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Christmas in Tenerife | Swap snowflakes for sea breeze and sparkling lights

Spending Christmas in Tenerife feels like stepping into a sun-kissed holiday postcard. Think twinkling palm trees, evening concerts in plaza squares, nativity scenes so large they take over entire streets, and long festive dinners that stretch well into the night. Instead of icy sidewalks and heavy coats, you’ll wander through warm breezy streets where the scent of churros and roasted chestnuts mixes with salty ocean air.

Whether you want to explore charming Tenerife Christmas markets, spend Christmas Day in Tenerife sunbathing at the beach, or sip cava while watching golden light spill across Mount Teide, this island knows how to make the season unforgettable.

Why visit Tenerife during Christmas

Pedestrian street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife decorated with Christmas lights at night.
Christmas market stalls with festive lights and decorations, people browsing in the evening.
Family enjoying a sunny day at the beach with ocean waves in the background.
Seafood platter with shrimp and lemon at a beachside table.
Nativity scene with figurines and village backdrop in Tenerife, Christmas display.
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Stand beneath dazzling light displays

Every December, Tenerife transforms into a glowing wonderland. The streets of Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Puerto de la Cruz shimmer with archways of golden lights, giant illuminated ornaments, and glowing palm trees, a festive scene with a subtropical twist.

Wander Tenerife Christmas markets

Pop-up stalls fill plazas with mulled drinks, local pastries, artisan gifts, and handmade decorations. From La Laguna’s traditional craft stalls to the lively coastal markets in Costa Adeje, browsing here feels joyful, vibrant, and full of personality.

Swap scarves for swimsuits

Thanks to the island’s subtropical climate, Tenerife Christmas weather means sunshine, warm breezes, and days that feel like spring. Many celebrate Christmas Day in Tenerife by heading to the beach, swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the gentle winter sun.

Celebrate with unforgettable festive flavours

Whether you’re tucking into a traditional feast with roasted goat, wrinkled potatoes (papas arrugadas), and mojo sauce, or opting for melt-in-your-mouth seafood at a coast-front restaurant, Tenerife Christmas dinner is indulgent, comforting, and delicious. And yes,  there will be roscon cake.

Experience local traditions

Belén nativity scenes, annual concerts, church bells, fireworks, and musical parades fill the season with color and community. Tenerife doesn’t just decorate for Christmas, it celebrates it with heart.

Top things to do during Christmas in Tenerife

Christmas market stall with festive decorations and ornaments on display.

1. Explore Tenerife Christmas markets

When December arrives, Tenerife fills with fairy lights, music, and colourful stalls selling handmade crafts, Canarian ceramics, woodwork, and festive sweets. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the markets are one of the most joyful ways to experience Christmas in Tenerife.

Recommended experience:

Nativity scene in Madrid depicting the birth of Jesus with Mary, Joseph, and Wise Men.

2. See the spectacular Tenerife nativity scenes (Belén)

Nativity displays are a huge part of Tenerife at Christmas, and the island takes them to an artistic level. Some towns create full miniature worlds with waterfalls, lights, moving figurines, and representations of Tenerife’s own landscapes. Banana plantations, mountains, and beaches are included. The most famous displays draw locals and visitors year after year and are considered unmissable during the holiday season.

Recommended experience:

Woman paddleboarding on clear ocean water under a bright blue sky.

3. Spend Christmas Day at the beach

Where else can you swim, paddleboard, or enjoy tapas overlooking turquoise waters on December 25th? Christmas Day in Tenerife is famously relaxed, as many locals celebrate with a seaside walk, a festive drink, and a leisurely meal overlooking the Atlantic. Some even pack cava and roscon cake for a holiday picnic under the palm trees, a refreshing way to redefine Christmas rituals.

Recommended experience:

  • Playa de Las Teresitas (Santa Cruz) | Find on Map
  • Playa del Duque (Costa Adeje – upscale beach clubs & loungers) | Find on Map
  • Playa de Las Vistas (Los Cristianos – family-friendly & lively) | Find on Map
Romantic sunset dinner setup with champagne and salads by the ocean.

4. Enjoy a festive Tenerife Christmas dinner

Dining is a big part of the season here, where traditional Canarian Christmas dishes meet international holiday menus. Expect slow-cooked goat, fresh seafood, papas arrugadas with mojo, Iberian ham, and sweet roscon de reyes.

Many hotels and restaurants offer curated Tenerife Christmas dinner menus with live music, cava toasts, and sunset views.

Recommended experience:

  • Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife Christmas Menu | Find on Map
  • Restaurant El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Michelin-starred tasting menu) | Find on Map
  • La Vieja (La Caleta – seafood with sunset views) | Find on Map
  • Tasca El Callejón (La Laguna – traditional Canarian cosy dining) | Find on Map
Christmas lights on a street in tenerife

5. Watch the festive lights and evening shows

As the sun goes down, Tenerife lights up. Streets glow with arches of golden lights, floating stars, palm tree garlands, and animated projections on historic buildings. Musicians, choirs, and performers fill plazas, giving evenings a warm, lively atmosphere. This is one of the simplest and most magical things to do during Christmas in Tenerife holidays, especially in Santa Cruz and La Laguna.

