to seek out Lisbon's cozy tascas and warm, inviting fado houses.

Rainfall reaches its peak during January, with an average of 100mm spread across the month. While wet days are common, Lisbon still enjoys plenty of crisp, sunny winter days, with the city's famous light reflecting brilliantly off its white limestone buildings and tiled facades. The occasional rainy spell provides the perfect excuse to discover Lisbon's rich indoor cultural scene, from the Maritime Museum to the Gulbenkian Foundation.

Packing for January requires thoughtful layering. Bring warm sweaters, a waterproof coat, and a good scarf and gloves for the cooler mornings and evenings. While snow is extremely rare in Lisbon, the humidity can make it feel chillier than the thermometer suggests, so warm layers are essential. Don't forget a sturdy umbrella and water-resistant footwear for navigating the city's characteristic calçada portuguesa (Portuguese pavement).

January offers visitors a uniquely authentic experience of Lisbon. With fewer tourists, you'll find yourself sharing the narrow streets of Bairro Alto and Chiado with locals going about their daily lives. The quieter atmosphere allows for unhurried exploration of major sites like São Jorge Castle, where winter views across the city are exceptionally clear on sunny days.

This is the prime season for Lisbon's hearty winter cuisine. Traditional dishes like bacalhau à brás (shredded salt cod with eggs and potatoes) and cozido à portuguesa (Portuguese stew) come into their own. Street vendors roasting chestnuts provide both warmth and sustenance on chilly afternoons, while pastéis de nata taste even better alongside a steaming bica (Portuguese espresso) in a warm café.

January sees Lisbon's cultural calendar starting fresh, with theaters, concert halls, and cultural centers offering rich programs. The cooler weather creates perfect conditions for exploring indoor markets like the Time Out Market or the historic Mercado da Ribeira, where you can sample the best of Portuguese gastronomy while staying warm.

Whether you're admiring the winter light from the Santa Catarina viewpoint, exploring the covered galleries of Praça do Comércio or taking a day trip to Belém (less crowded than in peak season), January in Lisbon offers a peaceful, authentic experience of the city. The cooler temperatures and occasional rain are more than compensated for by the opportunity to experience Lisbon at its most genuine when its true character shines through in the winter light.