Every year the “islas afortunadas” as the Spanish often refer to the Canary Islands, turn into a unique destination for the sun, beach and mountain lovers. But this little piece of paradise is so much more than that. It turns out to be more attractive to spend the winters in t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops, than behind a window, watching the snow fall down, wrapped up in 5 blankets while drinking hot chocolate.
Don’t get me wrong, you can do all of that here as well, minus the first one. For the snow you’ll “unfortunately” have to go up to the Teide, the highest point in Spain. Here we also throw ourselves in the snow, but we prefer to do so in the sand.
Christmas in Tenerife is synonymous to christmas light, excitement, shopping…, and a big crowd of people. Nobody wants to miss out on seeing the big, 20 meter tall, Christmas tree at the ‘Plaza del Cristo’ (La Laguna) or the numerous giant illuminated gifts that people can enter and take great pictures. However if you find yourself in the city of La Laguna, and you want to take the best possible picture to impress on social media, you need to go to the ‘Plaza del Adelantado’ and strike a pose in front of the big wings of light. Half of Tenerife has already done it.
In Tenerife there are many activities all year long for all ages, and Christmas isn’t an exception. There are activities for the children to enjoy, to Christmas concerts, gastronomy fairs or simple but delicious roasted chestnuts that you can buy at different stalls in the streets of Santa Cruz or La Laguna.
1. Activities for children
Children are the protagonists of Christmas. For this reason, every year during December and January, the local government schedules activities for hem, such as handicrafts and workshops in the streets of Santa Cruz or the traditional collection of letters from Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men.
This year, an eight meter high slide has been installed beside Plaza de España for the young ones to enjoy. For only three euros you can throw in a tyre and, for two euros more, a double one that you can ride with a friend. It will be available until January 7, opening hours are from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 10pm. The fun is a guarantee and a couple of bruises too!
Adults can also enjoy the traditional San Silvestre’s race, that takes place on December 31st in different spots of the island such as La Laguna or Las Américas. Nothing better to burn off the calories we gained from eating so many “polvorones” these last days.
In addition, you can also enjoy the fair located in Puerto de la Cruz until January 6th. The last day there will be special prices for Three Wise Men’s day, so do not miss it.
2. Traditional nativity scene
Nativity scenes of different styles are exhibited in Tenerife: wood, crystal, with typical Canarian costumes… The one that receives most visits is the municipal Santa Cruz de Tenerife, situated in the city hall. This and the native scene of CajaCanarias headquarters are two of the most important ones of the island, and a mandatory visit for schools.
The most famous native scene figure is the «caganer» or «cagón», a traditional Catalan figure of a person who normally hides in a corner of the crèche, crouched and in position doing his needs.
Its use has expanded throughout Spain, becoming one of the most exciting pieces among children when assembling the native scene.
3. Food fair
At this time of year roasted chestnut stands are very typical in the municipalities of the island. But don’t you forget to bring some water if you don’t want to choke. It is also common to find stands who sell fudge or caramelized almonds in the streets of the capital. In addition, you can find handmade product and there are gastronomic fairs, such as the Gastromercadillo de Navidad located at the Plaza España from December 18th to January 6th and open from 12 pm to 9pm.
4. Santa Cruz Winter Fest
You can’t miss the Santa Cruz Winter Fest at the Plaza del Príncipe, open on 21 and 22 December, meeting point for those who like gastronomy, recreational activities and music.
Besides, admission is free. What better way to start winter with?
5. La Noria Christmas Market
You can also go to the Christmas craft market from 21 to 22 December in Calle La Noria. In La Noria Christmas Market you can find bouncy castles, Christmas food, gift collection, Christmas carols…even a Santa Claus. During this event, six different activities will be carried out from 12 am to 10 pm.
6. Navilunio
One of the events with which you can say goodbye to 2019 is ‘Navilunio‘. During this event, you can enjoy activities for the children, musical performances, a medieval street market… All this on December 28th from 11am to midnight through the main streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In addition, there will be a Carrera de Navidad Santa’s race where all people will dress up as Santa Claus. To participate in this race, you’ll have to pay 10 euros, a part will be used for charitable purposes.
7. Other activities
Another event that forms the Canary Christmas is the Three Wise Men’s day parade. The traditional visit to the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, with a masterful helicopter arrival takes place on January 5th, one day before the usual Three Wise Men’s day parade. You must be very fast if you want to get tickets at the Heliodoro ticket window or at the offices of the five chicharreros districts, as they sell out quickly. In addition, all the money raised will be used for charitable purposes.
But until then, you can go visit the PIT («Parque Infantil y Juvenil de Tenerife») that offers activities, attractions and games at the Recinto Ferial de Tenerife, from December 20th to January 5th. We will talk about that in another post.
Remember, not to pack too many coats or jackets. Bring a variety of clothes in case you want to enjoy the sun, sand and beaches of the south and the cool nature or activities of the north. Even though we can’t assure a temperature of 23 degrees, we guarantee you that you will enjoy Christmas heat of the Canary Islands.
If you want to consult the events of the Christmas program in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, click here.