São Silvestre Races in Portugal 2026
There are two ways to look at December: as the month when the running season comes to an end, or as one last opportunity to pin a race bib to your shirt.
In Portugal, the second option is becoming increasingly popular.
São Silvestre races are one of the country’s biggest year-end running traditions. From major city events with thousands of participants to smaller local races where community spirit matters just as much as finishing times, there’s something for almost every runner.
And here’s something not everyone knows: you don’t have to wait until December 31 to run a São Silvestre race.
In 2026, the calendar starts as early as December 1 in Ermesinde and continues into the first days of January 2027.
Whether you’re looking for a 10K to finish the year, a festive race to enjoy with friends, or simply a good reason to keep training throughout winter, there are plenty of options worth exploring.
In this guide, we’ve gathered 36 São Silvestre races listed on RaceFinder, including their dates, locations and distances, to help you choose your next event.
Information checked on October 27, 2026. Additional events may be added to the calendar. Dates, distances, registration conditions and availability should always be confirmed on each event’s page.
When Do São Silvestre Races Start in Portugal?
Although the name São Silvestre is traditionally associated with New Year’s Eve, most Portuguese São Silvestre races take place throughout December.
Some are held at the beginning of the month, many are concentrated around the weekends before Christmas, and others take place between December 23 and 31.
A few organizers even schedule their events for the first days of January, keeping the tradition alive into the new year.
This variety makes it possible to participate in more than one São Silvestre during the season, provided you allow enough recovery time between races.
São Silvestre Race Calendar in Portugal — December 2026
December 1–8: The First Races of the Season
December begins with several options for runners looking to make the most of their autumn fitness or set one final competitive goal before Christmas.
| Race | Date | Location | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde | Dec 1 | Ermesinde, Valongo | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre de JAM (Mozelos) | Dec 5 | Mozelos, Santa Maria da Feira | 8.6K race · 4.3K walk |
| São Silvestre Cortegaça/Esmoriz | Dec 5 | Esmoriz and Cortegaça, Ovar | 5K and 10K races · 15K Double Challenge · 4.5K walk · 400m kids’ race |
| São Silvestre de Fátima | Dec 5 | Fátima, Ourém | 5K and 10K races |
| São Silvestre de Fornos de Algodres | Dec 5 | Fornos de Algodres, Guarda | 10K race · 6K walk · Kids’ races |
| São Silvestre de Idanha-a-Nova | Dec 5 | Idanha-a-Nova, Castelo Branco | 10K race · 5K walk · Youth races |
| São Silvestre de Vila Real de Santo António – Monte Gordo | Dec 5 | Vila Real de Santo António, Faro | 10K race · 5K walk · Youth races |
| São Silvestre do Oeste | Dec 8 | Praia de Santa Cruz, Torres Vedras | 10.1K race · 5.78K walk |
Among these early events, you’ll find several different racing experiences.
São Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde offers a traditional 10K road race, while São Silvestre Cortegaça/Esmoriz allows participants to choose between 5K, 10K or a double challenge combining both distances.
Meanwhile, São Silvestre de JAM in Mozelos shows that not every race during this season needs to cover exactly 10 kilometres.
For runners looking for a more traditional competitive atmosphere, Idanha-a-Nova and Vila Real de Santo António also offer races across different age categories.
December 12–13: A Weekend Packed With São Silvestre Races
The second weekend of December brings one of the most varied selections of events on the calendar.
From city races to smaller local competitions, there are options for those looking to race seriously and those who simply want to enjoy the occasion with family or friends.
