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Portugal’s Historic Christmas Lottery Draw Captivates a Nation Once Again

A packed hall in Lisbon witnessed the magic of a 124-year-old ritual. Could this year’s winners rewrite holiday luck for thousands?

In this image there is a toy Santa Claus, there are badges and a photo in a photo frame, and in the...
In this image there is a toy Santa Claus, there are badges and a photo in a photo frame, and in the background there are papers, photo and badges stick to the wall.

Portugal’s Historic Christmas Lottery Draw Captivates a Nation Once Again

The annual Christmas Lottery draw took place on Friday morning in Lisbon’s historic Draw Hall. This year’s event marked another chapter in a tradition stretching back over a century. The ceremony was led by António Marreiros, the provedor of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML).

The Classic Christmas Lottery remains a cornerstone of Portuguese festive culture. Since its first draw in 1900, it has become a beloved part of holiday celebrations across the country. This year, 918,731 shares were sold out of five million available tickets.

SCML attributed the strong sales to targeted efforts, including better logistics and wider marketing campaigns. The organisation’s strategy aimed to boost participation while maintaining the lottery’s traditional appeal. Looking ahead, two more major draws are scheduled. The New Year’s Lottery will take place on December 31, followed by the Epiphany Lottery on January 6.

The Christmas Lottery continues to draw widespread interest among the Portuguese public. With nearly a million shares sold, the event reinforces its role in national holiday customs. The next draws will close the festive season with further opportunities for participants.

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