Christmas and New Year's Eve on Madeira are celebrated with enthusiasm, vibrant colors, and an international crowd.

So be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you want to experience these unique and famous spectacles!

 

The people of Madeira love the Festa de Natal (Christmas). Streets and squares across the island are brightly lit, Christmas music blares from public speakers, and the enormous nativity scene with larger-than-life figures and lavish decorations in front of Funchal's Cathedral (Catedral Paróquia da Sè) on Rua do Aljube is a real eye-catcher. During the Christmas season on Madeira, you're guaranteed to get into the festive spirit, even if the temperatures are in the double digits. The Christmas season on the island lasts until January 6th, Epiphany. In between, the New Year is celebrated with one of the world's largest fireworks displays. From December 1st, you can admire twinkling Christmas trees and colorful lights in every public square on Madeira – the most spectacular Christmas decorations and the largest Christmas tree with thousands of lights can be found in the capital city by the harbor.

 

The Christmas market in Funchal is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Along Avenida Arriaga, you can buy traditional souvenirs at numerous stalls or enjoy the delicious treats on offer. The Christmas market also opens at the beginning of December. You can find other smaller Christmas markets in other towns on Madeira. The traditional Christmas meal is especially delicious for those with a sweet tooth, as broas (honey cookies) and bolo de mel (honey cake) are must-haves. Popular Christmas celebrations, known as Noites do Mercado (Market Nights), take place every year around the local markets of the various towns and villages, such as the traditional Noite do Mercado in and around the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal.