Late December in northern Portugal invites a slower kind of holiday: time together, traditional food and outings chosen around the weather. Casa do Sol, in Infesta, Celorico de Basto, offers a private house for up to six guests, with three suites and an equipped kitchen.
Winter in northern Portugal
Christmas lights and nativity scenes are part of the festive season. Events vary by town and year, so check the current programme before planning a visit.
Prepare for cold mornings, rain and shorter days. Pack warm layers, waterproof clothing and shoes with good grip, and check the forecast before heading out.
Christmas Eve — Consoada
Consoada is the traditional family meal on 24 December. Dishes vary between regions and households, but familiar choices include:
- Bacalhau cozido com todos: boiled salt cod served with potatoes, cabbage and other vegetables, often with egg and olive oil.
- Octopus: an alternative in some families, prepared according to local tradition.
- Christmas sweets: rabanadas, filhós, aletria and bolo-rei.
Use the house's kitchen to prepare your own meal. If you prefer a restaurant or takeaway, confirm holiday opening hours, menus and ordering deadlines directly with the provider before making plans.
Christmas Day — time to slow down
Keep 25 December simple: a leisurely breakfast, lunch together and a quiet afternoon indoors. If the weather allows, choose a short walk on a suitable section of the Tâmega greenway. Check the route and ground conditions first.
Many businesses close or reduce their hours over Christmas. Buy groceries in advance and confirm any restaurant booking.
Between Christmas and New Year
For a day out, consider Porto, Braga or Guimarães. Their historic centres can be combined with seasonal lights or events when these are scheduled. Market locations, attractions and dates change each year; consult the municipalities' official programmes, as some events finish before Christmas.
Choose one city for an unhurried outing and leave room for quieter days at the house.
New Year's Eve — passagem de ano
You can mark the evening with dinner at the house or reserve a celebration at a restaurant or hotel. Confirm the menu, price, availability and transport arrangements directly with the venue.
A Portuguese tradition is to eat twelve raisins at midnight, making wishes for the year ahead. If you want to attend a fireworks display, check the official local programme and how to get there.
1 January — New Year's Day
Start the year at your own pace, with a late breakfast and, weather permitting, a walk. Check opening hours before setting out: New Year's Day can affect restaurants, shops and visitor attractions.
Practical notes for your stay
- Pool: open from May to October and closed from November to April, including Christmas and New Year.
- Sauna: the house has an outdoor, wood-fired cedar sauna; firewood is included. Coordinate its use with the owner.
- Meals: an equipped kitchen lets you plan meals around your own schedule. Confirm any external catering service separately.
- Shopping: check supermarket hours for 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January, and shop ahead.
- Outings: allow for rain, shorter daylight hours and changes to holiday schedules.
Plan your holiday week
Check dates and prices through direct booking or email reservas@casadosol.pt with questions about your stay. Confirm availability and any additional services before finalising your plans.