Madeira is renowned for being a popular summer holiday hotspot. A gorgeous climate, historic port towns and natural beauty to boot have made this island a go-to favourite for many holidaymakers looking for some sun, sea and sand.
Madeira doesn’t just tick the boxes for best holiday destination during the summer months. In fact, the best time to visit the island may actually be Christmas! Let Economy Car Hire guide you through this fantastic winter break location.
Are you not dreaming of a white Christmas?
Whilst Madeira may lack blankets of snow, it certainly makes up for it in twinkling lights, festive spirit and lively celebrations. Not everyone dreams of a white Christmas after all.
But then not everyone fancies making the long haul journey for a summer one either.
Enjoying warm temperatures of up to 25°C in December, Madeira is the perfect place for those who prefer to swap the Christmas jumper for a pair of sunnies.
Although the frosty weather may add to the festive charm of Christmas in the UK, Madeira is no less magical without it. Come December, the island transforms into an impressive spectacle of intense light and vivid colour for the duration of the Christmas period.
A vast array of illuminations including waterfalls of fairy lights, hosts of angels and giant walk-through baubles light the streets of Funchal, the Island’s capital. Houses and town squares are elaborately decorated with colourful flowers.
Add to that the numerous musical performances from organised concerts, carol singers and traditional folk bands and you wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking Funchal resembles a living nativity scene.
Traditions and tasty treats!
Join in the numerous traditions that take place throughout the lead up to Christmas and even continue after!
One such tradition is the Missas do Parto. This is a series of masses which occur daily in the 9 days before Christmas. Each one represents a month of the pregnancy of the Virgin Mary and finishes with the Missa do Galo (Midnight Mass) on Christmas Eve.
These services are just as much a part of the island’s celebrations and Madeira’s churches are shown to their best advantage. At no other point in the year do they seem more atmospheric. The gilded ornate tiles glow in the candlelight, choirs sing carols and visitors crowd round the elaborately crafted nativity scenes.
Another tradition that’s not to be missed is market night. This usually takes place on December 23rd when the Mercado dos Lavradores and the surrounding streets turn into one big street party! Thousands of people, locals and visitors alike, congregate at the market in the evening to buy last minute gifts and groceries for their Christmas Feasts and get together with friends.
The market is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the traditional treats and drinks of the season. Carne de Vinho e Alhos is a mouth-watering pork based dish and Madeira’s most popular. Small pieces of Pork meat are soaked in a mix of white wine vinegar, garlic and bay leaves and left to marinade for a least a day before being cooked, making it deliciously flavoursome and tender.
Cakes and pastries also work their way into the ranks of Madeira’s Christmas specialities. Bolo de Mel is the equivalent of our Christmas pudding and considered one of the most important elements of the Christmas meal. Made with sugar cane rum molasses, this traditional treat could be likened to honey cake.
Dense and sticky and usually made with nuts, although delicious Bolo de Mel is best washed down with one of Madeira’s much loved Christmas drinks. Poncha is made with sugar cane rum, honey, sugar and lemon juice all mixed up in a special cocktail muddler called a Caralhino.
Fabulous Fireworks
Christmas is an island wide celebration that continues to keep Madeira abuzz with a lively atmosphere well into the start on January.
Not that you should need any further reason to hang around for New Year’s Eve.
On New Year’s Eve Madeira’s night sky comes to life with colourful fireworks that are every bit as spectacular as Sydney’s iconic display. The entire island turns up to watch the show which takes place in Funchal. By far the best viewing spot is down in the bay. From here the horizon isn’t obstructed so you’ll have a clear view of every explosion.
This is one of Madeira’s most popular and busiest events so make sure you arrive early to ensure you get a good spot. Alternatively, to make the evening an extra special affair, why not book a boat? Local tour companies and hotels organise boat trips so you can spend the evening relaxing on the water and enjoy the display without the crowds!
For more ideas on the best places to spend Christmas check out our other blogs. We’ve got everything from the best light displays to weird Christmas traditions from around the world!
