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Can you imagine a Christmas in a place where the weather is ideal, the landscapes take your breath away and the festive spirit is felt in every corner? If this year you prefer to celebrate without coats and with a touch of adventure, the Canary Islands are the perfect destination. With a rental car from Record go, you will have the freedom to tour Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote at your own pace, discovering every tradition, Christmas market and charming corner that these magical islands have to offer. Get ready for a unique trip with experiences that will make this festive season truly special.
Christmas plans in the Canary Islands
Christmas in the Canary Islands with children and family
The Canary Islands offer a unique experience to enjoy Christmas in a warm atmosphere, with charming traditions and activities designed for the whole family. Here you have a guide with the best plans for children and the family in Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lanzarote.
Spend Christmas with the family in Tenerife
- Sand Nativity Scenes on the beaches
One of the most special spectacles in Tenerife is the creation of giant nativity scenes made of sand, especially in Playa de Las Teresitas. Local and international artists mould figures and Christmas scenes that delight children and adults alike.
- Tenerife Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
This event is held outdoors, usually in the Plaza de España in Santa Cruz. Although not exclusively for children, the magic of the music under the starry sky is an unforgettable experience.
- Christmas markets
Markets like the one in La Laguna offer children’s workshops, live music and lots of activities for the little ones. It’s a great opportunity to try traditional sweets such as rosquetes.
- Decorated theme parks
During December, places like Loro Parque and Siam Park dress up for Christmas, with decorations and special events for children.
Spend Christmas with the family in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Sand Nativity Scene on Las Canteras Beach
This is one of the highlights of Christmas in Gran Canaria. Located on the famous Las Canteras Beach, this nativity scene includes impressive details that will fascinate children. Moreover, it is a perfect plan to combine with a walk on the beach!
- Maritime Three Kings Parade
In Las Palmas, the Three Wise Men arrive by sea, a spectacle that children love. It can be enjoyed from the Muelle Deportivo area before the traditional procession makes its way through the city.
- Christmas concert in the port
The port of Las Palmas hosts a free Christmas concert with live music. Children can enjoy a festive and relaxed atmosphere by the sea.
- Christmas routes through Vegueta
The old town is full of lights and activities for families. You can take a route to discover the nativity scenes installed in squares and museums, as well as enjoy storytelling and street shows.
Spend Christmas with the family in Lanzarote
- Traditional nativity scenes
Municipalities such as Teguise and San Bartolomé exhibit traditional nativity scenes with unique details, including volcanic landscapes that reflect the essence of the island. Children love to explore these little worlds full of detail.
- Children’s activities at Christmas markets
The Marina Lanzarote Christmas Market in Arrecife offers workshops, crafts and games for children, as well as a wide range of Christmas food and decorations.
- Three kings party on camels
In some places, such as Yaiza, the Three Wise Men do not arrive by horse or boat, but on camels. This unique Lanzarote detail leaves the little ones in awe.
- Lights and decorations in Puerto del Carmen
This popular tourist destination is filled with lights, decorations and festive events. Children can enjoy outdoor activities and music shows while strolling with their families.
Family enjoying themselves on the black sand beach during Christmas in the Canary Islands.
A different Christmas in the Canary Islands with friends
It is the perfect time to enjoy unique plans with friends. From celebrations on sunny beaches and traditional Christmas markets to open-air concerts and hiking among volcanoes, here are some of the plans you can make with your group of friends.
Christmas in Tenerife with friends
- Teide sunrise hike: How about welcoming the new year with a sunrise at the top of Spain? Climbing Teide to see the first sunrise of the year is an unforgettable experience. You can plan the climb with your friends and watch the sun rise over an ocean of clouds.
- New Year’s Eve parties in Santa Cruz or Playa de Las Americas: Santa Cruz and the south of the island, such as Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos, are known for their New Year’s Eve parties. Many hotels and discos offer special events, and the beaches in the south often organise parties with live music and fireworks.
- First swim of the year at Las Teresitas beach: You can’t miss the traditional ‘first swim of the year’. Playa de Las Teresitas is one of the favourite spots for locals and tourists who want to welcome the New Year in the Atlantic, the water temperature in January is pretty much the best!
Christmas with friends in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Sand Nativity Scene on Las Canteras Beach: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria shines in December with its famous Sand Nativity Scene, an impressive ephemeral work of art created by international sculptors who create Christmas figures right on the beach. A perfect plan for strolling around, taking photos and experiencing the Christmas spirit in Canarian style.
- New Year’s Eve at Las Canteras Beach: For an unforgettable New Year’s Eve, there is nothing like celebrating on the most emblematic beach in Las Palmas, Las Canteras. This place offers a lively atmosphere with music, fireworks and a unique celebratory vibe. Bring your grapes and get ready to welcome the New Year under the stars and by the sea.
Spend Christmas in Lanzarote with friends
- Visit Timanfaya National Park: At Christmas time, Lanzarote offers perfect weather to explore the Timanfaya National Park with your friends, a breathtaking place where nature seems like another planet. This visit is ideal for hiking and enjoying the tranquillity of the volcanic landscapes in the company of your friends.
- New Year’s Eve in Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen: For a night of celebration, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are some of the liveliest places in Lanzarote. Here you will find bars, restaurants and discos that organise special New Year’s Eve parties with a festive atmosphere and, of course, fireworks!
- First swim at Playa de Famara or Papagayo: Lovers of unspoilt beaches should not miss the first swim of the year in Lanzarote. Famara, with its wild surroundings and mountains in the background, is ideal for surfers, while Papagayo, a quieter beach with turquoise waters, is perfect for relaxing.
Popular Christmas markets in the Canaries
The Christmas season is a joyous time of year, and although each island has its own style, in Tenerife, Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) and Lanzarote you’ll find some traditional Christmas markets that are popular with locals and tourists alike. Here are the highlights on each island:
Visit the best Christmas markets in Tenerife
- Christmas Market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Location: Plaza del Príncipe and Las Ramblas.
- Dates: Usually from the beginning of December until 6 January.
- Activities: Crafts, Christmas decorations and concerts.
- Puerto de la Cruz:
- Location: Plaza de Europa or old town.
- Dates: From the beginning of December, with special events such as concerts in Lago Martiánez and Loro Parque.
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna:
- Location: Plaza del Adelantado and old town.
- Dates: Throughout December, with exhibitions of nativity scenes and craft products.
Enjoy the Christmas markets in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Vegueta Christmas Market:
- Location: Historic quarter of Vegueta.
- Dates: From the beginning of December until 5-6 January.
- Highlights: Local products, handicrafts and children’s activities.
- Triana Market:
- Location: Commercial streets of the Triana neighbourhood.
- Dates: Similar to Vegueta, with cultural events and Christmas lights.
- Sand crib in Las Canteras Beach:
- Date: Open from the beginning of December until the beginning of January.
- Details: Unique sand sculptures in a coastal setting.
Everything to see in Lanzarote’s Christmas Markets
- Arrecife Christmas Market:
- Location: Plaza de Las Palmas (opposite the Church of San Ginés).
- Dates: From mid-December (to be confirmed for this year).
- Offering: Local crafts and gastronomy.
- Village of Teguise:
- Location: Plaza de Los Leones.
- Dates: During the long weekend in December.
- Special: Christmas decorations, music and craft products.
- Yaiza:
- Location: Plaza de Los Remedios.
- Dates: 16th and 17th December.
- Activities: Live carols, lights and craft stalls.
These markets are an excellent opportunity to enjoy Christmas with a special Canarian touch: a mixture of tradition, craft products and the mild climate of the islands. We recommend confirming specific details on the official local tourism websites or town halls, as some markets are still defining their final dates and times.
Christmas tree decoration outdoors in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria island, Spain
Christmas lights and decorations in the Canary Islands with an Atlantic twist
Christmas in the Canary Islands has a special charm. Although December days here are usually sunny and temperatures are milder, the magic of Christmas is present in every corner of the islands. One of the main attractions during this time of year are the lights and decorations that decorate streets, squares and homes, fusing the festive spirit with the essence of the Canary Islands.
The island capitals, such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, transform their city centres with impressive displays of lights, giant Christmas trees and luminous figures glittering under the Atlantic sky. Illuminated palm trees and lights reflecting on the sea offer a unique Christmas card that combines the traditional with the tropical touch of the archipelago.
