CHRISTMAS IN TENERIFE

Tenerife is famous as a hotspot for reliable winter sun but did you know that it's also an incredible place to get your festivities on? From December through to early January the island comes alive with Christmas markets, public performances, and festive spectaculars. If you time your trip well, you'll get to enjoy not just Christmas day, but New Year’s Eve and even the Three Kings. There are so many incredible things to do that we felt compelled to write this handy guide to Christmas in Tenerife. We'll share with you some of our personal highlights and the once-a-year experiences that can't be missed this December.

• Sunshine, glorious sunshine
If you prefer speedos to snowsuits then Tenerife is definitely the place to be this winter, with temperatures averaging between 16 and 21 degrees daily it's the perfect tonic for those long winter nights. It's warm enough to sunbathe and a great excuse to cool off with an ice-cold beer or three. Most of your favourite bars and restaurants have re-opened and the island feels back to it's best, with some fantastic new venues adding to the already stellar lineup.
It does get a bit chilly at night so bare that in mind when packing, be sure to include a jumper and some warm pants if you feel the cold like I do.

• See the snow on Teide
I don't know of anywhere else in Europe where you can go from bathing in the warm sea to a winter wonderland in less than an hour, but in Tenerife you can. As of this writing Mt Teide is already coated in a thick blanket of snow and the caldera makes for an other-worldy winter wonderland, it's certainly a unique way to experience Spain's highest mountain. You can get up there with a hire car but be mindful that some years the snow is so heavy that they have to close the mountain.

• Tenerife’s Nativity Scenes
In previous years, traditionally, Tenerife’s towns set up charming Nativity scenes to celebrate Christmas, and these are a must-see when you visit the island during December and early January. The characters wear authentic Canarian costumes, and the models recreate miniature landscapes within each biblical scene.
Some municipalities organise major events where the residents act out famous nativity stories in the streets. In the South, Adeje town comes to a halt as the entire town gathers to recreate and celebrate The Three Kings, including the Three Kings air-dropping in via helicopter and throwing sweets to the kids. In the North, Tigaiga’s living nativity is a major tourist attraction that has been held every year for the last two decades.
Traditional model nativity scenes can be found at the Franciscan Convent of San Luis Obispo, and at the Santa Cruz town hall, and La Orotava is famous for its Ruta de Belenes where you can visit several nativity scenes around the town.

The pandemic has impacted some of these performances but we'll be bringing you a comprehensive list of events in the coming weeks, so be sure to follow us and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

• The Tenerife Christmas Concert
2021 marks the 26th edition of the internationally acclaimed Tenerife Christmas Concert, which is a massive outdoor concert held in Santa Cruz on Christmas day. This year the illustrious Tenerife Symphony will perform classical renditions of iconic tracks such as White Christmas and The Imperial March (from Star Wars). This will surely be an incredible event and a brilliant way to spend Christmas night.

• Shop till you drop
Did you know that Tenerife has become something of a shoppers paradise on the d-low? Over recent years several new shopping centers have opened up that are home to high-end fashion and lifestyle brands. On the opposite end of the scale you'll find beautiful Christmas markets with handcrafted goods and plenty of bargains to be had. The best bit about it all; they are all within a stones throw of each other.
If you're in the south of Tenerife be sure to visit Costa Adeje which is home to The Duke shopping center, Plaza del Duque, and Siam Mall. The Adeje markets are every Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, located opposite The Duke shopping center.
The Meridiano Center in Santa Cruz is also worth a visit.

• More turkey than you can shake a stick at
One of the most beloved aspects of Tenerife is the abundance of home comforts, and Christmas is no different with practically every restaurant offering their take on Christmas dinner. You'll need to book early though because most places are filling up fast!

• Christmas Shows In Tenerife
Tenerife plays host to some amazing shows throughout the year, and the Christmas period is no exception. Perhaps the best Christmas show on the island is at MHT or The Music Hall Tavern with its spectacular drag performance featuring comedy, music and, of course, plenty of food and drink. It’s a great night out for some festive entertainment for all the family. This year they will be performing on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

• Christmas day at sea
If you fancy doing something a little bit different on Christmas day then why take to the seas to get up close and personal with whales and dolphins? It’s a truly unique experience that will make your festive season one to remember as you relax in the glorious sunshine, enjoying the waves and seeing these miraculous creatures up close. You can join an organised tour or even hire your own private yacht for the ultimate experience.