Recommended experience:

Hikers with backpacks on a trail in Teide National Park, near Roques de García's volcanic rocks.

6. Take a festive trip to Teide National Park

Tenerife’s iconic volcanic landscape feels almost cinematic in December. Cool daytime hikes, breathtaking viewpoints, and crystal-clear winter skies make Mount Teide an unforgettable festive activity.

If you stay after sunset, the stargazing is exceptional, perfect if you want a slower, peaceful contrast to the coastal festivities.

Recommended experience:

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Basilica of Candelaria with Christmas tree, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

🎄 Christmas Eve (December 24)

Morning: Start your day in La Laguna, one of Tenerife’s most charming historic towns. With colourful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and festive decorations hanging between balconies, the town feels straight out of a Christmas movie. Stop by a café for a barraquito (a local layered coffee with cinnamon and condensed milk) and wander the glowing plazas and boutiques.

👉 San Cristóbal de La Laguna Old Town | Find on Map

Afternoon: Head to the La Laguna Christmas Market, where stalls are filled with artisanal jewellery, handmade decorations, and traditional festive sweets. This is one of the best places to pick up keepsakes with local soul, such as volcanic-stone necklaces, island honey, and embroidered ornaments.

👉 La Laguna Christmas Market | Find on Map

Evening: As the sun sets, join the locals attending Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass). Churches across Tenerife host atmospheric Christmas Eve services with choral music, candles, and nativity traditions. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a powerful cultural experience.

👉 La Laguna Cathedral | Find on Map

👉 Iglesia de la Concepción (Santa Cruz) | Find on Map

Two women on beach chairs reading books by the ocean.

✨ Christmas Day (December 25)

Morning: Slow mornings are a Christmas tradition in Tenerife. Start with a seaside walk along the golden sands of Playa del Duque, then treat yourself to a festive brunch overlooking the ocean.

👉 Playa del Duque | Find on Map

Afternoon: The most iconic thing to do in Tenerife? Hit the beach. Sunbathe, swim, or simply relax with a good book. Christmas in Tenerife weather usually sits comfortably between 20–24°C.

👉 Los Cristianos Beach | Find on Map

Evening: Book a festive tasting menu or Tenerife Christmas dinner experience. Dishes may include Canarian pork cheeks, slow-cooked goat, prawns grilled with garlic, buttery croquettes, and, for dessert, there is roscon de reyes, soft, sweet, and full of candied fruit.

👉 El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Michelin star) | Find on Map

👉 La Vieja Restaurant – La Caleta | Find on Map

Know before you go

Playa de Fanabe beach with volcanic sand and tourists in Tenerife, Spain.

Weather: Christmas in Tenerife weather is mild and pleasant: expect 19–24°C during the day and cooler evenings around 14–17°C.

What to wear: Pack light layers. Summer clothes for daytime and a cardigan or light jacket for breezier evenings.

Crowds: Resort areas like Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos feel lively and festive, especially around markets and beaches. Mornings are quieter, evenings buzz with lights and music.

Opening hours: Most supermarkets, boutiques, and attractions close midday on December 24 and remain closed on December 25. Restaurants in resort hubs stay open with special menus. booking ahead is essential.

Extend your visit to New Year’s Eve

Street musician playing violin at night in Barcelona.

If you’re already spending Christmas in Tenerife, staying for New Year’s is an easy yes. The mood shifts from warm and cosy to vibrant and celebratory. Streets fill with live music, families gather around harbour squares, and resorts host themed parties and dinners.

On December 31st, most locals head to the coast, especially in Santa Cruz and Costa Adeje, to watch fireworks burst over the Atlantic. At midnight, tradition calls for twelve grapes—one for each chime to bring good luck. Expect cava, dancing, and a joyful island-wide countdown.

Frequently asked questions about spending Christmas in Tenerife

Is Tenerife busy during Christmas?

Yes, but in a lively, festive way. Resorts and Christmas markets draw visitors, but towns still feel relaxed, especially in the mornings.

What’s the Tenerife Christmas weather like?

Warm and sunny, typically 19–24°C. It's one of Europe’s warmest places in December.

Are restaurants open for the Tenerife Christmas dinner?

Many restaurants offer festive menus, especially in Santa Cruz, Costa Adeje, and resorts. Pre-booking is recommended.

Which Tenerife Christmas market is best?

La Laguna is ideal for handmade gifts, while Santa Cruz feels lively, modern, and full of festive energy.

Is public transport available on December 24–25?

Yes, but with limited schedules. Taxis and resort transfers remain reliable.