On the first day of the celebrations, the Christmas lights will be switched on at 7pm, and Santa Claus's arrival is scheduled for the 7th, in front of City Hall, where the Santa Claus Village will also be installed.

The president of the municipality, Leopoldo Rodrigues, highlighted, that Christmas in Castelo Branco “is already a highlight of the city” and an additional reason for attraction at this time in particular.

“It’s always worth visiting Castelo Branco any day of the year. During the Christmas season, it is also worth considering what it has to offer as a municipality and the dynamics associated with Christmas in the city”, highlighted Leopoldo Rodrigues.

According to the mayor, one of the new features, in addition to the usual entertainment, is the extension of the usual workshops for children to the general public, the Christmas Market and the four planned shows.

On the 13th, at 9:30 pm, the Sinfonietta de Castelo Branco orchestra performs at the Centro de Cultura Contemporânea de Castelo Branco; on the 14th, at 4:30 pm, the musical “Rapunzel and the Relic of Egypt” takes the stage at Cine-Teatro Avenida; on the 16th, at 3pm and 5pm, the musical “Natal doce Natal” is presented; and on the 20th there will be a show with Saint Dominic's Gospel Choir, at 9:00 pm.

The mayor of Castelo Branco stressed that the initiative has broad objectives, ranging from valuing local products, to promoting the economy and the values ​​associated with Christmas, tradition and the environment.

“This program aims to boost the economic and cultural dynamism of the municipality and the city of Castelo Branco, in particular, and involves involving associations, small producers, but also projecting Castelo Branco within and outside the municipality’s borders”, highlighted Leopoldo Rodrigues.

According to the mayor, entertainment, at various levels, is guaranteed.

The mayor added that, in addition to the area in front of City Hall and the Civic Center, Avenida Nuno Álvares will also be occupied.

To boost traditional commerce, in partnership with the Commercial and Business Association of Beira Baixa, the Christmas Window Display Competition will be held and prizes will be distributed, between one hundred and 3 thousand euros, in the Christmas Draw, for those who make purchases exceeding twenty euros.