Experience the Magic of Christmas: 11 Festive Events in Funchal Await You!

Funchal's Enchanting Christmas Celebrations

The Funchal City Council has unveiled this year's festive program titled ‘Christmas in Funchal’. Mayor Cristina Pedra announced that the celebrations will kick off on Monday, November 25, featuring 11 exciting Christmas events.

The festivities will begin at the Mercado dos Lavradores at 5:30 PM, with a concert by the Sissi Orchestra accompanied by a troupe of dancers. Cristina Pedra emphasized the significance of this location, stating, “We want it to be at the Mercado dos Lavradores, especially since this space celebrates its anniversary on Sunday.”

On the first three Sundays of December (1, 8, and 15), the iconic market will host ‘Christmas in the Square’, where local artisans can showcase and sell their crafts, promoting local entrepreneurship.

This year, the Christmas Village will open on November 29 at Praça do Município, featuring exciting attractions including a French carousel. Additionally, the last carriage of the train will be modified for wheelchair accessibility to accommodate individuals with reduced mobility.

Cristina Pedra remarked, “Our goal is for the Christmas Village to be a family moment, where generations come together with activities, popcorn, cotton candy, stories, music, and dance.”

The beloved Ice Rink will return to Jardim do Almirante Reis, starting November 30, featuring natural ice, reminiscent of last year’s festivities.

Attendees will also have the chance to enjoy the Christmas play 'The Impossible Mission of Nicolas', premiering on December 19 at the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre. Moreover, the Baltazar Dias will host an exhibition of Christmas Tables from December 12 to January 5.

As tradition dictates, the Market Night will once again illuminate Funchal, attracting thousands to the downtown area. Cristina Pedra anticipates this event will be “a night of fun, but also business.”

In keeping with tradition, a New Year's Eve Show is scheduled for December 31 from 6 PM to 2 AM at Parque de Santa Catarina. The celebrations will conclude with the Singing of the Kings at the Municipal Market of Penteada and Praça do Município on January 5 and 6, respectively.

From January 4 to 6, the Ecological Nativity Scene will be displayed in the atrium of the City Hall, a project involving schools and municipal institutions in creating nativity scenes from recycled materials.

This year’s investment in the festivities exceeds that of last year, ensuring a vibrant celebration that runs until January 6.

The announcement of ‘Christmas in Funchal’ took place at the Mercado Municipal dos Lavradores.