The eighth edition of the Christmas-themed entertainment event, called Magic Castle (Castelo Mágico), will take place between November 29 and December 28, this year with a Ferris wheel for children, in addition to the usual activities.
During the press conference to present the 2025 program, the mayor of Montemor-o-Velho, José Veríssimo, argued that it is an event “already a reference at the regional, national and international level,” which projects the municipality “on the country’s Christmas map.”
The 2024 edition attracted “more than 50,000 visitors,” a record that the city hall hopes to break again this year, he added.
Throughout the 20 days that the Magic Castle will be open, the public can enjoy an ice skating rink, entertainment, shows, tree climbing, inflatable toys, visits to Santa Claus, ice tubing, virtual reality activities, a mini-market, and a 360º video booth.
According to the executive director of MOT, the company responsible for producing the Magic Castle, the record attendance achieved in the previous edition represents a significant number for a Christmas event.
A Christmas Reference
“Year after year, the event has established itself nationally as a true Christmas and family destination,” reinforced Tiago Castelo Branco, present at the presentation conference.
The theatrical play “The Nutcracker and the Magic of Christmas,” the staged story “The Witches’ Christmas,” a Christmas parade, a fireworks show, and mini-shows featuring the mascots Bluey and Bingo and Masha and the Bear are among the other activities planned for the program.
Also included in the program is a night-time walk of approximately three kilometres, scheduled for December 20, during which participants will walk along a path illuminated by special effects and artificial snow, ending at the castle where a party will be held.
When questioned by journalists about the municipal investment in the event, José Veríssimo stated that “there was a reduction” compared to the previous year, being “significantly below half a million euros.”
“In terms of price, we reduced it, but we greatly increased the quality,” he pointed out.
In 2024, the budget for the Magic Castle was €382,000. Daily tickets for the initiative can now be purchased for five euros for children aged 3 to 12 and for people over 65, and for six euros for those aged 13 to 64.
The Magic Castle will be open from Friday to Sunday, on the holidays of December 1st and 8th, as well as on December 4th, 11th, 22nd and 23rd.
