Article updated in November 2025.
Christmas in the heart of Alto Minho only truly begins when the lights of the Enchanted Forest are switched on. And the 2025 edition already has an official start date: 28 November.
In recent years, the Enchanted Forest has become a must-visit destination during the Christmas season. In the previous edition, around 80,000 people travelled to Arcos de Valdevez to experience the magic of Christmas. Porta do Mezio, one of the five gateways to the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG), was the chosen location for the 2024 event, and it will remain the stage for another year.
The lights are the true main attraction and promise to transform the landscape—filled with vegetation and waterfalls—into dazzling, magical spectacles. The route along the Illuminated Walkways stretches for 400 metres and can only be explored on foot, but it guarantees to captivate everyone who passes through it, with various figures spread throughout the forest, from Santa Claus to elves.
But the Enchanted Forest offers much more than that: besides the Christmas decorations, visitors can enjoy several activities for children and adults, explore the Christmas Market, try the Food Court and watch the light show.
The Enchanted Forest at Porta do Mezio will also feature many surprises and activities, from music and theatre to areas dedicated to the youngest, ensuring moments of joy for the whole family. The 2025 edition is about to open to the public and you can visit it until 11 January 2026.
What is the ticket price?
The Enchanted Forest is open to the whole family: admission is free for children up to 8 years old and has a symbolic cost of €3 for everyone else. So all you have to do is show up and let yourself be carried away by the magical atmosphere of the event.
What are the opening hours?
The lights of the Enchanted Forest will shine every day, from 10:00 a.m. to 24:00 a.m., between November 28, 2025 and January 11, 2026. The only exceptions are December 24, 25 and 26 and January 1, when the venue will be closed. Extended opening hours so you can enjoy the Christmas magic to the fullest.
How to get there?
Located at one of the gateways to the Peneda-Gerês National Park – Porta do Mezio – the easiest journey begins in the centre of Arcos de Valdevez. Head towards the national road N202-3 and then towards Soajo. Continue along the N202-3 until you find signs for the National Park. Park in one of the designated car parks near the entrance to the trail leading to the Enchanted Forest.
Browse the gallery to see what the 2024 edition looked like. Source: https://www.facebook.com/lagoasdatravanca
Christmas Gifts at the Christmas Market
The Enchanted Forest’s Christmas Market promises to be the perfect place to find your Christmas presents. From traditional products to local crafts and seasonal treats, you’ll discover wonderful keepsakes from Arcos de Valdevez for yourself and your loved ones.
Enjoy Dinner at the Food Court
It’s normal for a walk through the Enchanted Forest to work up your appetite. The good news is that you can also indulge at the Enchanted Forest’s Food Court—an area designed for the whole family, offering the region’s finest flavours.
Enchanted Forest of Porta do Mezio
Although it celebrates the Christmas season, the Enchanted Forest also has another important purpose: raising awareness for the restoration of a forest area that was devastated by a major wildfire in the Peneda-Gerês National Park over two decades ago.
More than 50,000 trees are being planted to reforest the burnt area. And through the Christmas lights, the Municipality intends to honour the area that has resisted successive fires.
Other Activities to Enjoy in Mezio
In addition to the Enchanted Forest, Mezio and the entire PNPG are excellent destinations for nature activities. If you’re planning to visit this region, discover what else this area has to offer!
Porta do Mezio Biological Park
The Mezio Biological Park is the first infrastructure in the PNPG that allows visitors to engage directly with the fauna and flora of this protected area. Created to preserve endangered native species, the Biological Park is a must-visit spot for the whole family.
Want to learn more? Discover all the Nature Activities at the Mezio Biological Park.
Sistelo Walkways
For hiking lovers, the Sistelo Walkways are a true gem. Located in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez, the Sistelo Walkways have long ceased to be a secret. Today, they are one of the most iconic walking routes in the country.
Fortunately, we’ve gathered all the information about the Sistelo Walkways in our article Sistelo Walkways: Discover This Hidden Gem in Gerês.
Where to Spend the Night in Arcos de Valdevez
Alto Minho is a true treasure waiting to be explored, filled with natural and cultural wonders. To make the most of the region, there’s nothing better than staying overnight and dedicating your days to uncovering its secrets. If you enjoy rural tourism, Quinta Lamosa Ecotourism is the perfect retreat for a family getaway.
At Quinta Lamosa, you’ll find the ideal balance between comfort, relaxation and proximity to numerous tourist attractions. The outdoor area, with its vast green space and wonderful swimming pool, invites you to enjoy moments of leisure—whether you’re planning a longer stay or a short escape. And of course, four-legged friends are also welcome!
Among the accommodation options, you’ll find:
- Casa do Celeiro
- Casa da Corte
- Casa do Espigueiro
- Casa da Árvore, the ex-libris of the Quinta, located 2 metres above the ground, with a stream and a small waterfall running underneath—creating a truly unique setting. Curious? Discover what it’s like to sleep high above the ground in our Treehouse in Gerês.
All the houses offer an authentic regional touch and are designed to help guests reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning and heating, they ensure a cosy stay at any time of the year. At Quinta Lamosa, time slows down. Here, you can relax, explore and live in harmony with nature.
Visit us—we’re waiting for you!