The official kick-off of the Christmas and New Year’s Eve Festivities happens in the 1st of December, and is marked by the moment when the wonderful Christmas lights switch on in Funchal downtown.
Madeira is filled with a festive atmosphere; the Christmas spirit fills both the locals and visitors in such a way that it seems that the island does not sleep until January. Funchal maintains a climate of constant Christmas diversion, culture and spirit in the avenues and squares of the city with continuous animation and gastronomical events
From Old Eve’s night and entering the first minutes of January, the firework display, already in the Guinness Book of Records, reaches a magical peak of the grand festivity amidst the bay with a variety of colour and forms.
These moments are undoubtedly much appreciated by the locals and visitors alike, bringing on countless emotions.
Christmas Lights Switch On
01/12/2022 – 08/01/2023 –Funchal
This is the day on which festive lights are switched on. Residents and tourists alike go out into the streets to enjoy the magic of Christmas lighting. There are carols reminiscent of the season and an area entirely dedicated to children, a place for them to play and get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas in Santa Cruz
30/11/2022 – 15/01/2023 – Santa Cruz
In this exceptional season, the Christmas spirit invades the streets of Santa Cruz: Christmas-themed paintings and lights inspired by the municipality’s traditions, spread throughout its parishes. Like in other municipalities in the region, there are also market nights full of sounds, aromas and flavours befitting the season.
At Santa Cruz, the festivities run from 30 November to 15 January, culminating in the great Santo Amaro Festivities and the sweeping of the cupboards.
Christmas Town
16/12/2022 – 15/01/2023 – Ponta do Sol
At Christmas, the whole town of Ponta do Sol is filled with light and decorations befitting to the season, which makes thousands of visitors fill the streets at that time.
There is a real show of light and colour in the centre of the municipality during the night, and during the day, large Christmas decorations can be seen throughout the town.
Christmas Village
07/12/2022 – 06/01/2023 – Funchal
The municipal square is entirely dedicated to children and families, with a wide range of activities, where moments of fun and joy are allowed for, recreating the Christmas spirit and atmosphere.
Childbirth Masses (Missas do Parto)
15/12/2022 – 23/12/2022 – Madeira
From the second half of December until Christmas Eve, Madeirans get up at the crack of dawn to participate in the masses honouring Our Lady.
After mass, in the church square, people share sandwiches of “carne de vinha d’alhos” (pork in wine and garlic), homemade liquors, songs and joy of the Christmas spirit. This is surely one of the best ways to get to know Madeirans’ Christmas spirit.
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Christmas Traditional Nights
01/12/2022 – 23/12/2022 – Calheta, Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Ribeira Brava, Santa Cruz, Santana, São Vicente
The true Madeiran Christmas traditions are shown in different locations throughout the island on different dates. The most well-known is the market night at the Farmers’ Market in Funchal on the 23rd of December. Many locals come from all parts of the island to do their Christmas shopping at the market stalls – selling fruit, vegetables, mistletoe and wheat pots among other Christmas treats.
The highpoint of the evening is the carol singing in the fish market square. It all ends in the early hours of the morning, sharing the best stories of the year and old acquaintances with homemade liquors and traditional sandwiches of “carne de vinha d’alhos” (pork cubes in wine and garlic). The most well-known is the market night at the Farmers’ Market in Funchal on the 23rd of December. Many locals come from all parts of the island to do their Christmas shopping at the market stalls – selling fruit, vegetables, mistletoe and wheat pots among other Christmas treats.
The highpoint of the evening is the carol singing in the fish market square. It all ends in the early hours of the morning, sharing the best stories of the year and old acquaintances with homemade liquors and traditional sandwiches of “carne de vinha d’alhos” (pork cubes in wine and garlic).
New Year’s Eve Show
31/12/2022 – Funchal
Bringing in the New Year with a bang! Magic happens when you watch the fireworks display on the old city quay and the party continues into the night with a musical show in Largo das Palmeiras, where entertainment and good cheers for the new year are guaranteed.
For full Program description, check here
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