Decorations often incorporate typical elements, such as poinsettias, Canarian nativity scenes and handcrafted details that reflect the local culture. In the villages, churches and squares are also decorated to invite you to stroll around and enjoy the festive atmosphere with your family. Every year, thousands of people, locals and tourists, enjoy this visual spectacle that further embellishes the natural environment of the Canary Islands during Christmas.
In the Canary Islands, Christmas lights not only illuminate the landscape, but also symbolise the warmth and joy of this season in a privileged environment that makes Christmas here unforgettable.
San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
Is the Three Kings Parade celebrated in the Canary Islands?
The Three Wise Men Parade is one of the most awaited events of Christmas in the Canary Islands. In Tenerife, the Three Wise Men arrive in Santa Cruz by boat, starting a magical procession. Las Palmas celebrates with a procession full of colour and music, while in Lanzarote, the Three Wise Men travel around Arrecife handing out sweets and joy to all. For those who have never experienced it, the magic of the Three Wise Men and the parade is a unique experience and, as in the rest of Spain, it is celebrated throughout the 5th of January.
What is the weather like in the Canary Islands during Christmas?
If you are looking for a destination where you can enjoy Christmas in the sun, the Canary Islands are an ideal choice. Known as ‘the islands of eternal spring’, this archipelago offers mild and pleasant temperatures even in the middle of winter.
During the Christmas season, temperatures in the Canaries usually range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day, while at night they hardly drop below 15 degrees Celsius. This makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities, walks on the beach, and even a dip in the Atlantic, as the water temperature stays around 19-22 degrees Celsius.
The weather in the Canaries during this time of year is mostly sunny. Although there may be some light drizzle in mountainous areas or on greener islands such as La Palma and Tenerife, sunshine is predominant. The more arid islands, such as Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, offer a mostly clear landscape, perfect for those looking to relax in the sun.
In addition to the good weather, Christmas in the Canary Islands has a special charm. Spanish traditions are combined with the tropical atmosphere of the islands. It is typical to find open-air nativity scenes, Christmas lights decorating the streets and local celebrations such as the Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass) in the churches.
For those looking for a contrast to the cold European winter, the Canary Islands are the perfect retreat: beach, sun and a unique festive atmosphere – packing a swimming costume and sunscreen in December was never such a good idea!
View of Teide (Tenerife)
Canarian gastronomy: The traditional flavours of Christmas in the Canary Islands
What foods are typical in the Canary Islands during Christmas?
Christmas in the Canary Islands is a unique experience, where local traditions blend with the distinctive flavours of the region, creating an unforgettable culinary celebration. The typical dishes reflect the rich history and cultural diversity of the archipelago, with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
One of the stars of the Canarian Christmas table is roast kid, an emblematic dish that highlights the livestock farming influence in the region. This delicacy is usually accompanied by papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) and mojo, undisputed symbols of the island’s gastronomy.
Not to be missed is sancocho canario, a simple and tasty recipe based on salted fish (usually wreckfish), accompanied by sweet potatoes, kneaded gofio and green mojo. This dish is deeply connected to the islands’ seafaring roots.
In the sweet section, Christmas trout occupies a special place. These pasties, filled with sweet potato, almonds and cinnamon, are a classic that delights young and old alike. The recipes of bienmesabe and quesadillas herreñas also stand out, sweetening after-dinner meals with their traditional touch.
The typical drink of the season is honey rum, ideal for a toast while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Its smooth, sweet taste is the perfect finishing touch to any Christmas gathering.
In terms of traditions, Christmas dinners and lunches are not only a feast for the palate, but also a time of family connection and celebration of community spirit. Folk music and traditional dances often accompany these evenings, adding warmth to the festive atmosphere.
Christmas in the Canaries is much more than just a time of year; it is a celebration of identity, history and flavour, where every dish tells a story and every gathering becomes an unforgettable memory.
Don’t forget to try some typical sweets such as bienmesabe, trout stuffed with sweet potato or angel hair, and gofio nougat. You can also take the children to take part in traditional baking workshops, which are often organised at Christmas markets.
Traditional Canarian dish with seafood.
Whether you are travelling as a family, with friends or as a couple, renting a car with Record go will allow you to explore every corner of the islands and enjoy the Christmas celebrations in comfort and at your own pace. Tenerife South, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are waiting for you with the best offers for an unforgettable Christmas holiday, book now and get ready to experience a magical Christmas in the Canary Islands!
