The wonders of Christmas in Madeira

Christmas charm

Celebrating Christmas on Madeira island is truly one of the most wonderful things one can experience whilst visiting the island.

A December filled with tradition, amusement parks, lighting, carols, real-size “presépios”, amazing food, and seasonal drinks.

Christmas in Madeira starts on the 1st of December and ends on the 15th of January with Santo Amaro’s holiday.

20ºC in winter time!!!

On Madeira island, you will find microclimates all over, raining in a minute, and sunny in the other it’s always a surprise.

But not only that, but normally in Madeira during winter time temperatures will be around 18 to 20ºC during the day, and 15 to 18ºC during the night.

Only at the highest peaks of the island, one can encounter colder temperatures, but still doable with a warm coat.

This little pearl in the Atlantic ocean will genuinely be a great escape from colder countries.

Turn on the lights

When the decorative lights are lit up in Madeira it indicates the start of the Christmas season, and when they have turned off the ending of it.

Streets, houses, and main buildings are all illuminated to bring a much-needed magic scenery to the island.

We at Tukway provide an amazing tour to see the main attraction of decorative lights of the city of Funchal. Book your Magic Christmas Lights Tour here.

It’s a trip that promises to enchant anyone who wishes to participate and trust our lovely drivers to show how wonderful this season can be.

Birth of baby Jesus

Madeira has many religious traditions, like Christmas masses, and real-size presépios, amongst many others.

Normally the Christmas masses are celebrated 9 days prior to the 25th of December, and these are hosted in the early morning.

After these 9 days, another mass called “missa do parto” will be held in many churches all over the island which will end the Christmas holiday religious tradition of the season.

This tradition has been carried for over 500 years, or more in Madeira Island.

But, these masses are not the only highlight for the ones who which to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.

Another way for the curious ones, who also love art, then there are real-sizes “presépios” placed in the bigger cities of the island.

Not one is the same as the other, they are all different, unique, and interesting, and are normally assembled by volunteers.

So if this might be something you like, Funchal has one and is truly a piece of work.

Famous Farmer’s Market Night

Every year, on the 23rd of December, thousands of people gather around the main streets of downtown Funchal, to celebrate Christmas as a community.

An event that starts in the afternoon, and sometimes lasts until the early hours of the morning, having fun, eating the famous “carne vinha d’alhos” sandwiches, Poncha of the seasonal fruits, and a lot of singing, and partying.

The main feature of the night is the Farmer’s Market, which unites people through food and caroling.

It is surely a night to remember.

Let’s eat!!!

What would be a major celebration without any good food? The Madeiran culture is best known for its uniquely tasty food.

Either in a restaurant or by any market or at the street Christmas stalls there will be a delight for anyone’s desire.

Hot roasted chestnuts are sold all over the city of Funchal and are so welcomed when strolling through the city whilst looking at all those beautiful Christmas lights.

Winter soups like the famous Canja (chicken soup), wheat soup, or even Caldo Verde (green soup), and so many more can be often found in small and big restaurants or even bars.

Are you already mouthwatering? Because we definitely are.

To really tie up all this amazing food, why not taste an English tomato Poncha or a tangerine Poncha, they’re so deliciously tempting, try it if you have the opportunity.

If you don’t, then create one, in order to taste any of the traditional Winter Madeiran food at any place you can find.

Christmas wonderland with Tukway

Since it is a year-round destination, you can enjoy most of the tours and activities in Winter too.
So, why not embark on a journey with Tukway, to discover all these curiosities and many more fun ones?