Christmas in Tenerife in 2024 – Where to Celebrate, Dinner & Brunch Options, Tips & More

I’m a bit late with my post on tips for Christmas in Tenerife, but if you’re visiting the island now (and came specifically for a Christmas getaway), here’s what you need to know.

This post includes tips on how to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as what to do during the days between Christmas and New Year.

I also share where to have a proper Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day breakfast or brunch, and some unique ways to enjoy the festive season on the island. So no matter if this is your first trip to Tenerife or twenty first, many tips from this post will be helpful!

First Things to Know When Spending Christmas in Tenerife

If you’re spending Christmas in Tenerife, here’s what you should know upfront:

1) Nativity Scenes ARe Must-See

Instead of grand events, Tenerife’s Christmas spirit focuses on traditions.

Nativity scenes (Belénes) are a huge part of the holiday here and if you want to get an idea of what it’s like (do for sure!), then visit a couple of them.

They are (literally) in every town, are usually set in Tenerife at the beginning of December and stay until January 6th.

However, in my opinion, some of the best nativity scenes are located in:

• La Laguna (at Plaza del Adelantado)
• La Orotava (in front of the town hall)
• Candelaria (Basilica), although this one is quite big and famous, that’s why is always crowded
• Santa Cruz (Town Hall)They’re open for viewing throughout the holiday season.

They are open for viewing until Jan 6th. But you can stop in any other town (including big and small towns in South Tenerife) and find nativity scenes there too.

Other Christmas Events: Christmas Eve services in churches around Tenerife are as big of a deal as nativity scenes. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, they are worth attending for the atmosphere and beautiful traditional Canarian music.
There is also a famous Tenerife Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert that takes place on the 25th in Santa Cruz. If interested, buy tickets here.

2) Restaurant Reservations Are Essential Anywhere in Tenerife During Christmas

Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches are a big deal around Tenerife. And if you’re planning to dine out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, booking a table in advance is absolutely essential.

Unlike other times of the year, when it’s relatively easy to find a place to eat last minute (besides New Year’s night too), many restaurants in Tenerife operate with special holiday menus during Christmas, and seats fill up fast.

This is especially true for the more upscale and popular spots, as well as those offering Christmas-specific experiences.

On Christmas Eve, most locals celebrate with family at home, and many restaurants close early or remain closed altogether (!). However, high-end restaurants and hotel dining options host special Christmas Eve dinners, complete with multi-course tasting menus or festive buffets. Making a reservation in those is essential.

On Christmas Day, more restaurants are open compared to Christmas Eve, but they may still have limited seating or special menus.

Even casual restaurants may have special holiday menus or adjusted hours, so don’t expect to walk in without a reservation. Some places also require deposits to secure your spot, so be sure to confirm details when booking.

3) Christmas Markets in Tenerife Are Very Different Than Anywhere in Europe

Christmas markets in Tenerife are not what you expect them to be. I don’t mean to offend anyone, and I’m not sure how to phrase this delicately, but Tinerfeños haven’t yet mastered the art of creating that authentic European-style Christmas market atmosphere. This isn’t meant as a criticism, just a statement of fact to let you know what to expect.

Markets here are usually simple and mostly consist of crafts and handmade goods — many of which are truly beautiful and unique. However, beyond that, the experience can feel a little underwhelming.

Last year, we visited several markets across the island, both in the south and north, and we couldn’t find much of traditional Christmas foods, not even traditional Canarian food.

The only market that somewhat reflects the vibe of a European Christmas market is in La Laguna on Plaza de San Francisco. Last year, we found there a food truck with Argentinian sausages (which, to be fair, were delicious), chicken with potatoes, stuffed baked potato, and a few other simple but tasty foods.

We also tried there mulled wine (the only place where we could find it on the island!) or better to say the Canarian version of it, haha. The girl behind the counter just poured this wine into her kettle, heated it, poured it into a cup, and added a basil leaf. It was kind of strange to have glintwine of this type, but it was fun and we had a good laugh about it! 😊

So, the point is – don’t expect to find a traditional Christmas market in Tenerife in the way you might know it from Europe.

This year hasn’t seen much improvement yet, though in Adeje, food stalls have started to appear. Tinerfeños are experimenting and learning, and for now, it’s a simple and evolving version of the holiday tradition.

4) Daytime Activities Are Varied

Christmas Day is quieter than Christmas Eve, but many beaches are great for a relaxing day. Many excursions, like whale watching and Teide cable car rides, run as usual.

Christmas Day in Tenerife is a perfect time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. During the previous years, we liked to start our Christmas day early with coastal walks or in quieter places like coastal village Bajamar or Punto del Hidalgo, and after that go for a Christmas brunch in a hotel (even many all-inclusive hotels offer Christmas meals for outside guests).

The beaches are also a great place where to relax (but if you are planning to be in northern Tenerife this Christmas, read my post about the most scenic beaches there to know which ones are closed as of now).

For those seeking a bit more adventure, head to Teide National Park, where you can take the cable car (€37 per adult) or go hiking with a guide. If you prefer to stay active, there are plenty of other hiking trails around the island.

Another exciting option is a whale-watching tour. Boats depart from Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, offering a chance to see dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat (€50–70 per person).

Alternatively, take a scenic drive through Anaga Rural Park or follow one of my scenic drives in Tenerife.

NOTE: Christmas weather in Tenerife is (pretty much) always sunny and warm, so it’s perfect for outdoor activities and even for the beach (not so much for swimming, but for sunbathing for sure)!

5) Lights Are a Big Thing Here!

If there’s one thing Tenerife does exceptionally well during the holiday season, it’s the Christmas lights! Towns across the island go all out with festive displays, and they’re a major attraction here.

The most impressive lights are definitely in La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage city. The streets around Plaza del Adelantado are transformed into a magical wonderland with intricate displays and a cozy, festive vibe. The lights here typically stay up until January 6th (Epiphany), so there’s plenty of time to enjoy them.

However, we also love Christmas lights in La Orotava (see photo below on the right) where the streets are so cozy and ancient.

In Santa Cruz, the capital, the area around Plaza del Príncipe and the main shopping streets are beautifully decorated as well, making it a great spot for an evening stroll. You’ll also find light tunnels and illuminated sculptures that make for perfect photo opportunities.

Other towns like Puerto de la Cruz and Candelaria also have beautiful displays, though on a smaller scale. The lights around the Basilica in Candelaria, paired with its life-sized nativity scene, are truly unique!

Even smaller towns, like Garachico or Icod de los Vinos, join in with charming but less elaborate displays. So don’t miss a chance to visit different Tenerife towns to witness the beauty of light shows!

Where to Have Christmas Eve Dinner or Christmas Day Brunch on Tenerife

The thing is that many restaurants in Tenerife serve Christmas meals with affordable prices, so you can easily contact any that catches your eye to ask if they offer it, check the menu, price, and reserve a spot.

Below I am sharing a few places that I’ve bookmarked for myself for this year that we’re interested in going to (I called them and asked all the details personally):

1) Mesón El Monasterio near Puerto de la Cruz (visiting it is a very unique and cool thing to do in Northern Tenerife, perfect for special occasions).

Set in a historic monastery, this restaurant offers a unique ambiance with traditional Canarian cuisine. They provide special Christmas dinner menus and Christmas Day menus. You can contact them directly for details and reservations. Here is all the contact info.

Further Reading: Whenever in Puerto de la Cruz during the Christmas-New Year season, also check my favorite restaurants and cafes there for a meal for any other time of the day.

2) GF Gran Costa Adeje (5-star hotel in Adeje).

Here, in fact, you do not need a reservation which is super convenient. Just drop by and enjoy a Christmas buffet dinner for only €35 per person (drinks not included).

3) Hotel Baobab Suits (as well in Costa Adeje, only Christmas Day breakfast is available).

Christmas day breakfast buffet for outside guests is available for €35 per person. Call or send a message to make a reservation.

4) The Treehouse (in Chayofa only on Christmas Day)

Hosting two sittings on Christmas Day – first sitting from 14:00 – 17:00, second sitting from 18:30 – to late at night.

Includes a glass of cava on arrival and a three-course menu priced at €55 per person. A 50% deposit is required upon booking. 

5) Grandee O’Donnell Irish Bar (in Golf del Sur)

Offers Christmas dinner with two sittings at 15:00 and 19:00. Vegetarian options are available. Booking can be made online or directly at the venue. Deposits may be required; contact for specific pricing and menu details. 

6) Terrazas del Sauzal (in El Sauzal)

This is actually one of my favorite restaurants with a view in Tenerife where you can come on any day, not just Christmas, to enjoy views and atmosphere.

But for Christmas this year, they offer different brunch menus within different price ranges. Check more on their website.

More Posts on the Island for Tenerife Trip

After this year’s Christmas season, I will make sure to add more relevant details. But for now, here are a few other inspirations for your trip:

• Tenerife North or South – how to decide which one to choose
• 5 Days in Tenerife – Unique Itinerary From La Laguna
• Guimar and surroundings – hidden beaches and hiking trail
• Loro Park Visit – tips for any season