Christmas Trips · PORTUGAL CHRISTMAS TOURS
Lisbon lights the hills and Madeira turns New Year into a world-record firework show. These 10 cover the city walks, the tastings and the island nights, priced and timed.
Ride through Funchal’s decorated old town, cathedral, market, gardens, central square, and hotel district in a private open-top VW Beetle. Guides such as Miguel and Rodolfo add local stories, with hotel or cruise-terminal pickup and drop-off included.
“Fabulous way to see the Christmas lights with a very knowledgeable guide”
Ride through Funchal in a classic open-top Volkswagen Beetle while a local guide such as Rudolph, Rodolfo, Miguel, or Michael points out the city’s Christmas displays. The private 75-minute tour includes hotel pickup in Funchal and passes the Farmers Market, Old Town, and decorated hotel districts.
“We had a great time. Our driver was knowledgeable and willing to help first time visitors learn a little about Funchal while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights!”
Board a VMT Madeira catamaran at Funchal Marina for a 1.5-hour New Year’s Eve cruise. You’ll watch the fireworks from the water, see Funchal lit up after dark, and enjoy champagne, wine, beer, or soft drinks. English and Portuguese guides are provided.
“It was a magnificent experience, very well organised, but most of all the fireworks were amazing :)”
Sail from Funchal Marina at 11:00 PM, view Madeira’s Christmas lights from the water, then settle in the bay for the midnight fireworks. English and Portuguese guides are provided, with champagne, Madeira wine, and snacks served on board. Return is planned for about 12:30 AM.
“Picie i przekąski no limit, widoki warte każdej ceny. 10/10 i chętnie bym tam wróciła”
Ride through Lisbon’s Christmas-lit streets in a private electric tuk tuk for up to four people. Your English- or Portuguese-speaking guide takes you from Cais do Sodré through Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Baixa, with photo stops and views from São Pedro de Alcântara.
“Silvia has been such an amazing guide. Every stop was detailed & all questions answered. I highly recommend her for your future tour in Lisbon!”
You’ll spend three hours aboard the Pacific cruise ship, leaving Doca da Marinha for music, drinks, city views, and midnight fireworks near Praça do Comércio. A live DJ plays all-night hits, while the open bar serves beer, wine, spirits, sparkling wine, and sangria. Hosts speak Portuguese, English, and French.
Meet Palmayachts at Belém at 10:30 pm for a three-hour New Year’s Eve sail on the Tagus. Your small group sees Belém Tower, the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King, Praça do Comércio, and Lisbon’s lights, with drinks, snacks, and sparkling wine at midnight.
“The views were amazing and the crew did everything in its power to make us feel comfortable and have fun. Definitely an experience I would recommend and plan on having again.”
Board at Doca de Alcântara at 11 p.m. for a two-hour New Year’s Eve cruise on the Tagus. You’ll pass Praça do Comércio, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and views toward São Jorge Castle, with beer, wine, sangria, and sparkling wine at midnight. Expect a scenic celebration, not necessarily a full dance party.
“One of the best things we have ever done on vacation! It is up there with Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican. The city of Lisbon goes all out with their New Years celebration. The vantage point on the water is second to none. There were only 10 passsengers on the boat. Highly recommend it.”
Join a three-hour New Year’s Eve sail from Doca do Bom Sucesso with English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking crew. João and Justin have guided recent cruises, pointing out Lisbon landmarks while you enjoy wine, sparkling wine, bolo rei, raisins, blankets, and fireworks from the Tagus.
“Los dos chicos del barco fueron super agradables y simpaticos. El alcohol no falta pero la tabla de quesos y embutidos no la han puesto,no habia nada de comer excepto el roscon de reyes, deberian cumplir todo lo que contratas porque para eso pagas tanto dinero.”
Board at Blue Skipper Snacks & Drinks in Alcântara for a two-hour New Year’s Eve cruise along the Tagus. You’ll see Lisbon’s illuminated monuments, enjoy beer, white wine, and sangria, then toast midnight with sparkling wine and raisins near Commerce Square. Hosts speak four languages.
“Highlight of our trip. They took us to the perfect up close viewing of the fireworks which lasted a solid 10 minutes. The staff was very welcoming, ensuring we had a good time - plenty of beer and wine plus snacks. The catamaran had inside and outside areas, which we tried to huddle where it was warm due to unusually cold night. Meet up location was easy to find and well organized. Champagne and raisins distributed at midnight. Checked in at 10, boarded 10:30, disembarked at 11, and returned at 1am.”
Pick a market, a lights run or a night in the snow.
