01 to 07
December January
Christmas lights in downtown and amphitheatre of Funchal
Schedule
Every day
18:00 – 01:00
Except for:
01 December
19:00 – 01:00
25 and 30 December
18:00 – 04:00
23, 24 and 31 December
18:00 – 06:00
Light Animation
The city of Funchal is beautifully decorated to celebrate Christmas from the first day of December. Its streets, squares and riversides are adorned with various Christmas motifs, creating true true spectacles of light and colour alternating between tunnels and choreographed shows, awakening the Christmas spirit in the young and old alike. Praça do Povo | Funchal Pier | Praça do Colombo | Largo do Chafariz | Largo do Phelps | Rua Fernão Ornelas | Rua Câmara Pestana
Christmas lights in Porto Santo
Vila Baleira
Schedule
Every day
18:00 – 01:00
Except for: 24 and 31 December
18:00 – 04:00
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
Ambient music
Christmas Market
Performances by folklore groups, philharmonic bands and concerts
Ethnographic exhibitions and living pictures.
Christmas Market
Fresh fruit, plants, Madeira wine, sugarcane honey and its derived products as well as traditional regional gastronomy typical of the Christmas season, are some of the regional products to be found at this Christmas Market. The ambient music surrounds the carefully decorated market stalls, and visitors are embraced by this Christmas atmosphere, perfect for socialising and sharing.
Schedule
Sunday - Thursday 10:00 – 00:00
Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 01:00
24 December
10:00 – 18:00
23, 30 and 31 December 10:00 – 04:00
25 December and 01 January
Closed
Diverse Performances
The Central Walkaway of Avenida Arriaga serves as a stage for diverse performances, with philharmonic bands, folklore and concert groups entertaining this venue. Let yourself be carried away by the melody, joy and excitement in the air!
Christmas Nativity Scene
Inspired in the Madeiran tradition of creating colourful and authentic Christmas nativity scenes, this project celebrates the Christmas spirit with 12 life size polychrome carved figures, representing the Birth of Baby Jesus. In a charming setting, visible from multiple angles, a small hipped-roof shelters welcomes the Holy Family, surrounded by trees, flowers and local fauna, in a harmonious portrait of nature and cultural soul of Madeira.
Ethnographic Village
Various traditions of the Madeiran culture, such as gastronomy, handicraft and folklore, are showcased in the Ethnographic Village, in Largo da Restauração. While you taste the typical regional soups and the traditional Bolo do Caco (typical Madeiran bread), you can contemplate the two types of traditional Madeiran nativity scenes on exhibition: the traditional nativity scene which replicates the humanised and natural landscape, with its vegetation, terraces, valleys, creeks, houses and sheds, as well as the tiered nativity scene consisting of a small altar in the form of steps, featuring Baby Jesus at the top.
Schedule
01 to 17 December and 01 and 07 January
Sunday – Thursday
09:30 – 22:00
Friday – Saturday
09:30 – 23:00
18 to 31 December
Monday – Sunday
09:30 – 23:00
24 December
09:00 – 18:00
25 December
Closed
Madeira Embroidery and Regional Handicrafts Pavilion
Madeira Embroidery and Regional Handicrafts are promoted by the Madeira Wine, Embroidery, and Handicrafts Institute (IVBAM), through the presence of different producers of Madeira Embroidery and renowned artisans, which exhibit and sell their pieces, ideal for unique and exquisite Christmas gifts.
Schedule 10:00 – 19:00
25 December Closed
Children’s Christmas Municipal Garden
The Municipal Garden transforms itself into a real Christmas Garden, with Christmas lights, such as Santa Claus, a sleigh, a train, reindeers, snowmen, polar bears, Christmas balls and lots of colours and lights. Here, the children’s Christmas imagination comes to life, sparking the creativity of children and adults, adding joy and excitement to its visitors.
