Best Hotels in the Azores for Christmas

The Azores are nine Atlantic islands, and most visitors fly to São Miguel and its main town, Ponta Delgada. The city lights up its historic centre from late November, with a Christmas market, concerts and a large tree. December is mild but one of the wetter months, so Christmas here is cosy rather than sunny.

What's on

• Ponta Delgada Christmas lights — Historic centre of Ponta Delgada, including Avenida Infante D. Henrique. Switched on in late November and usually turned off around 6 to 7 January (the 2023 programme listed 7 January).
• Christmas market — Varanda de Pilatos, Portas do Mar, Ponta Delgada. Daily through much of December, typically midday to about 5:30 pm (2023 programme); check the council's current programme.
• Christmas concerts and children's entertainment — Matriz church, Paços do Concelho and the historic centre. Weekends and evenings through December (2023 programme).

Dates and times change from year to year, so check the organiser's listing before you travel.

Where to stay

• Ponta Delgada historic centre: The Christmas lights, market, restaurants and concerts are on foot, and it is the main transport hub on São Miguel.
• Portas do Mar and the marina: On the waterfront next to the centre, with the Christmas market close by and sea views.
• Furnas or Ribeira Grande: Quieter bases for thermal pools (Furnas) or the north coast (Ribeira Grande), 25 to 50 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada.

December weather

December in the Azores is mild and wet, with highs around 17 to 18°C (63 to 64°F), lows around 13°C (55°F), frequent showers and strong winds at times.

How we picked: the 7 hotels in this guide are 4- and 5-star hotels and resorts in the Azores with the strongest Booking.com guest scores, weighted by how many reviews they have. Scores and review counts were checked in October 2026.