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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Portugal, the second option is becoming increasingly popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
S\u00e3o 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And here’s something not everyone knows: you don’t have to wait until December 31 to run a S\u00e3o Silvestre race.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2026, the calendar starts as early as December 1 in Ermesinde and continues into the first days of January 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this guide, we’ve gathered 36 S\u00e3o Silvestre races listed on RaceFinder<\/strong>, including their dates, locations and distances, to help you choose your next event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the name S\u00e3o Silvestre is traditionally associated with New Year’s Eve, most Portuguese S\u00e3o Silvestre races take place throughout December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few organizers even schedule their events for the first days of January, keeping the tradition alive into the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This variety makes it possible to participate in more than one S\u00e3o Silvestre during the season, provided you allow enough recovery time between races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n December begins with several options for runners looking to make the most of their autumn fitness or set one final competitive goal before Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among these early events, you’ll find several different racing experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde offers a traditional 10K road race, while S\u00e3o Silvestre Cortega\u00e7a\/Esmoriz allows participants to choose between 5K, 10K or a double challenge combining both distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, S\u00e3o Silvestre de JAM in Mozelos shows that not every race during this season needs to cover exactly 10 kilometres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For runners looking for a more traditional competitive atmosphere, Idanha-a-Nova and Vila Real de Santo Ant\u00f3nio also offer races across different age categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second weekend of December brings one of the most varied selections of events on the calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you enjoy running through a major city, S\u00e3o Silvestre El Corte Ingl\u00e9s takes participants along some of Lisbon’s main avenues, starting and finishing at Pra\u00e7a do Duque de Saldanha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Across the Tagus River, S\u00e3o Silvestre de Almada and S\u00e3o Silvestre de Alcochete offer both 5K and 10K distances, allowing runners to choose a challenge that matches their fitness and goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Azores, S\u00e3o Silvestre de Ponta Delgada offers a different format, with a 6.2K main race and shorter events for younger participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many runners, this is the ideal time to finish the competitive season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are events across the country, including urban races, certified courses and competitions with age-group classifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among these races, S\u00e3o 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Seixal, the race takes place along the waterfront, starting and finishing at Cais do Mundet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, S\u00e3o 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For runners who like to race right up until the final days of the year, the calendar still has plenty to offer after Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of Portugal’s best-known S\u00e3o Silvestre races take place during this period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Silvestre de Famalic\u00e3o starts at 21:30, offering a proper nighttime racing experience just before Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Lisbon, the traditional S\u00e3o 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Silvestre dos Olivais, one of Lisbon’s long-standing year-end running traditions, takes place on December 30, also featuring an evening 10K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And for those determined to race on the final day of the year, S\u00e3o Silvestre da Amadora keeps the tradition alive on December 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every S\u00e3o Silvestre takes place in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some organizers extend the tradition into the beginning of the new year, giving runners more opportunities to join the celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These two events offer a chance to start 2027 on the move while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the year-end racing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: The S\u00e3o Silvestre de Espinho event page currently shows registrations as unavailable. Check for updates before making plans.