| Race | Date | Location | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Silvestre da Batalha | Dec 12 | Batalha, Leiria | Approx. 10K race · 5K walk · Youth races |
| São Silvestre de Castelo de Paiva | Dec 12 | Castelo de Paiva, Aveiro | 10K race · 5K walk/mini race |
| São Silvestre Vítor Baptista | Dec 12 | Lourinhã, Lisbon district | 10K and 6K races · Youth races · Walk |
| São Silvestre Casa Benfica Almodôvar | Dec 12 | Almodôvar, Beja | 9.6K race · 4.8K walk |
| São Silvestre de Vila Nova de Santo André | Dec 12 | Vila Nova de Santo André, Santiago do Cacém | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre de Oliveira de Frades | Dec 12 | Oliveira de Frades, Viseu | 10K race · 10K walk |
| São Silvestre de Almada | Dec 12 | Almada, Setúbal | 10K and 5K races · 5K walk · Kids’ races |
| São Silvestre de Alcochete | Dec 12 | Alcochete, Setúbal | 10K and 5K races · 5K walk · 700m and 400m kids’ races |
| São Silvestre de Ponta Delgada | Dec 12 | Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores | 6.2K race · 1.3K mini race · 4K walk |
| São Silvestre El Corte Inglés | Dec 13 | Lisbon | 10K race · 5K walk · 500m kids’ race |
If you enjoy running through a major city, São Silvestre El Corte Inglés takes participants along some of Lisbon’s main avenues, starting and finishing at Praça do Duque de Saldanha.
Across the Tagus River, São Silvestre de Almada and São Silvestre de Alcochete offer both 5K and 10K distances, allowing runners to choose a challenge that matches their fitness and goals.
São Silvestre de Oliveira de Frades has one detail worth mentioning: its 10K course runs between Santa Cruz and Oliveira de Frades Urban Park, and the race regulations state that a headlamp is mandatory.
In the Azores, São Silvestre de Ponta Delgada offers a different format, with a 6.2K main race and shorter events for younger participants.
December 18–20: One Last Big Racing Weekend Before Christmas
For many runners, this is the ideal time to finish the competitive season.
There are events across the country, including urban races, certified courses and competitions with age-group classifications.
| Race | Date | Location | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Silvestre da Golegã | Dec 18 | Golegã, Santarém | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre do Algarve | Dec 19 | Albufeira, Faro | 10.7K race · 5.8K walk |
| São Silvestre UFESTREMOZ | Dec 19 | Estremoz, Évora | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre Baía do Seixal | Dec 19 | Seixal, Setúbal | 10K race · 5K walk · Kids’ races |
| São Silvestre da Camarneira | Dec 19 | Camarneira, Cantanhede | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre Manuel dos Santos Almeida | Dec 19 | São Pedro do Sul, Viseu | 10K race · 10K walk |
| São Silvestre de Leiria | Dec 20 | Leiria | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre Cidade do Porto | Dec 20 | Porto | 10K race · 5K walk |
Among these races, São Silvestre da Camarneira is particularly relevant for runners interested in competitive 10K racing. The event features a certified course and is part of the ADAC District 10K Road Championship.
In Seixal, the race takes place along the waterfront, starting and finishing at Cais do Mundet.
Meanwhile, São Silvestre Cidade do Porto, scheduled for December 20, has one of the city’s most recognizable settings: Avenida dos Aliados, where the main 10K race starts and finishes.
Three different experiences, but all offering the opportunity to finish the year with a road race and the atmosphere that makes December running events so special.
December 23–31: The Final Starting Lines of 2026
For runners who like to race right up until the final days of the year, the calendar still has plenty to offer after Christmas.
Some of Portugal’s best-known São Silvestre races take place during this period.
| Race | Date | Location | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Silvestre de Famalicão | Dec 23 | Vila Nova de Famalicão, Braga | 10K race · 4K walk |
| São Silvestre Vila Madeiro | Dec 23 | Penamacor, Castelo Branco | 8.6K race · 1,609m and 400m youth races |
| São Silvestre de Lisboa | Dec 26 | Lisbon | 10K race |
| São Silvestre de Mirandela | Dec 26 | Mirandela, Bragança | 10K race |
| São Silvestre de Caxarias | Dec 27 | Caxarias, Ourém | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre de Lagoa | Dec 27 | Lagoa, São Miguel, Azores | 6.5K race · 2.2K walk · Kids’ races |
| São Silvestre dos Olivais | Dec 30 | Olivais, Lisbon | 10K race · 4K walk · Mini São Silvestre |
| São Silvestre da Amadora | Dec 31 | Amadora, Lisbon | 10K race · Children’s races |
São Silvestre de Famalicão starts at 21:30, offering a proper nighttime racing experience just before Christmas.
In Lisbon, the traditional São Silvestre de Lisboa takes place on December 26, starting on Avenida da Liberdade and covering 10 km through some of the capital’s most recognizable locations.
