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If you are coming to Madeira Island on the Christmas eve, prepare yourself to embrace this experience, because is not just a trip is a new world of cultural and unique traditional events.
If you are not coming, you have to read this article to convince you that the traditions of this island, the climate, the local gastronomy and the main events of this festivity, will surely surprise you.
The first reason you should come to this green Island in winter is the great weather that it can provide you the right temperature to wander around Funchal or to discover new places and activities.
Since we have a shiny december you can book several outdoor activities such as a trip to watch our dolphins and whales on the subtropical waters, all year around, between May to October is the best season for the observation of these animals, the winter can be more special. In fact, between November and February, the number of cetacean species around the Madeira Archipelago is smaller, but we can find some very special species.
Other popular activities that people seek for at Madeira are levada walks and surfing, but always remember you should go with a profissional guide to be safe.
To really enjoy your vacations our main suggestions during the day beggins with the ‘’Levada do Rei’’ in Santana or even ‘’25 fountains’’ in Rabaçal, because it is a moderated walk for you to start and still feel ready for your Christmas night. Since we talk in shiny december, one of the main highlights of Madeira Christmas celebrations, are its most singular and magnificent Christmas illuminations and decorations.
Thousands of lights glow on Christmas displays in the streets, buildings, gardens and mountains of this beautiful island and thanks to its location on the hills, the bay of Funchal looks beautiful and colorful
Most of these decorations can be found around the ‘’Funchal Marina’’, in the ‘’Jardim Municipal park’’ and on Avenida Arriaga street.
There is a special place you cant miss if you are looking for Madeira’s gastronomy, and that is the ‘’Christmas Market’’ at Avenida Arriaga, not only for the beauty of flowers on display, but also for the diversity of food, tropical fruits and festive atmosphere, the souvenirs, where you can also have a great opportunity to drink liqueurs, homemade Poncha, Madeira’s famous wine and Rum’ and ‘’Ginja’’ served in a chocolate cup. This Christmas Markets is so well known that it was announced one of the best in Europe by the European Best Destinations organisation.So get your camera ready for the best and unforgetable experience and much more surprises. Do not Forget also to take a picture with the giant Santa Claus that is placed near from this gastronomic market.
Other typical village is the one placed at ‘’Largo da Restauração’’, where visitors may discover and taste some of the this season´s typical drinks, in addition to other Christmas delicacies such as the Madeira Honey Cake and the typical ‘’broas’’.
Still, to to emphasize this traditional habits and country life is shown how to bake the traditional bread, ‘’Bolo do Caco’’.All around this market you can taste ‘Sandes de Carne-vinho ´Alhos (sandwiches with chunks of pork marinated in wine and garlic), wheat soup, and warm chicken broths.
Visit also the ‘’Municipal Garden of Funchal’’, where usually is the ‘’Christmas Village’’ you find a great place for kids of all ages.
Children and adults discover the joys of a long wooden Christmas train, charming little houses, Santa’s sleigh and many other curiosities.
Christmas cribs are a catholic traditions also popular in Madeira, take a moment to see the Christmas Nativity scenes, and many of the figures in these cribs are dressed in local Madeirian costumes, and cribs built on multiple levels, giving the impression of a “mini-Madeira”. Be sure to visit not only at Avenida Arriaga, but also in other areas of the Island.
All the families build a nativity scene to celebrate the birth of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, which is called “lapinha” features Jesus Child standing at the top of a few steps, decorated with fruits, such as tangerines.
If you are a music lover, do not miss the Christmas songs to light up your soul, walk until Avenida Arriaga and watch music concerts, such as philharmonic bands, folk groups, clarinets, mandolins, accordions, guitars and children’s choirs.
The English Church of Funchal also presents wonderful Christmas Music shows and even at ‘’Baltazar Dias Theatre’’ (https://www.facebook.com/TeatroMunicipalBaltazarDias/ )you can attend beautiful ballet performances and concerts of the Classical Orchestra of Madeira.
From the 16th to the 24th of December, 9 masses of childbirth are celebrated, representing the 9 months of pregnancy of Virgin Mary. These masses occur at dawn, accompanied by songs of devotion and praise to Virgin Mary. Once the mass ends, celebration continues in the churchyard with christmas songs, food and drinks.
Near from the Christmas day on the night of December 23rd, there is na special event known as "Market Night", as the night falls, streets around the market close to car traffic while thousands of people arrive to do the last Christmas shopping. Later in the night, the Market Night turns into a party, especially for young people, all the roads lead to the Farmers' Market in Funchal and people celebrate this eve with food drinks, friends and music till dawn.
A day after this event, christmas Mass is celebrated on December 24, at midnight and after this mass, families and friends gather at home to celebrate this special evening and exchange Christmas gifts.
Offer our destiny as a gift and come with us explore all of this activities above and under below:
Our dolphin and whale watching: + Info & Bookings here »
Our trekking and levada walks: + Info & Bookings here »
Our bandolins concerts: + Info & Bookings here »