01, 06, 07, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 26, 28 e 29 December
“Foi Aquintrodia” (It was just the other day)
Praça do Povo
12:30 – 13:00
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
13:30 – 14:30
Municipal Garden
14:30 – 15:30
Take part in various cultural activities, traditional games and reenactements of everyday Madeiran life from the past, brought to life and guided by members of the Camacha Youth Folk Group and the Camacha Children’s Folklore Group.
01 December
Monday
Christmas Lights Switch-on Ceremony
Praça do Povo
19:00
The switching on of the Christmas lights in Madeira sets the stage for the Magic of our celebration! An enchanting moment that transforms the city into a true Christmas tale, full of colour, sparkle and festive spirit. The event is followed by a concert by Beatriz Caboz & Funchal Jazz Orchestra.
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga Folk area
11:00
Performance by the Porto da Cruz Folklore Group
15:00
Performance by the São Lourenço da Camacha
Church Band
Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by Brado 21:00 Concert by Cháp4
02, 04, 16, 18, 22 and 29 December and 02 and 06 January
Christmas Workshops
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
Concert Stage
15:00 – 16:00
The Christmas Workshops allow for the making and sharing of treats, thus promoting the genuine Madeiran traditions of this season. On the designated days and times, next to the stage on Avenida Arriaga, you can learn how to make various traditional treats, such as Madeira Sugarcane Cake, wheat soup, Homemade bread, “Bolo do Caco” (typical Madeiran bread), “Carne de Vinha-d’alhos” (pork marinated in wine and garlic) and “Chícharo” soup (Chícharo is a type of bean or grain), as well as setting Christmas tables with Madeira’s embroidery and handicrafts.
02 December
Tuesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga Folk area
11:00
Performance by the Camacha Youth Folklore Group
18:00
Performance by the Quinta Grande Cultural and Recreational Folklore Group Concert Stage
15:00
Christmas Workshop – Christmas Table –Bordal 21:00
Concert by Francisco Andrade 4tet
03 December
Wednesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
11:00
Performance by the Câmara de Lobos Orchestra Band – Os Infantes
18:00
Performance by the São Lourenço da Camacha Church Band Folk Area
15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of the Santo António Cultural Centre
Concert Stage
21:00
Concert by Live Brisk
04 and 05 December
Let’s Decorate the Christmas Tree Torre do Capitão
The gardens of Torre do Capitão host the initiative “Let’s decorate the Christmas Tree” where several trees are decorated with ornaments made by children from local schools and beneficiaries of social welfare institutions. The Camacha Youth Folk Group and the Camacha Children’s Folk Group enliven the occasion with traditional Madeiran performances and reenactments.
04 December
Thursday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
Folk Area
18:00
Performance by the Quinta Grande Cultural and Recreational Folklore Group
19:00
Performance by Tuna Universitária da Madeira (group of university students in traditional university clothing who play instruments and sing serenades)
Concert Stage
15:00
Christmas Workshop – Bolo de Mel (Madeiran Sugarcane Honey Cake) – “Queroo”
21:00
Concert by Triângulo
05,
06 and 07 December
Circus Arts Shows Municipal Garden 21:30
The Funchal Municipal Garden Auditorium is transformed into a fantasy stage with a circus arts show inspired by the magic of Christmas. Through acrobatics, juggling, dance, balancing acts and moments of humour, talented artists embody the joy and festive spirit of this very special season. Light, colour and movement combine in an immersive experience for the whole family, where imagination is set free, and Christmas is experienced in all its enchantment.
05 December
Friday
Concert by Moonlight Band 1 1
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
11:00
Performance by the Câmara de Lobos Municipal Band Folk Area 15:00
Performance by Folklore Group MonteVerde Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by BCH Jazz Classic Trio
06 December
Saturday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
15:00
Performance by the Funchal Municipal Band –Os Artistas Folk Area
11:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo de Santana Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by Garcias
07December Sunday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Machico Municipal Band Folk Area 15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Calheta Concert Stage
18:00
08 December Monday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 15:00
Performance by the Faial Philharmonic Band Folk Area
11:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo do Caniçal Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by Whyte Blues Band 21:00
Concert by Seis p’o Meia Dúzia
09 to 12 December
9th School Choir Festival of the Autonomous Region of Madeira – Artistic Education Department
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga Concert Stage 11:00 and 15:00
The Regional School Choir Festival is an initiative that brings together students from various schools in Funchal. During this festival, the public is invited to attend and enjoy the performance of dozens of Christmas songs, exploring a wide range of musical genres and styles.
