Discover Christmas and New Year in Madeira with Akirent

Christmas and New Year's Eve on Madeira Island become an enchanting destination, where traditions blend with natural beauty. With its illuminated streets and festive atmosphere, this is the perfect time to discover the unique customs that make Christmas and New Year in Madeira so special.

At Akirent, we offer the opportunity to explore every corner of this stunning island, providing the freedom and convenience needed to make the most of this magical season.

Exploring Madeira Island with Akirent Rent: Routes and Highlights

During the festive season, Madeira Island becomes a dream come true for visitors. With Akirent, you can plot routes to explore all the wonders this island has to offer.

The festivities begin with the switching on of the Christmas lights

The Christmas lights will colour the centre and surroundings of Funchal between 1 December and 8 January. It is expected that this year, around 1.6 million lights will illuminate the streets, buildings and different parts of the city.

The entire amphitheatre in Funchal is covered in many lights, almost as if it were an illuminated map. The city center is also decorated with various Christmas decorations. Outside the island's capital, you can also find several places lit up with Christmas decorations.

Before Christmas Day, the traditional birth masses (nine masses) take place, which attracts many faithful. Typically, after these masses, people gather to sing and share Christmas delights.

Christmas Magic at the Market

On the evening of 23rd December, the traditional “Market Night“Market Night takes place at the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, where people can buy their last Christmas presents. People also gather to sing Christmas carols.

The “Funchal Market Night” is, without a doubt, the Madeira festival that brings together the largest number of people, involving people from all over the island. For these people, going to the Market Night is a point of honor. Tourists are surprised and get involved, but this is the Madeiran Festival!

Nativity scenes, markets, poncha and bolo do caco

In the center of the island's capital, more precisely on the central square of Avenida Arriaga, there is the Christmas Market with a variety of traditional products and regional cuisine, sold in 22 decorated houses.

This space is also where performances by folklore groups and philharmonic bands are scheduled, as well as being the stage for Christmas shows.

Next to Funchal Cathedral, there is a renowned life-size nativity scene, with 12 polychrome carved figures, which aims to pay homage to and represent the birth of the Baby Jesus in a traditional setting that combines with some more contemporary elements, occupying an area of 300 m2.

Visit the Coastal Towns and Traditional Villages:

Venture through the picturesque coastal towns and villages that dot the coast of Madeira. Discover the authenticity of places like Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz Machico and Santana, where local traditions are still preserved and where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals.

Come and see the nativity scenes and other decorations with your camera in hand, capturing the beauty of these decorations that can be found in every corner of Madeira for later.

Rent a car with Akirent and explore the breathtaking natural landscapes of Madeira Island. Let yourself be enchanted by the panoramic views of Pico do Arieiro and Cabo Girão, which provide stunning views of the ocean and mountains.

Let yourself be tempted by the Gastronomic Delights of Madeira Island

Prepare your taste buds for a journey of flavors. Try honey cake, honey bread, and other traditional Christmas treats. Visit local restaurants in Funchal and across the island to enjoy typical dishes for this festive season.

Forget the octopus or the lamb. Meat in garlic and wine is the star of any traditional Madeiran Christmas lunch. This meat is marinated for at least 24 hours in red wine, white wine or vinegar, which gives it a certain acidity. It is slowly cooked with lard and can also be fried in a pan.

The largest fireworks display in the world

The fireworks display lasts for about eight minutes and is spread across several fireworks display points located in the Funchal amphitheatre, on the seafront and downtown, in the sea and a point on Porto Santo Island.
This grandiose spectacle, which is one of Madeira's most important tourist attractions, was internationally recognised by the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 as “The Largest Fireworks Display in the World”.
Therefore, the magnificent Christmas decorations that bring new life to the streets of Funchal and the fantastic fireworks display on New Year's Eve, among many other attractions, make Madeira one of the most sought-after destinations during New Year's Eve, to which many people return to experience this special atmosphere once again.

Want freedom of movement on Madeira Island?

Do you need to rent a car? At Akirent Rent, you can find the perfect vehicle to get to any location on Madeira Island. Feel free to choose from our variety of available vehicles.

And to make your stay even more affordable, discover the latest offers and promotions from Akirent Rent a Car: