During the Christmas season, Tenerife transforms into a spectacular setting that invites you to enjoy a wide range of events. From running in the Santas Race, riding a camel in the style of the Three Wise Men, marveling at a sand nativity scene, or even ice skating, the island offers unique experiences for every taste.
Explore this essential list of unmissable activities if you decide to spend the holidays in Tenerife. We assure you that fun and surprise will be part of every moment.
1. Dare to Swim into the New Year in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Kick off the New Year celebrations with a boat ride in Tenerife, which includes the iconic first plunge of the year, and dare to join the swim that has become an island tradition.
Every January 1st, along the Muelle Sur of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, more than 200 participants plunge into a 1000- or 2000-meter swim, according to their preference. Organized by Gesport Canarias, this event is part of the festive atmosphere that characterizes Tenerife’s Christmas season.
As music fills the air and the beaches light up with spectacular fireworks, many locals and visitors find that this plunge is a way to purify body and mind, welcoming the New Year with renewed energy.
Whether you choose to kayak, snorkel with turtles, compete in the challenge, or simply enjoy the sea, the key is to start the year with an unforgettable experience.
[Book your catamaran cruise]
2. Pedal Along the Nativity Scene Route by Bike
True enthusiasts of Christmas traditions enjoy discovering authentic gems in the form of nativity scenes, and doing so by bike allows you to visit almost all of them. Begin your route at the emblematic nativity scenes of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, continue toward La Orotava, and finish in the historic town of La Laguna.
At the first stop, you will be amazed by the work of artisan Jesús Gil: the giant nativity scene of Santa Cruz, located at the entrance of the City Hall. With 12 m² spread over two levels and figures arranged beside a majestic Christmas tree over 4 meters tall, this creation is a must-see.
Continue through the historic center of La Laguna, where every year thousands of visitors admire seven nativity scenes, and finish the route in La Orotava, which holds the record for nativity scenes in Tenerife with an exhibition of 30 authentic masterpieces. A perfect adventure to share with good company.
3. Enjoy Discounts and Do Your Christmas Shopping
Thanks to its status as an outermost region of the EU, Tenerife applies a 7% tax, which translates into excellent deals on fashion, ceramics, local crafts, branded products, and other treasures found at markets such as those around the cabildo or the famous La Recova market, where you can delight your palate.
If you prefer to visit large department stores, the Plaza del Duque Shopping Center awaits you with its outdoor area, or you can head to the modern Siam Mall, which sets trends in the city. While shopping, don’t miss the lighting of the Christmas trees, a tradition that illuminates Plaza de la Candelaria and other main squares on December 24th.
4. Treat Yourself to a Diving Baptism for the New Year
Start the year by exploring Tenerife’s marine richness through guided dives. Never tried diving? This is your opportunity to check it off your list.
On the island of carnival, PADI-certified instructors are ready to accompany you throughout almost the entire Christmas season in this unique experience. With mild weather in December and fewer crowds along the coast, the environment is ideal for learning and enjoying at a relaxed pace.
Typically, the experience includes theoretical classes, simple practice sessions in shallow waters, and a final open sea dive, culminating in the diving baptism certificate. Most activities take place at the Radazul Marina.
[Book your diving class in Tenerife]
5. Run in the Unique Santa Claus Race
The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife organizes the Santas Race every Christmas, an event designed for family fun. If you’re looking for fun activities for children in Tenerife, this peculiar athletic challenge is a must.
Participants can choose from routes ranging from 2 to 5 kilometers, passing through emblematic places such as Plaza España, Avenida Marítima, and the Cabildo building. Registration, with a solidarity price starting at €10, even includes a Zumba master class. The funds raised support sports projects, making your participation a contribution to a good cause.
6. Enjoy a Camel Ride in the Style of the Three Wise Men
Although horseback riding is common on the peninsula, in the Canary Islands the experience of riding a camel is unique, and Christmas is the ideal time to hop on these dromedaries and explore Tenerife’s volcanic landscape.
Camello Center
Located in the highlands of Teide, on Carretera General, TF-82, km 10.2, El Tanque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this center offers rides starting at €10 and the option to add a menu with typical Canarian dishes for a very economical extra. Book your visit from Friday to Wednesday, between 10:00 and 17:00.
Camel Park
In southern Tenerife, on Carretera General, 67, Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you will find the island’s oldest camel farm, which offers free transport from Callao Salvaje and Golf del Sur. Prices start at €11 for an unforgettable ride.
[Book a tuk tuk excursion to the farm]
7. Immerse Yourself in Tenerife’s Concert Season
Every year, the island buzzes with about a hundred musical events, choirs, theater plays, and concerts celebrating Christmas in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Check out the full program and enjoy the cultural offerings.
The Christmas spirit is felt in many places, such as the concerts by Los Fregolinos, who enliven Plaza El Príncipe alongside Santa Claus, or the martial display by the Military Band that continues the celebration at the same venue. Additionally, there are performances by Unión Artística El Cabo and other events in locations like Teatro Guimerá and Centro de Arte La Re, Recova. And if you feel like taking a stroll on December 25th, the port of Santa Cruz hosts the grand Christmas Concert featuring the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.