09 December
Tuesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
18:00
Performance by the Santana Municipal Band Concert Stage 21:00
Concert by Tanita & The Bad Boys
10 December
Wednesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga Folk Area
18:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo da Ribeira Brava
Concert Stage 21:00
Concert by Mariachi México Madeira
11 December
Thursday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
18:00
Performance by the Caniço and Eiras Philharmonic Band with the participation of Rabuçados de Funcho – APCM Inclusive Band
Concert Stage
21:00
Concert by Madeira Fado Association
12 December Friday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga Folk Area 18:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo do Campanário Concert Stage 21:30
A Merry Funkin’ Christmas Concert
13 December
Saturday
Concert by the Empress Sissy Hungarian Salon Orchestra – “Christmas Around the World” Municipal Garden
21:00
The Municipal Garden transforms itself into an enchanting stage with “Christmas Around the World”, a show that celebrates the magic of Christmas through melodies and traditions from different cultures. The Empress Sissy Hungarian Salon Orchestra, joined by talented Madeiran artists guides the audience on a musical journey full of emotion, sparkle and festive spirit. With the energy of the Prestige Dance Club dancers and the vibrant touch of Mariachi México Madeira, this evening promises an unforgettable celebration of joy and union inspired by Christmas.
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
11:00
Performance by the Funchal District Band – Os Guerrilhas
Folk Area
15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Ponta do Sol
Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by C’azoada
14 December
Sunday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 15:00
Performance by Paulense Municipal Band (Paul do Mar)
Folk Area
11:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo of Santa Cruz
Concert Stage 18:00
Concert by Chá Bom 21:00
Concert by Coral do Archo da Calheta Group
15 to 23 December
Childbirth Masses (Missa do Parto)
Funchal Cathedral
07:30
In the early hours of 15 to 23 December, a novena known as “Missas do Parto” (Childbirth Masses) is celebrated, marking the beginning of the religious Christmas celebrations and is one of the most authentic Madeiran Christmas traditions. During the religious ceremony, people sing popular verses in honour of the mother of God and Baby Jesus. At the end of the ceremony, the church entrances are filled with regional and traditional music of the season, and tastings of a wide variety of Christmas delicacies begin, such as cocoa, chicken soup, carne vinha d’alhos (pork marinated in wine and garlic), cookies and liqueurs.
08:15
Performance by Associação do Grupo de Romarias e Tradições da Camacha
15 December
Monday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
11:00
Performance by the Funchal District Band – Os Guerrilhas
18:00
Performance by the Funchal Municipal Band – Os Artistas Folk Area
15.00
Performance by the Folklore Group of the Santo António Cultural Centre
Concert Stage 21:00
Concert by Black & White Dixieland Jazz Band
16 December
Tuesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga Folk Area
11:00
Performance by the Folklore and Ethnographic Group of Boa Nova 18:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo de Santana
Concert Stage 15:00
Christmas Workshop – Sopa de Trigo (Wheat Soup) - Associação Cultural e Recreativa da Camacha
21:00
Concert by the band Alexandra Barbosa
17 to 30
December
28th Christmas Choir Festival – Christmas in Funchal – Orfeão Madeirense
The “Christmas in Funchal” Choir Festival takes place in various churches and on Avenida Arriaga, offering the public the chance to enjoy choral Christmas concerts performed by various groups from the region and a guest choir from outside the archipelago. This initiative, organised by Orfeão Madeirense — the oldest choral group in Madeira and one of the oldest in Portugal, founded in 1919 — fills Funchal with harmonies and festive spirit during the Christmas season.