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although 10K is the most common distance, Portugal’s S\u00e3o Silvestre calendar includes plenty of alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Silvestre de JAM features an 8.6K race, Almod\u00f4var offers a 9.6K course, Ponta Delgada has a 6.2K main race, and Lagoa in the Azores includes a 6.5K event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several races also offer 5K distances, children’s events and walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means you don’t need to be ready to race 10 kilometres to take part in a S\u00e3o Silvestre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With so many options, the right choice depends on what you’re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider races with officially measured distances, electronic timing and courses that suit your strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Silvestre da Camarneira, for example, features a certified 10K course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before choosing your race, it’s also worth checking the elevation profile and expected conditions on the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Silvestre de Lisboa, S\u00e3o Silvestre Cidade do Porto and S\u00e3o Silvestre da Amadora are options for runners who enjoy urban events with large numbers of participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In each case, the year-end atmosphere is part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for events with multiple distances and activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n S\u00e3o Silvestre de Alcochete, Batalha, Cortega\u00e7a\/Esmoriz and Ponta Delgada, for example, include participation options for different ages or experience levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are races during the first days of the month, including S\u00e3o Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde, S\u00e3o Silvestre de F\u00e1tima and S\u00e3o Silvestre de Fornos de Algodres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if December is already too busy, Tondela and Espinho offer alternatives at the beginning of January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The events included in this calendar begin on December 1, 2026, and continue until January 3, 2027. Most take place throughout December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Some organizers offer competitive 5K races, while others include walks covering the same distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always check the event format, as a non-competitive walk and a timed running race are different experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, provided your training and recovery are appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re planning to race several events close together, consider avoiding maximum effort at every one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could select one main goal race and participate in the others at a more relaxed pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On RaceFinder, you can explore individual event pages with information about distances, entry fees, regulations and available registration options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every event uses the same registration channel, and some races may be sold out or have yet to open registrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A S\u00e3o 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no single right way to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What matters is finding an event that feels right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now we want to know: which S\u00e3o Silvestre race is an absolute must on your calendar every year?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there a smaller race in your region that more runners should know about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Share your suggestions and help us bring more visibility to S\u00e3o Silvestre events across Portugal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen Do S\u00e3o Silvestre Races Start in Portugal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
S\u00e3o Silvestre Race Calendar in Portugal \u2014 December 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
December 1\u20138: The First Races of the Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Race<\/th> Date<\/th> Location<\/th> Distances<\/th><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre Cidade de Ermesinde<\/a><\/td> Dec 1<\/td> Ermesinde, Valongo<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de JAM (Mozelos)<\/a><\/td> Dec 5<\/td> Mozelos, Santa Maria da Feira<\/td> 8.6K race \u00b7 4.3K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre Cortega\u00e7a\/Esmoriz<\/a><\/td> Dec 5<\/td> Esmoriz and Cortega\u00e7a, Ovar<\/td> 5K and 10K races \u00b7 15K Double Challenge \u00b7 4.5K walk \u00b7 400m kids’ race<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de F\u00e1tima<\/a><\/td> Dec 5<\/td> F\u00e1tima, Our\u00e9m<\/td> 5K and 10K races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Fornos de Algodres<\/a><\/td> Dec 5<\/td> Fornos de Algodres, Guarda<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 6K walk \u00b7 Kids’ races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Idanha-a-Nova<\/a><\/td> Dec 5<\/td> Idanha-a-Nova, Castelo Branco<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk \u00b7 Youth races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Vila Real de Santo Ant\u00f3nio \u2013 Monte Gordo<\/a><\/td> Dec 5<\/td> Vila Real de Santo Ant\u00f3nio, Faro<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk \u00b7 Youth races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre do Oeste<\/a><\/td> Dec 8<\/td> Praia de Santa Cruz, Torres Vedras<\/td> 10.1K race \u00b7 5.78K walk<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n December 12\u201313: A Weekend Packed With S\u00e3o Silvestre Races<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Race<\/th> Date<\/th> Location<\/th> Distances<\/th><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre da Batalha<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Batalha, Leiria<\/td> Approx. 