Christmas is approaching and with it, its share of traditional markets which delight young and old alike. But did you know that there is a unique Christmas market in Europe, far from the beaten track?
Christmas markets are an integral part of end-of-year traditions in Europe. From Red Square in Moscow to the illuminations on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, via Berlin, Dresden or Strasbourg Cathedral Square, these markets attract millions of visitors every year who come to soak up the magic of Christmas.
Each market has its own identity, with its culinary specialties, its local crafts and its magical atmosphere. The scent of mulled wine and gingerbread mixes with Christmas carols, while the stalls are overflowing with glittering decorations and gifts of all kinds.
But among all these traditional markets, there is one that definitely stands out! Imagine a Christmas village nestled in the heart of a city lined with palm trees and tropical gardens, where temperatures are around 20°C even in the middle of December.
Welcome to Funchal, on the island of Madeira! Here, the Christmas market takes on the air of a tropical celebration, with its exotic fruit stalls and its illuminations which adorn the city center with a thousand lights at nightfall.
This unique atmosphere makes it a destination of choice for anyone who wants to experience a different Christmas, far from the beaten track. Visitors can stroll along Arriaga Avenue, Funchal’s main artery, and discover a real “Mercadinho de Natal”, where wooden chalets offer a rich variety of traditional dishes and local drinks. It’s also an opportunity to discover Madeiran crafts and find original gifts to take home.
So if you dream of a Christmas like no other: head to Madeira and its tropical market, for end-of-year celebrations marked by sweetness and conviviality. Twinkling lights, exotic flavors and a warm atmosphere: all the ingredients come together to make you experience an unforgettable Christmas in the heart of the Atlantic.
The highlight of the show to end a festive and unique month of December undoubtedly remains the New Year’s fireworks which set the bay of Funchal ablaze with a thousand colors and gives this festive period a special taste in the tropics. Between folk parades, open-air concerts and activities for children, the Funchal Christmas market reserves its share of surprises and magical moments, to be experienced with family or friends.