São Silvestre dos Olivais, one of Lisbon’s long-standing year-end running traditions, takes place on December 30, also featuring an evening 10K.
And for those determined to race on the final day of the year, São Silvestre da Amadora keeps the tradition alive on December 31.
What About January 2027? There Are Still São Silvestre Races!
Not every São Silvestre takes place in December.
Some organizers extend the tradition into the beginning of the new year, giving runners more opportunities to join the celebrations.
| Race | Date | Location | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Silvestre de Tondela | Jan 2, 2027 | Tondela, Viseu | 10K race · 5K walk |
| São Silvestre de Espinho | Jan 3, 2027 | Espinho, Aveiro | 10K race · Walk |
These two events offer a chance to start 2027 on the move while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the year-end racing season.
Note: The São Silvestre de Espinho event page currently shows registrations as unavailable. Check for updates before making plans.
Are All São Silvestre Races 10K?
No.
Although 10K is the most common distance, Portugal’s São Silvestre calendar includes plenty of alternatives.
São Silvestre de JAM features an 8.6K race, Almodôvar offers a 9.6K course, Ponta Delgada has a 6.2K main race, and Lagoa in the Azores includes a 6.5K event.
Several races also offer 5K distances, children’s events and walks.
That means you don’t need to be ready to race 10 kilometres to take part in a São Silvestre.
It’s also worth remembering that a race advertised as approximately 10 km does not necessarily have an officially certified course for record purposes. If you’re specifically chasing an official personal best, check the course certification in the event regulations.
How to Choose Your São Silvestre Race in 2026
With so many options, the right choice depends on what you’re looking for.
Looking for One Last Personal Best?
Consider races with officially measured distances, electronic timing and courses that suit your strengths.
São Silvestre da Camarneira, for example, features a certified 10K course.
Before choosing your race, it’s also worth checking the elevation profile and expected conditions on the day.
Prefer the Atmosphere of a Major City Race?
São Silvestre de Lisboa, São Silvestre Cidade do Porto and São Silvestre da Amadora are options for runners who enjoy urban events with large numbers of participants.
In each case, the year-end atmosphere is part of the experience.
Want to Run With Friends or Family?
Look for events with multiple distances and activities.
São Silvestre de Alcochete, Batalha, Cortegaça/Esmoriz and Ponta Delgada, for example, include participation options for different ages or experience levels.
Don’t Want to Wait Until the End of December?
There are races during the first days of the month, including São Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde, São Silvestre de Fátima and São Silvestre de Fornos de Algodres.
And if December is already too busy, Tondela and Espinho offer alternatives at the beginning of January.
Frequently Asked Questions About São Silvestre Races in Portugal
When do São Silvestre races take place in Portugal in 2026?
The events included in this calendar begin on December 1, 2026, and continue until January 3, 2027. Most take place throughout December.
Are there 5K São Silvestre races in Portugal?
Yes. Some organizers offer competitive 5K races, while others include walks covering the same distance.
Always check the event format, as a non-competitive walk and a timed running race are different experiences.
Can I participate in more than one São Silvestre race?
Yes, provided your training and recovery are appropriate.
If you’re planning to race several events close together, consider avoiding maximum effort at every one.
You could select one main goal race and participate in the others at a more relaxed pace.
Where can I find São Silvestre race registrations?
On RaceFinder, you can explore individual event pages with information about distances, entry fees, regulations and available registration options.
Not every event uses the same registration channel, and some races may be sold out or have yet to open registrations.
One Last Race Before the Year Ends?
A São Silvestre can be one final test of speed, a relaxed run with friends or simply a different way to celebrate the end of the year.
There’s no single right way to participate.
You might choose a 10K and try to finish the season with a personal best, experiment with a different distance or bring the whole family along for a walk.
What matters is finding an event that feels right for you.
Now we want to know: which São Silvestre race is an absolute must on your calendar every year?
Is there a smaller race in your region that more runners should know about?
Share your suggestions and help us bring more visibility to São Silvestre events across Portugal.
Explore the RaceFinder race calendar and find your next starting line.
Because you don’t have to wait until January to set a new running goal. Sometimes, all it takes is one more race before the year ends.
