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The 2026 International Chocolate Festival ran from March 6 to March 22 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The festival is over for this year and is held each March; 2027 dates have not been announced.
The festival combines ticketed programming with a busy public village, so decide whether the main displays and activities justify entry for your group.
2026 Festival Facts
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- Dates: March 6–22, 2026, Fridays through Sundays
- Hours: 10:00–21:00, last entry 20:00
- Adult ticket (12+): €10
- Child ticket (3–11): €8
- Student or senior: €9
- Family tickets: €32 (2 adults, 2 children), €39 (3 children), €45 (4 children)
Ticketed Area Versus Public Village
The paid program covers official displays, demonstrations and activities. Shops and streets outside the controlled zone stay open to everyone, so you can buy chocolate without a festival ticket.
Crowd and Arrival Strategy
Arrive close to the 10:00 opening for easier parking and movement. Narrow Rua Direita becomes a bottleneck, so use parallel lanes and agree on a meeting point. Drivers should follow event traffic signs and use the car parks outside the walls; see the parking guide. From Lisbon, the Rápida Verde bus takes about an hour and the last weekday return leaves around 21:45; the Lisbon train is suspended in 2026.
Families, Mobility and Extra Costs
Cobbles, slopes and dense queues complicate pushchairs and wheelchairs. Workshops, premium tastings and food cost extra, and some attractions close in bad weather. Carry water and choose one or two priorities. To go with the chocolate, try a ginja shot in a chocolate cup, typically €1–2 in the village.
Planning a Future Edition
Expect the next festival in March 2027, with dates and ticket terms published on the official festival site. Compare it with the Óbidos festival calendar and book refundable transport or lodging until the dates are firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 2026 Chocolate Festival?
It ran March 6–22, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
How much were 2026 tickets?
€10 for adults (12+) and €8 for children aged 3–11, with €9 for students and seniors.
Is all of Óbidos ticketed during the festival?
No. The village and shops include public areas, while the organizer controls specific paid programming and zones.
When will 2027 details be available?
The festival is held each March, but 2027 dates have not been announced.