8. Discover the Fun at Santa Cruz’s PIT
Ideal for families, the Tenerife Children’s and Youth Park (PIT) opens its doors every winter, offering a myriad of playful activities that capture the youthful spirit of the season.
Located at Avenida de la Constitución, 12, within the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Fairgrounds, the PIT is a space filled with digital games, Santa Claus visits, live performances, educational workshops, slides, inflatable bouncers, mechanical rides, and much more for family fun. With ample free parking and only a 4-minute walk from the José Emilio García Gómez station, it’s a perfect option for an unforgettable day.
9. Savor Tenerife’s Christmas Cuisine
In December, Canarian cuisine becomes a feast of flavors. If you wish to taste an authentic fish sancocho, traditional Christmas trout, the beloved grandmother’s cake, ropa vieja, and other homemade specialties at affordable prices, we recommend taking a gastronomic tour through the guachinches.
These establishments, unique to the island, offer generous dishes made with family recipes and their own vintage wine. Originally simple eateries that have evolved into lively bars, during Christmas they become the meeting point for locals and visitors, especially in La Orotava, where most are concentrated.
El Guachinche Los Gómez
Famous for its Christmas trout, it is an absolute delight. Located at Camino Los Gómez, 21, La Orotava, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 24:00.
Guachinche El Ramal
Renowned for its grilled meat, its own vintage wines, and an irresistible grandmother’s cake, it is situated on the road leading to El Ramal, 18H, La Orotava. Its schedule is from Wednesday to Saturday (13:00-17:15 / 19:00-23:00) and on Sundays (13:00-17:00).
Guachinche El Primero
Known for its octopus and chickpea stew, during Christmas its gofio pancake is a highlight. It is located at Calle Malpais 10, Santa Úrsula, open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays (13:00-17:00) and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (13:00-17:00 / 19:00-23:00).
Guachinche Casa Yayi
Specializing in Christmas trout with a unique twist, it is located at Calle La Resbala 83, La Matanza de Acentejo, and is open from Wednesday to Sunday (13:00-17:00).
[Book a gastronomic tour around Tenerife]
10. Enjoy Ice Skating on the Island
Among the traditional Christmas activities, ice skating stands out for its charm. Although Tenerife’s weather rarely surprises with freezing temperatures, the island combines sunny activities with the seasonal freshness on specially prepared rinks.
Ice Rink in El Sauzal
Located at Plaza de San Pedro in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it opens during December and is one of the free options you can enjoy.
The Rink Magma
Set up in Magma Arte y Congresos, this rink, the largest in Tenerife, welcomes visitors from late November through January. It is an emblematic Christmas spot where you can take photos with Santa Claus or skate freely. With tickets starting at €8, it is the perfect option for those seeking a winter experience—just don’t forget to dress warmly.
If you are in the south, you can easily reach either rink by bus or bike. And for those who miss snow, in front of Plaza España on Avenida Marítima, a giant snow mountain is set up each year that functions as a giant slide.
11. Dive into the Entertainment Offerings of El Sauzal
Every year, the El Sauzal theater presents a varied lineup of Christmas shows that include comedies, decorations, carols, storytelling sessions, and reinterpretations of local traditions to surprise the audience.
And because not everything on the island is about beaches and sun, the annex of the City Hall hosts the Christmas Fair of Attractions in December. Be sure to check it out to discover its program, designed for all ages.
12. The Nutcracker in La Laguna: A Fairy Tale on Stage
The classic Tchaikovsky ballet, “The Nutcracker” (1891), comes to Los Cristianos every year, performing at the Auditorio Infanta Leonor. Prestigious international ballet schools gather on the island to celebrate Christmas in La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Canary Islands, offering a magical and unforgettable experience.
13. Experience a Viking-Style Christmas Day
Embark on a half-day excursion from Playa de las Vistas in Tenerife, where a Viking ship sails along the southern part of the island with special themed activities for the season.
During the journey, the brave Vikings perform choreographies and teach both adults and children sword handling, inviting you to dress up as one of them and even sit on Erik the Red’s throne. It will be 3 hours of guaranteed fun; the little ones will have a blast. In addition, snorkeling equipment is provided on board the caravel, and you can enjoy dolphin and whale watching.
At sunset, disembark and head to San Miguel Castle, a 15-minute drive from Playa de las Vistas in Aldea Blanca, where the count and countess will welcome you to enjoy a joust among knights. To cap off the day, a medieval banquet with a Christmas twist is offered.
[Book a Viking cruise in southern Tenerife]
Tenerife’s Christmas Weather: A Gentle Prelude to Spring
While waiting for Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men, on the largest of the Canary Islands the weather resembles a gentle spring. It is common for some festivities to be celebrated on beaches or outdoors.
During December and January, temperatures range between 18º and 21º C, inviting you to fully enjoy all the leisure offerings that Tenerife has prepared for you.
