Immaculate Conception
Nationwide public holiday in Portugal · Imaculada Conceição
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 December | Tuesday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 8 December | Wednesday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Portugal.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Take Monday 7 December off and get 4 days in a row (Sat 5 Dec – Tue 8 Dec).
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Lisbon around 8 December: high 17°C (62°F), low 13°C (56°F), rain on 29% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Lisbon. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Tuesday 8 December in Lisbon: (MET Norway)
About Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December celebrates the Catholic belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from original sin. Pope Pius IX defined it as dogma in 1854, though the feast had been celebrated long before. It is a holy day of obligation in many Catholic countries and a public holiday in some of them.
Traditions
Catholics attend Mass, and in some places there are processions in honour of the Virgin Mary. In several countries the day is also associated with the start of the Christmas season, when decorations and Christmas markets appear.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Portugal
Friday, 25 December 2026
Immaculate Conception in other countries
Andorra
Austria
Italy
Liechtenstein
Monaco
San Marino
Spain
Vatican City
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Equatorial Guinea
More for Portugal
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.