This expenditure by the municipality in the Aveiro district covers public lighting and a program with dozens of recreational activities in various locations throughout the territory, representing an investment that, compared to 2024, has grown by 5.59% due to increased production costs and a greater diversity of initiatives.

“The Christmas and New Year's Eve festivities represent much more than just entertainment: they are an opportunity to boost local commerce, attract visitors, and create a sense of belonging in the municipality,” Ovar's Mayor, Domingos Silva, told Lusa.

The Social Democratic mayor, therefore, argues that the investment in question “reflects the council's commitment to quality programming that benefits the local economy and reinforces Ovar's cultural identity.”

Specifically regarding Christmas lights, the expenditure increased from €96,063 in 2024 to €97,735 in 2025, which the city hall says reflects “an increase of 1.74%, exclusively associated with inflation.” More expensive are the decorations, which this year feature “a new thematic line centred on stars” and, although costing only 123 euros more than in 2024, now absorb approximately 114,795 euros.

As for cultural and recreational activities, they focus on two areas: activities specifically related to Christmas, which increase from €45,151 to €57,293 due to the enhanced program; And the actual New Year's Eve celebration in Furadouro, which will cost €1,230 more than last year, thus totalling €16,605, mainly spent on fireworks and musical entertainment.

The rest of the program consists of what Domingos Silva describes as "dozens of differentiating initiatives, based on the identity of a territory that is tradition, heritage, flavours and hospitality".

This program includes everything from performances by the Ovar folk dance groups and gospel performances with black inspiration, to Christmas water aerobics sessions, workshops on making the traditional Ovar sponge cake, and a São Silvestre race.

On Sunday, at 6 pm, the scenic and musical procession that marks the beginning of the festive season will feature the special participation of dozens of extras from various local communities, but on other dates, the town hall square will always have Santa's Little House and a carousel operating.

With the exception of some concerts, shows, and film screenings, most events are free of charge, and also include theater, contemporary circus, workshops for children, and guided tours of the city.

“We have prepared a diverse and comprehensive program, designed for all ages, which reinforces our commitment to a Christmas in which the people, associations, and active forces of the municipality are an active part,” says Domingos Silva.

“Traditions and heritage are affirmed as guidelines to stimulate encounters, creative learning, and sharing, and this strategy has grown and consolidated in recent years, playing a fundamental role in reinforcing the territory's identity, boosting the local economy, and attracting visitors seeking authentic experiences,” he concludes.