Best Events for Christmas 2024 in Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is an extraordinary place to celebrate Christmas, offering a delightful mix of tradition, culture, and holiday cheer under the sun. From vibrant street parties to religious processions, Tenerife’s Christmas celebrations are unique, blending Spanish customs with island charm. The island’s mild winter weather, lush landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere make it a great destination for holiday travelers seeking a festive escape.

Christmas in Tenerife is celebrated throughout December, with the festive season officially beginning in early December when towns and cities like Santa Cruz and La Laguna switch on their dazzling Christmas lights. The main celebrations, however, take place on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), when families gather for Midnight Mass and a traditional feast. While Christmas Day is enjoyed with family, the most anticipated event is Three Kings Day on January 6th, when children receive gifts and the Three Kings Parade fills the streets on January 5th, marking the end of the holiday season.

Christmas Eve Special at the Music Hall Tavern (MHT)

The Music Hall Tavern (MHT) offers a one-of-a-kind experience for Christmas Eve. This drag-comedy dinner show is a night of laughter, glamour, and festive fun. The show, which takes place in Playa de las Américas, features a delicious three-course meal, stunning costumes, and performances by a talented cast. The MHT Christmas Eve special adds a holiday twist to its usual lineup, making it the perfect way to celebrate with family or friends. Make sure to book in advance as it’s a popular event. 24 December, 2024 19:30

Christmas Lights and Celebrations in Santa Cruz

Christmas in Tenerife officially begins in early December when Santa Cruz, the island's capital, illuminates its streets with beautiful light displays. The city is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for strolling. Palm trees wrapped in fairy lights, nativity scenes (or Belenes), and Christmas trees create a charming blend of tropical and traditional holiday vibes.

In the heart of Santa Cruz, the Plaza del Príncipe becomes the centerpiece of Christmas festivities, featuring markets, concerts, and holiday performances. The Mercado de Navidad (Christmas Market) is a must-visit, offering local crafts, traditional foods, and Christmas treats. You’ll find handcrafted gifts and Canarian delicacies like turrón, a festive nougat, and truchas, sweet pastries filled with pumpkin or sweet potato.

‍Ride the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train: A Festive Journey Through a Winter Wonderland

The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train offers a unique and magical holiday experience from November 29 to December 30, 2024. Enjoy a 60-minute journey aboard a vintage train decked out in thousands of sparkling lights, featuring festive activities like live music, hot-spiced cider, sing-alongs, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Departing from the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this enchanting event is perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

Nochebuena and Midnight Mass

Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, is a time for family gatherings and religious celebrations in Tenerife. Many locals attend Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass), a sacred tradition held in churches across the island, including the famous Catedral de La Laguna. This mass is often followed by a family feast featuring local specialties such as bacalao a la vizcaína (cod in tomato sauce) and papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), alongside desserts like polvorones (Spanish almond cookies).

Unlike many Western countries, in Tenerife, presents are traditionally exchanged on Three Kings Day (January 6th), but some families also give gifts on Christmas Day.

The Living Nativity in La Orotava

A distinctive Christmas tradition in Tenerife is the Belén Viviente (Living Nativity) in the town of La Orotava. This dramatic reenactment of the nativity scene involves local residents dressed in traditional costumes, who bring the story of the birth of Christ to life in a beautiful outdoor setting. La Orotava is also home to one of the island’s most elaborate Belenes, featuring intricate details and handmade figurines that attract visitors from all over.

Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day)

One of the most awaited holiday celebrations in Tenerife is Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), celebrated on January 6th. The night before, on January 5th, cities and towns across the island host the Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Parade), where the Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men) arrive in grand style, often on camels, to distribute gifts to children. The parades in Santa Cruz and Los Cristianos are particularly popular, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to witness the spectacle of colorful floats, music, and the joyous arrival of the Kings.

New Year’s Eve: Fireworks and Street Parties

Tenerife knows how to throw a party, and New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) is no exception. The biggest celebrations take place in Santa Cruz and Playa de Las Américas, where the streets are filled with live music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere. At midnight, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the skies, and it’s tradition to eat twelve grapes – one for each stroke of the clock – for good luck in the new year.

The island's mild climate makes it possible to celebrate New Year’s Eve outdoors, with many flocking to the beaches to watch the fireworks or attend lively beach parties.

Christmas Food and Drink in Tenerife

Tenerife’s Christmas cuisine is a feast for the senses. Along with the traditional dishes like bacalao and papas arrugadas, locals indulge in festive desserts such as roscones de reyes (a sweet bread eaten on Three Kings Day) and bienmesabe, a dessert made with almonds, eggs, and honey. The Christmas season is also the perfect time to enjoy Canarian wine, with local wineries offering rich reds and crisp whites that pair beautifully with holiday meals.

Puerto de la Cruz Christmas Fair

The picturesque town of Puerto de la Cruz hosts a charming Christmas Fair in Plaza Escultor Ángel Acosta throughout December. This fair offers a delightful mix of artisanal stalls selling handmade crafts, holiday gifts, and local products. The air is filled with Christmas music, and the square is beautifully decorated, creating a magical atmosphere. Along with shopping, visitors can enjoy concerts and family-friendly activities that make this fair a festive highlight for both locals and tourists.

Christmas Day on the Beach

For a truly unique Christmas experience, why not spend Christmas Day on one of Tenerife’s beautiful beaches? Many locals and visitors opt for a sunny celebration, bringing picnic baskets filled with holiday treats to the shores of Playa de Las Teresitas or Playa de Los Cristianos. With mild temperatures and crystal-clear waters, Tenerife offers the perfect opportunity to swap snow for sand and enjoy a relaxing Christmas day under the sun.

Tenerife’s blend of warm weather, cultural traditions, and festive events make it a perfect destination for the holiday season. From lively street fairs and comedy shows to religious processions and stunning firework displays, the island offers a unique Christmas experience that’s unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a traditional Nochebuena feast, watch the Three Kings Parade, or simply relax on the beach, Christmas in Tenerife is full of unforgettable moments.