New Year's Eve in Madeira: The Famous Fireworks

New Year’s Eve in Madeira is one of the world’s great celebrations: fireworks burst all around Funchal’s amphitheatre-shaped bay at midnight, while cruise ships fill the harbour and the whole city watches from balconies, viewpoints and boats. The display once set a Guinness World Record as the largest fireworks show ever. Here’s how to plan your New Year in Madeira.

Quick answer: book months ahead, as hotels and flights fill fast. Watch the fireworks from the seafront, a hotel terrace or a boat on the bay, or from a hillside viewpoint for the full panorama. Funchal’s Christmas lights run from early December into January, so combine the two.

The fireworks

At midnight, fireworks are launched from many points around Funchal’s bay, so the whole city lights up at once. The show lasts several minutes, and the cruise ships in the harbour sound their horns. The display set a Guinness World Record as the largest fireworks show in 2006/07.

Where to watch

• The seafront and marina: right in the action, but very crowded. Arrive early.
• Hotel terraces: many hotels with bay views hold New Year parties. Book well ahead. See the best hotels in Madeira.
• A boat: cruises on the bay give a spectacular view. Book early.
• Hillside viewpoints: for the full panorama of the bay, though roads get busy.

Christmas in Funchal

Funchal’s Christmas lights are switched on in early December and stay up into January, with festive markets and events. See Christmas in Portugal.

Tips

• Book early: New Year is the busiest week of the year in Madeira.
• Restaurants: reserve your New Year’s Eve dinner well in advance.
• Getting around: traffic is heavy; walk or plan transport ahead.
• Weather: usually mild (around 19–20°C by day), but bring a layer for the evening.
• Tradition: eat 12 raisins at midnight, one for each wish.

More: Madeira in winter, where to stay in Madeira and Portugal in December.

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