- Tree goes up
- Between 1 and 8 December, with 8 December (Immaculate Conception) most frequently cited, though 1 December (Restoration of Independence Day, a public holiday) is also used as a marker
- Tree comes down
- 6 January (“Dia de Reis”), matching the broader Iberian and Latin American pattern
- Local superstition
- No prominent distinct superstition documented beyond the general Epiphany-end norm.
Why that date
Blends the general Catholic Immaculate Conception custom with a secular public-holiday marker on 1 December; the Christmas tree arrived comparatively late in Portugal (first recorded example 1844 at Pena Palace) and only became a nationwide standard mid-20th century.
What actually happens
Confidence note: sourcing gives a range (1-8 December) rather than one universally agreed date; treated as contested/soft consensus around 8 December.
Taking it down again
6 January (“Dia de Reis”), matching the broader Iberian and Latin American pattern. No prominent distinct superstition documented beyond the general Epiphany-end norm.
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Sources
When the answer is finally yes
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