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
Concert Stage 17 and 19 December
21:00
Cathedral- Sé
27 December
21:30
Carmo Church
29 December 21:30
Colégio Church
30 December 21:30
17December
Wednesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Ribeira Brava Municipal Band
18:00
Performance by the Faial Philharmonic Band 19:00
Performance by Camachofones Folk Area
15:00
Performance by Folklore Group MonteVerde Concert Stage 21:00
Orfeão Festival
18
December
Thursday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 22:00
Performance by the Borracheiros Folk Area 18:00
Performance by Associação do Grupo de Romarias e Tradições da Camacha Concert Stage 15:00
Christmas Workshop – Bolo do Caco (typical Madeiran bread) – Casinha do Bolo do Caco 21:00
Concert by Letícia & Friends
19 December
Friday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
18:00
Performance by the Santa Cruz Municipal Band
19:00
Performance by Tuna Universitária da Madeira Folk Area
15:00
Performance by Tradições de Gaula
Association Folklore Goup – TRAGA
Concert Stage 21:00
Orfeão Festival
20 December
Saturday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 15:00
Performance by the Caniço and Eiras Philharmonic Band Folk Area 11:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of the Santo António Cultural Centre
Concert Stage 18:00
Concert by the Children Choir Flores de Maio 21:00
Concert by Miguel Pires, tribute to Elton John
21 December
Sunday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Band (Arco de São Jorge)
Folk Area 15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Calheta
Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by Machetinho 21:00
Fado das Quinas Concert with Sofia Ferreira
English church 18:00
The story of Christmas choir – Regina Pacis Vocal Ensemble
22 December
Monday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 18:00
Performance by the Santa Cruz Municipal Band Folk Area 11:00
Performance by the Camacha Youth Folklore Group
Concert Stage 15:00
Christmas Workshop – Homemade Bread from Santana – Madeira Theme Park 21:00
Concert by Sofia Petito Music Flavours
23 December
Tuesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Santana Municipal Band Folk Area 15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo de São Martinho
Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by D’Repente
21:00
Concert “Noite do Mercado” (Market Night)
23:00 – 01:00
DJ WAGA
24 December
Wednesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 15:00
Performance by the Machico Municipal Band Folk Area 11:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo do Campanário
Concert Stage 16:00
Concert by XMAS PROJECT
26 December
Friday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 15:00
Performance by the Borracheiros Folk Area 11:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo de Gaula
Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by Sexteto Melro Preto - Canta o Natal 21:00
Concert by Sandra & Ricardo - “Natal em Voz e Alma”
27December
Saturday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Câmara de Lobos Municipal Band Folk Area 15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Ponta do Sol
Concert Stage 18:00
Concert by Catarina Melim Project 21:00
Concert by Kontraband
28 December Sunday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 15:00
Performance by the Câmara de Lobos Orchestra Band – Os Infantes Folk Area 11:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Machico Concert Stage 18:00
Concert by INLAY 21:00
Concert by Blues and Troubless Band
23:00 – 01:00
DJ WAGA
29 December Monday
29 to 31
December
New Year’s Celebration
Praça do Povo
29 December
21:00 – 00:00
30 December
21:00 – 02:00
31 December
21:00 – 03:00
On New Year’s Eve, Madeira becomes a stage for musical entertainment, with Funchal as the epicentre of the festivities. With entertainment provided by the Associação Cultural, Desportiva e Recreativa – Avesso, Praça do Povo, stands out as a meeting point, offering concerts and live performances during New Year’s Eve. This vibrant space welcomes both residents and tourists, providing entertainment and a privileged view of the fireworks.
