New year’s eve in Madeira Island

New Year’s Eve in Madeira Island

Feel the magic of the New Year in Madeira. The New Year’s Eve fireworks along with the fantastic activities, and the magnificent Christmas light decorations all over Funchal, make Madeira Island one of the most attractive ‘réveillon’ destinations.

This tradition of the New Year celebrations is not just for one night. To enjoy this magic time of the year, take a walk through the streets of Funchal and be delighted by the spectacle of colorful lights.

The arrival of the New Year is one of the most impressive events in Madeira. It is amazing that such a small island is recognised as the "greatest fireworks show" in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, having held this title since winning the show from 2006 up to 2012.

Funchal city is filled with live music, performed at Avenida Arriaga. These festivities culminate on December 31st with the spectacular fireworks show, which is a truly unforgettable moment, seen either from the sea or land, and the most incredible way to leave the old year behind and embrace the New Year with lots of colour, joy and hope. 

The weather in Madeira around New Year’s Eve is rather pleasant, on average around 20 degrees Celsius, which makes Madeira a perfect destination for a short winter escape.

When the magic happens…

Day 31 begins with the arrival of many cruise ships to the bay of Funchal for that specific night, and many tourists have the pleasure of watching the show from their cruise. Several cruise ships are anchored further out into sea strategically positioning themselves to get the best seats for the show. 

When the night breaks, locals light up their houses, hotels and nightclubs get ready for the New Year’s Eve party, and the Madeira Orchestra New Year’s concert is performed in front of an audience of thousands of people in the city pier. 

Hours before the moment, downtown Funchal is bustling with people laughing, talking, eating and drinking with family and friends. You can feel the happiness and euphoria of the New Year. 

Mainly thanks to Funchal’s location in a bay and being surrounded by hills, the highest Funchal points, such as on belvederes, are full of people waiting for the big moment with their cars pulled over on the street with food, drinks and lots of fun. Local people gather on the balconies of their houses, in hotels, on city squares until the countdown starts.The atmosphere is truly inviting and magical. 

A minute before midnight, the countdown begins, followed by a spectacular fireworks show , and do not forget to eat the 12 raisins and make wishes at midnight (one for each raisin eaten). Tradition also says that you should climb one step and you should keep some money in your pocket, so that the new year brings you good luck and prosperity.

The cruise ships whistle, the church bells ring, and the dazzling show starts.

Fireworks explode at the same time in various locations, spread over the hills of the island fired literally from every corner around the whole Funchal Bay, also from the decks of ships and platforms offshore. The fireworks show displays synchronized lights, colours, and shapes in time with each bang.

The skies of Funchal are lit up with a display that lasts for a good ten minutes, the echo from the fireworks is so loud, you can feel every explosion in your heart.

Everyone wants to start a new year with some fun so after the ‘’final stomp ‘’locals and visitors choose to go partying and dancing until the night of the following day. Bars and nightclubs of the capital are lively till dawn.

Do not miss this New Year experience on this beautiful and cozy island, which provides the ideal setting for one of the most amazing fireworks displays in the world. The fireworks, the mild climate, and the surrounding countryside are the perfect formula to create unforgettable memories.

Everyone attends and celebrates anywhere possible near to their loved ones, and if you want to enjoy this full experience, discover our best suggestions for a new perspective of the firework, where you can take pleasure from gorgeous scenic views of Funchal's amazing New Year's Eve Fireworks.

Enjoy and have a Happy New Year!