The investment in Christmas lighting this year is 26% more than in 2022, because the public tender initially launched with the same price was abandoned, forcing the base price to be changed, the municipality explained in a statement.

In total, Matosinhos will have 82 illuminated areas, including 225 natural trees, streets, municipal markets, squares, gardens, churches, for a total of 15 kilometres of lighting and 1,501,360 LED technology lamps (low consumption).

The municipality said that there will be 15 locations with interactive technology, that is, augmented reality where visitors, by accessing a free mobile application, can superimpose virtual elements such as Santa Claus, reindeer and pine trees on a real scene.

In addition, there will be 11 locations with interactive dynamic effects, namely presence sensors that detect visitors' movement to activate "flashes", he highlighted.

In addition to the lighting, Matosinhos will also have a giant Christmas tree, measuring around 30 meters, in Praça Guilherme Pinto, which will change colour and patterns throughout the night.

The square also hosts a Christmas village where there will be concerts with the Ópera de Bolso group and musical performances with the military band Os Soldadinhos de Chumbo.

Jardim Basílio Teles is the stage for FAMA - Matosinhos Crafts Fair, which, this year, will have 81 exhibitors of crafts, sweets and sausages.

The Christmas program also includes a free Christmas concert for December 16th, at the Igreja Matriz do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, performed by the symphonic choir Ensemble Vocal Pro Musica.