For 31 days, the castle will transform into a Wizard’s School with lots of snow, with a variety of emblematic entertainment, such as the ice rink and a visit to Santa Claus, along with many other new features, such as the Potions Laboratory, Herbology and the Giant’s House.

From November 30th to December 31st, the Christmas atmosphere will invade Óbidos and the School of Wizards, a fantastic universe where all visitors, little or big wizards, are invited to have fun. In addition to the most emblematic activities of the event, there is a program full of new features.

In this edition, Óbidos Vila Natal will have two stages, the Magic Hall and the Wizard’s Court, offering a program that will feature 410 performances throughout the event. There will be five resident shows that combine theatre, circus arts, comedy and environmental awareness, two of which are debuting, as well as many special Christmas concerts.~

This year, 473 artists will attend the event, including actors, conductors, musicians, also returning entertainers that will appear as a differentiating element, as explained by Filipe Daniel, president of the Municipality of Óbidos. “Christmas is a special time for families, friends and especially for children. Therefore a big focus on animation is maintained. Knowing that it is a fundamental element so that all wizards who visit feel that they are truly entering a universe of magic with real characters whom they can interact and play with. At Óbidos Vila Natal we want to provide an experience rich in fun, creating a place where dreams come true.”


The fun is ensured by the 15 activities on offer. That includes talking to Santa Claus, visitors will also be able to “fly” on the Broom Slide, learn how to ward off bad dreams in the Potions Laboratory, meet fantastic animals in the Giant’s House, learn how to plant magic across the earth in Herbology, slide at full speed down the Gelada Ramp, visiting Alternative Universes in virtual reality, building your dream machine on MyMachine, along with more than 80 educational workshops, among other activities.

The news doesn’t stop there. “For this edition, the ambition was to create an environment that allows little ones, but also young people and adults, to forget the hectic lives they live, though a scenario that aims to create a magical and fantastic environment”, says Ricardo Duque, president of the Board of Directors of Óbidos Criativa, who empathises “the investment in programming and scenography that refers to the wizards’ Christmas, that consists of more sets, props and a blanket of snow, in total 2400 square meters of snow will cover the event in white. This investment translates into an investment of €500 thousand, to create a surprising atmosphere, where each visitor will feel like a sorcerer’s apprentice this Christmas.”

The event takes place every day between November 30th and December 31st, except for December 25th. The daily schedules include activities that can be consulted on the event’s official website and online tickets are already on sale at obidos.bol.pt.