Christmas in Tenerife: Sun, Sea, and Festive Cheer

Forget the frosty mornings and endless grey skies – imagine celebrating Christmas with golden sunshine, warm ocean breezes, and temperatures hovering around 23°C. Welcome to Tenerife, where the festive season takes on a completely different flavor, blending traditional Spanish celebrations with the island's year-round subtropical paradise.

While much of Europe shivers through December, Tenerife offers daytime temperatures between 20-24°C in the south, making it the perfect winter sun escape without leaving European airspace. Whether you're dreaming of building sandcastles on Christmas Day or exploring volcanic landscapes without the summer crowds, this Canary Island gem delivers an unforgettable holiday experience.

Why Tenerife for Christmas?

Christmas is actually the second-busiest time of year in Tenerife after summer, yet there's still plenty of space on beaches and hiking trails for everyone. The island transforms into a festive wonderland with a distinctly Canarian twist – think twinkling lights adorning palm trees, nativity scenes set against volcanic backdrops, and the chance to enjoy mulled wine while wearing shorts.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife goes all out with over 2.2 million LED bulbs, 59,165 meters of garlands, 1,638 decorative motifs, and 327 illuminated streets. The displays are nothing short of spectacular, especially in the historic towns of the north like La Laguna and Santa Cruz.

Festive Traditions with a Twist

Christmas Lights and Markets

La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes particularly enchanting during December as its centuries-old architecture is bathed in a warm, festive glow. The carefully placed lights highlight the city's architectural gems and create a joyous atmosphere perfect for evening strolls.

Christmas markets pop up across the island, with the biggest in Santa Cruz featuring various vendors and plenty of festive illumination. La Orotava and La Laguna also host charming markets where you can explore nativity scenes (belenes) and try seasonal food and wine.

Traditional Celebrations

Christmas Eve on December 24th is a family-focused celebration, with many Canarians staying home and some restaurants closing early, particularly in the north. However, the celebration continues late into the night with street parties and the popular tradition of Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass).

On Christmas Day itself, the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra performs a spectacular free outdoor concert at Santa Cruz Harbor. Tickets are limited and go quickly, so book ahead if you want to experience this unique musical extravaganza.

Three Kings Day – The Real Main Event

The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Parade) on January 5th is actually more important than Christmas Day in Spain, bringing colorful floats, music, and performers parading through the streets. Children eagerly await gifts from the Three Kings rather than Santa Claus, making early January an exciting time to visit.

Unique Things to Do in Tenerife at Christmas

1. Conquer Mount Teide

No visit to Tenerife is complete without experiencing Spain's highest peak. If the island has had snow, you can head to Mount Teide's peak to build a snowman, then spend Christmas Day afternoon on the beach with the snow-capped volcano as your backdrop – a surreal and unforgettable combination.

Mount Teide Cable Car Tour with Transfer – Experience the wonder of an 8-minute cable car ride up Spain's highest peak at 3,718 meters. This sustainable tour includes hotel pickup and takes you through Europe's most-visited national park, offering stunning views across Tenerife and neighboring islands.

Mount Teide Sunset and Stargazing Tour – Watch the sun set behind Pico Viejo crater from 3,555 meters altitude, then enjoy professional stargazing with telescopes. The clear winter skies make December perfect for astronomy, and you'll understand why Teide is one of the world's best stargazing locations.

Full-Day Mount Teide, Masca, and Northern Villages Tour – Explore Teide National Park's lunar landscapes, visit the ancient Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos, admire Garachico's unique lava pools, and navigate the winding mountain road to the dramatic village of Masca.

2. Whale and Dolphin Watching

December is an excellent time to spot whales and dolphins off Tenerife's coast, as many species migrate to the area during this time of year. The waters around Tenerife are home to resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, making sightings highly likely year-round.

Luxury Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching – Set sail on an intimate yacht cruise with a maximum of 11 passengers. Look for dolphins and pilot whales in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, swim with turtles in a secluded bay, and enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks aboard.

Los Gigantes Speedboat Dolphin and Whale Tour – Experience the thrill of a speedboat tour from Los Gigantes, where you'll search for whales and dolphins in Europe's whale-watching capital. The tour includes guaranteed sightings, stunning coastal cliff views, and a refreshing swim at Masca Bay.

Eco-Friendly Catamaran Cruise – Join a responsible, eco-certified catamaran that respects marine wildlife by turning off engines when approaching animals. Choose between 3-hour or 5-hour options, both including food, drinks, and swimming time.

3. Beach Days in December

Yes, you can genuinely enjoy the beach at Christmas in Tenerife! The south of the island maintains temperatures between 23-25°C during the day in December, with sea temperatures around 21°C – warm enough for swimming and sunbathing.

Popular beaches like Playa de las Teresitas near Santa Cruz or the golden sands of Costa Adeje offer the perfect setting for a Christmas Day unlike any other. There's something surreal about lying on the beach on December 25th with a warm breeze blowing over you and snow-capped Mount Teide in the background.

4. Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventures

The pleasant winter weather makes December ideal for water activities without the intense summer heat.

Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles – Paddle along Tenerife's volcanic coast with the island's only eco-certified kayaking company. Observe dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat, then snorkel in crystal-clear waters in a secluded bay. Free videos, photos, and short wetsuits included.

Kayak Safari and Sea Turtle Snorkeling – Embark on a 2.5-3 hour guided adventure from Los Cristianos Beach. Paddle to the cliffs where sea turtles and dolphins frequent, enjoy 30 minutes of snorkeling among vibrant fish, and capture unforgettable moments with complimentary photos.

5. Family Fun at Theme Parks

If traveling with family, Tenerife's world-class theme parks provide a festive escape.

Siam Park and Loro Parque Combined Tickets – Save money with this twin ticket package covering both of Tenerife's premier attractions. Spend one day at Siam Park (Europe's best water park) enjoying thrilling slides and a white-sand beach, then visit Loro Parque to see incredible animal shows and walk through the penguin habitat at Planet Penguin.

Loro Parque with Hotel Transfer from South Tenerife – Enjoy hassle-free transportation to this world-famous animal park. Watch spectacular orca, dolphin, and sea lion shows, meet orangutans, and traverse hanging bridges at Katandra TreeTops while surrounded by exotic birds.

6. Hiking in Nature

Thanks to cooler temperatures, December is one of the best times for hiking in Tenerife, as the sun doesn't beat down as intensely and the spring-like weather enhances the experience.

The Anaga Rural Park offers a refreshing escape into lush landscapes and breathtaking vistas, with trails surrounded by ancient trees and lovely scenery – perfect for a festive picnic. The park's laurel forests create a mystical atmosphere, especially when the morning fog rolls through the valleys.

7. New Year's Eve Celebrations

Ring in the New Year with dazzling fireworks displays, particularly spectacular in Puerto de la Cruz where the waterfront transforms into a vibrant canvas of colors reflected on the water. Many hotels and restaurants host special dinners with dancing that continue well into the early hours, and open-air parties with live music fill the beaches across the south.

Christmas Treats and Traditions

No Tenerife Christmas is complete without trying turrón – small cakes made from almonds, honey, and egg that are a traditional Christmas dessert. Markets devote entire aisles to displays of turrón in December, with the original Yema Tostada (Egg Yolk) flavor being the most traditional, though you'll find dozens of varieties.

December is also a time of indulgence with traditional Christmas treats including sweet almond pastries, savory empanadas, roasted chestnuts, honey-drenched turron, and spicy mulled wine.

Practical Tips for Christmas in Tenerife

What to Pack

Pack what you'd typically wear in springtime – shorts, skirts, dresses, but also long jeans and a jacket because evenings can get chilly, especially at higher elevations. Don't forget:

• Swimsuit and flip-flops for beach days

• Light jacket or cardigan for evenings

• Sunscreen (the sun is still strong!)

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring

• An umbrella or light raincoat (just in case)

Shopping and Services

Many shops close on December 25th as it's a public holiday throughout Spain, so do your shopping on December 24th. However, in the main tourist areas of the south, you'll still find some shops open even on Christmas Day. Large supermarkets like Mercadona will be closed on the 25th but reopen on the 26th.

Most restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions remain open on Christmas Day since Tenerife is a year-round tourist destination. Unlike other parts of Europe where Christmas can feel like a shutdown, Tenerife maintains a lively, welcoming atmosphere throughout the holiday season.

Getting Around

The island is well-connected by bus services (TITSA), though holiday schedules may vary. Many of the tours mentioned include hotel pickup from the south, making it easy to explore without renting a car. If you do rent a vehicle, expect beautiful scenic drives and plenty of free parking at most attractions outside peak hours.

Where to Stay

South Tenerife (Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos) – Best for guaranteed sunshine, proximity to beaches, water activities, and most tour departures. The south tends to be warmer and drier than the north.

North Tenerife (Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna, Santa Cruz) – Head north for authentic festive charm, as towns like La Laguna and Santa Cruz are filled with Christmas lights, markets, and local celebrations that give you a more traditional Canarian holiday experience. The north is greener and cooler but more authentic and less touristy.

Making the Most of Your Christmas in Tenerife

The beauty of celebrating Christmas in Tenerife lies in its perfect balance – you can embrace festive traditions through markets, lights, and concerts, while also enjoying activities impossible elsewhere in Europe during winter. Where else can you hike a volcano in the morning, spot dolphins in the afternoon, and catch a Christmas concert in the evening, all while wearing summer clothes?

Tenerife in December is very relaxed with fewer tourists than summer months, meaning better hotel deals and more chances to enjoy the island's natural beauty in relative peace. The mild weather allows you to do almost everything you could do during the rest of the year, with the added bonus of festive celebrations.

Whether you're seeking adventure through kayaking and hiking, relaxation on sun-soaked beaches, or cultural experiences through traditional celebrations, Tenerife offers a Christmas unlike anywhere else in Europe. It's a destination where Santa might arrive by surfboard, where you can build sandcastles instead of snowmen, and where the Christmas spirit shines as brightly as the subtropical sun.

Start planning your Tenerife Christmas adventure today – your winter sun holiday awaits!