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Recreio Camponês Band Concert Stage 15:00
Christmas Workshop – Carne Vinha D´Alhos (pork marinated in wine and garlic)– Casa do Povo da Quinta Grande 18:00
Concert by the Choir of Câmara da Madeira 21:00
Concert by Spot the Difference
Praça do Povo 21:00
Street entertainment – O Canto das Marés (The Song of the Tides) 21:45
Concert by Westside 22:00
Street entertainment – Light Walkers 22:30
Concert by Sharp Knives
December
Tuesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
Folk Area
15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo de Gaula
Concert Stage
18:00
Concert by Isabel Gonçalves 4tet
21:00
Concert by Contratempo
00:00 – 02:00
DJ WAGA
Praça do Povo 21:00
Street entertainment – O Canto das Marés (The Song of the Tides)
21:45
Concert by Kontraband
22:00
Street entertainment – Light Walkers
22:30
Concert Revenge of the 90s 00:00
DJ Pedro Pestana
Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre
18:00
With Music for the New Year: Operettas & anniversaries
Concert by the association Amigos do Conservatório de Música da Madeira
31 December
Wednesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
Folk Area
11:00
Performance by Folklore Group MonteVerde
15:00
Concert Stage 16:00
Concert by Quarteto Pedro Marques 19:00
Concert by 4Soul
Praça do Povo 21:00
Concert by Pedro Garcia Trio 21:45
Street entertainment – Light Walkers 22:00
Concert by Simple the Best – Tribute to Tina Turner
00:20
DJ SIL
Countdown for the New Year’s Firework Show
23:40
The last 20 minutes before midnight in 2026 will be enlivened by a spectacular show centred on Funchal Pier, serving as a countdown. This pyrotechnic and audiovisual show will feature light displays in the sky, among other surprise effects, leading spectators into the New Year
The New Year’s Firework Show
Funchal | Porto Santo 24:00
An eight-minute fireworks show will welcome in the year 2026. This show will feature a total of 58 firework launch sites located in the Funchal amphitheatre (26), between Pier 8 and Almirante Reis Beach (25), at sea (5) and on the island of Porto Santo (2).
This majestic spectacle of light and colour, with pyrotechnic effects that combine modern design will feature effects never seen before in the region. In 2006, the show was internationally recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘The world’s largest fireworks display’. 1 9 9
Performance by the Borracheiros
02 January
Friday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
18:00
Performance by the Aliança Velha Philharmonic Band
Folk Area
11:00
Performance by the Folklore and Ethnographic Group of Boa Nova
Concert Stage 15:00
Christmas Workshop – “Chícharo” Soup – Casa do Povo da Quinta Grande 21:00
Concert by the Ribeira-Brava Mandolin Orchestra
03 January
Saturday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Ribeira Brava Municipal Band
Folk Area 15:00
Performance by the Camacha Youth Folklore Group
Concert Stage 18:00
Concert by the Funchal Cathedral Choir 21:00
Concert by Sons da Tradição
04 January
Sunday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 15:00
Performance by the Recreio Camponês Band Folk Area 11:00
Performance by Grupo de Romarias Antigas do Rochão
Concert Stage 18:00
Concert by Banda D’Além 21:00
Concert by AoAkaso
05 January
Monday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga 11:00
Performance by the Aliança Velha Philharmonic Band
Folk Area 15:00
Performance by the Folklore and Ethnographic Group of Boa Nova
Municipal Garden 18:00
Cantar dos Reis – Chants of the Epiphany
On 5 January, at 18:00, people sing in honour of the kings in the Municipal Garden in a concert open to the public, reviving this Madeiran tradition. The arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated on 6 January and tradition dictates that it should be celebrated with the famous Bolo Rei cake (King’s Cake), which contains a bean and a trinket. The people’s memory dictates that whoever is lucky enough to get the slice containing the bean will have to buy the cake the following year, and whoever gets the trinket will have to buy the drinks, ensuring this tradition can be celebrated year after year.
06 January
Tuesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga Folk Area 18:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo da Camacha
Concert Stage 15:00
Christmas Workshop – Items made from Banana-Tree Leaf – Musapel workshop –Manuel Egídio A. Fernandes 21:00
Concert by Vasco Freitas and Orchestra
07 January
Wednesday
Central Walkway of Avenida Arriaga
11:00
Performance by the Ribeira Brava Municipal Band
Folk Area
15:00
Performance by the Folklore Group of Casa do Povo de São Martinho
Concert Stage
21:00
Concert by SuperNatrual Jazz Concept
