"Sales have been running normally, not above what is usual for this time of year. There is a greater flow of people due to the Christmas lights, which are a great success. We have more people coming to downtown, to the historic centre, but there isn't necessarily an increase in sales," the president of the Chiado Enhancement Association, Vítor Silva, told Lusa news agency.

According to Vítor Silva, during the first two weekends of December and on the holidays of the 1st and 8th, an increase in people, especially families, was noted because of the Christmas lights and activities that "invaded" downtown.

“This year it’s difficult to walk the streets at times, and we even advised the Lisbon City Hall to illuminate the adjacent streets so people don’t just circulate on the main streets. Rua Augusta and Rua Garret are extremely congested; it’s necessary to create attractions in the adjacent areas and take advantage of the mega-success of the Christmas lights, especially when it’s not raining,” he argued.

Regarding expectations for the two weeks before Christmas, the president of the Chiado Enhancement Association admitted they are good.

“There are more people on the streets, but purchasing power hasn’t increased; people are greatly curbing their spending, but many are saving until the last minute. But I think it will be a good Christmas if the weather conditions cooperate,” said Vítor Silva.

The president of the Union of Associates of Commerce and Services (UACS), Carla Salsinha, also told Lusa that, although she doesn’t yet have data, the prospects for the sector during the Christmas season are good.

“Christmas is always a great time thanks to the Christmas lights, which are making a difference with their originality and bringing more and more people to the city,” said Carla Salsinha.

According to the president of UACS, there has been a large influx of both national citizens and tourists.

“Our expectations for the coming days are high, and we believe it will be a highlight for the city. It's the lights, the entertainment for all ages. Even later, on Epiphany, we will have a large King Cake in Praça do Comércio on Epiphany [January 6th], and therefore our expectations are high,” she emphasized.

Lisbon's Christmas lights were inaugurated on November 22nd in Terreiro do Paço and will remain lit until January 6th.

According to the Lisbon City Hall, this year a 182-kilometre route of lights was set up, with 1,050 luminous structures and 5,900 decorative pieces, distributed across 46 locations in the city.