10K race \u00b7 5K walk \u00b7 Youth races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Castelo de Paiva<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Castelo de Paiva, Aveiro<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk\/mini race<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre V\u00edtor Baptista<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Lourinh\u00e3, Lisbon district<\/td> 10K and 6K races \u00b7 Youth races \u00b7 Walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre Casa Benfica Almod\u00f4var<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Almod\u00f4var, Beja<\/td> 9.6K race \u00b7 4.8K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Vila Nova de Santo Andr\u00e9<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Vila Nova de Santo Andr\u00e9, Santiago do Cac\u00e9m<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Oliveira de Frades<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Oliveira de Frades, Viseu<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 10K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Almada<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Almada, Set\u00fabal<\/td> 10K and 5K races \u00b7 5K walk \u00b7 Kids’ races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Alcochete<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Alcochete, Set\u00fabal<\/td> 10K and 5K races \u00b7 5K walk \u00b7 700m and 400m kids’ races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Ponta Delgada<\/a><\/td> Dec 12<\/td> Ponta Delgada, S\u00e3o Miguel, Azores<\/td> 6.2K race \u00b7 1.3K mini race \u00b7 4K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre El Corte Ingl\u00e9s<\/a><\/td> Dec 13<\/td> Lisbon<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk \u00b7 500m kids’ race<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n December 18\u201320: One Last Big Racing Weekend Before Christmas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Race<\/th> Date<\/th> Location<\/th> Distances<\/th><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre da Goleg\u00e3<\/a><\/td> Dec 18<\/td> Goleg\u00e3, Santar\u00e9m<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre do Algarve<\/a><\/td> Dec 19<\/td> Albufeira, Faro<\/td> 10.7K race \u00b7 5.8K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre UFESTREMOZ<\/a><\/td> Dec 19<\/td> Estremoz, \u00c9vora<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre Ba\u00eda do Seixal<\/a><\/td> Dec 19<\/td> Seixal, Set\u00fabal<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk \u00b7 Kids’ races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre da Camarneira<\/a><\/td> Dec 19<\/td> Camarneira, Cantanhede<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre Manuel dos Santos Almeida<\/a><\/td> Dec 19<\/td> S\u00e3o Pedro do Sul, Viseu<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 10K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Leiria<\/a><\/td> Dec 20<\/td> Leiria<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre Cidade do Porto<\/a><\/td> Dec 20<\/td> Porto<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n December 23\u201331: The Final Starting Lines of 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Race<\/th> Date<\/th> Location<\/th> Distances<\/th><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Famalic\u00e3o<\/a><\/td> Dec 23<\/td> Vila Nova de Famalic\u00e3o, Braga<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 4K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre Vila Madeiro<\/a><\/td> Dec 23<\/td> Penamacor, Castelo Branco<\/td> 8.6K race \u00b7 1,609m and 400m youth races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Lisboa<\/a><\/td> Dec 26<\/td> Lisbon<\/td> 10K race<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Mirandela<\/a><\/td> Dec 26<\/td> Mirandela, Bragan\u00e7a<\/td> 10K race<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Caxarias<\/a><\/td> Dec 27<\/td> Caxarias, Our\u00e9m<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Lagoa<\/a><\/td> Dec 27<\/td> Lagoa, S\u00e3o Miguel, Azores<\/td> 6.5K race \u00b7 2.2K walk \u00b7 Kids’ races<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre dos Olivais<\/a><\/td> Dec 30<\/td> Olivais, Lisbon<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 4K walk \u00b7 Mini S\u00e3o Silvestre<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre da Amadora<\/a><\/td> Dec 31<\/td> Amadora, Lisbon<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 Children’s races<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What About January 2027? There Are Still S\u00e3o Silvestre Races!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Race<\/th> Date<\/th> Location<\/th> Distances<\/th><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Tondela<\/a><\/td> Jan 2, 2027<\/td> Tondela, Viseu<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 5K walk<\/td><\/tr> S\u00e3o Silvestre de Espinho<\/a><\/td> Jan 3, 2027<\/td> Espinho, Aveiro<\/td> 10K race \u00b7 Walk<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Are All S\u00e3o Silvestre Races 10K?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Choose Your S\u00e3o Silvestre Race in 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Looking for One Last Personal Best?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prefer the Atmosphere of a Major City Race?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Want to Run With Friends or Family?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don’t Want to Wait Until the End of December?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions About S\u00e3o Silvestre Races in Portugal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When do S\u00e3o Silvestre races take place in Portugal in 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are there 5K S\u00e3o Silvestre races in Portugal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I participate in more than one S\u00e3o Silvestre race?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where can I find S\u00e3o Silvestre race registrations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One Last Race Before the Year Ends?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n