If you follow the blog and social media, you know Madeira is one of my favorite Portuguese destinations! I go to the island yearly to return to my favorite Madeiran destinations or surf.

Madeira is an incredible island; even at Christmas, it doesn’t cease to amaze. Best known for its epic New Year’s Eve celebrations, it’s at Christmas that we can get into the true festive spirit of the island and experience it more closely and sincerely with the locals.

FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR TO EXPLORE MADEIRA

Christmas in Madeira: the nativity scenes

Madeira may be increasingly crowded with foreign visitors, but at its core, it’s still an island focused on its people and their faith. And this is even more evident at Christmas.

No small town, public square, or commercial establishment doesn’t display its nativity scene, whether large or more modest.

Many take their main decoration from nature, with logs and moss gathered from the surrounding area. Still, some follow ancient traditions, which are more commonly found in the homes of Madeirans.

They are called “presépio-lapinha” (or just “lapinha”) or “lapinha em escadinha” and are small altars with the image of the Child Jesus at the top and the other figures of the nativity scene below. Of course, there’s a Madeiran twist, with decorations made from regional embroidery, seasonal fruits such as oranges, chestnuts, or walnuts, and the so-called “searinhas”, small pots with sprouted wheat.

Then there are the “presépios-rochinha”, which are much larger and depict the entire nativity scene in a setting that draws similarities to the Madeiran landscape.

Whether you’re religious or not, if you visit Madeira at Christmas, it’s worth paying attention to the nativity scenes you come across along the way. Some are true works of art.

The “Missa do Parto”

But Madeira’s typical Christmas is not all about nativity scenes. The “Missa do Parto” is another highlight of this festive season.

From December 16 to 24, between 5 and 7 a.m., churches all over the island open their doors to celebrate the first mass of the morning. But you’re wrong if you think that’s all there is to it. After the religious celebration, people gather in the churchyard to eat and drink. Everyone contributes and enjoys, and there’s even traditional music to celebrate the start of the day.

Funchal going Christmas wild

While the various Madeiran towns and villages go all out in their celebrations and light up every traffic circle, lamppost, and bush along the way (Madeira takes on a new light at night during December!), all roads seem to lead to Funchal.

That’s where you’ll find the most illuminated streets, the 30-meter-high Christmas tree, and the Christmas markets.

But definitely to be lived is Noite do Mercado (Market Night), which takes place on December 23 in and around the Mercado dos Lavradores.

Get ready to find dozens of stalls selling everything from fresh produce, such as vegetables and fruit, to the traditional food and drink stalls, where you can try the typical sandwich with meat marinated in garlic and wine and, of course, a lovely traditional poncha.

But the entertainment continues beyond Madeiran flavors. It extends well into the night, with groups rocking the streets with music and songs.

The performance of the Confraria dos Cantares in Praça do Peixe is not to be missed inside the market. It started as a group of friends who got together more than 35 years ago to sing Christmas carols from door to door. Later, they moved to the streets around the market, and today, they bring together hundreds of people to form a large choir inside the market.

CHOOSE YOUR BEST STAY IN FUNCHAL, MADEIRA

And after Christmas in Madeira?

New Year’s Eve, of course! No wonder the Madeirans call December “the party month.”

While stomachs are still full and wrapping paper clutters garbage cans, Madeira is already preparing to welcome the new year with style.

It’s one of Portugal’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations (and, dare I say it, the world). It has everyone gazing up at the sky, watching an incredible pyrotechnic show.

And I’m not just talking about a single firework. I’m talking about several, launched from various points on the island and even from the cruise ships that drop anchor around this time off the bay of Funchal.

It’s a truly incredible spectacle and well worth seeing at least once.

The best spots to watch the fireworks in Madeira

Now that you know what Christmas in Madeira is all about, what do you think? Would you like to visit the island at this time? Have you been there? Did you like it? Tell me all about it in the comments box. And if you have any other Madeira tips to discover this festive season, I’m all ears!

Christmas in Madeira