Spending the Christmas holidays in the Canary Islands is a unique experience thanks to the mild climate and the many outdoor activities these islands offer, even in winter. However, if you're not fond of or simply tired of the typical days spent in swimsuits on the beach, or if you find diving into the ocean a bit dull, it might be time to consider alternative destinations. Fortunately, the islands offer plenty of choices, thanks to the vast variety of microclimates and landscapes that make the Canary Islands famous worldwide.
If you’re longing for cooler weather than the average Canary Island temperatures (around 20 degrees Celsius), aim for high-altitude areas or dense vegetation zones. There are several options depending on the island and altitude. On the largest island of the archipelago, Tenerife, you could enjoy cool hikes in Teide National Park. With altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters, temperatures here can be much lower than in most other parts of the islands. On winter nights at high altitudes, you can admire the stars and will surely spot the North Star or, with a little luck and some deep searching in the dark sky, catch a glimpse of Santa’s reindeer and sleigh (Ho Ho Ho!). But beware — don’t mistake them for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite train! (Ha Ha Ha!). For guidance, consider joining a stargazing tour led by the Starlight Guides Association of the Canaries. While it’s true that it can even snow on Teide in winter, don’t get your hopes up — skiing on Europe’s highest volcano is never an option. It’s the only sport missing from the islands.
If you happen to have a coat or padded jacket, you could put it to good use in the chilly air of Pico de las Nieves (1,949 m) in Gran Canaria or the island’s mountainous areas, particularly Roque Nublo, where temperatures are often lower, not just in winter. In the Caldera de Taburiente National Park on the island of La Palma, especially in forests and areas above 2,000 meters, the climate is also cooler. Near "Roque de los Muchachos," at 2,423 meters above sea level, where the famous Gran Telescopio Canarias observatory is located, you may often hear the cawing of large black ravens, evoking Christmas tales from northern and eastern Europe.
Other magical and chilly spots can be found in the Canary Islands’ laurel forests, whose origins date back to ancient times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Strolling through the dense, cool, and humid vegetation of the Los Tilos Biosphere Reserve in La Palma, Monte de las Mercedes in Anaga, Tenerife, or the exceptional Garajonay National Park in La Gomera — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — will transport you to the enchanting atmosphere of mystical forests. The lush vegetation of the park, with its magical ambiance, helps keep the traditions and legends of the Guanches, the ancient inhabitants of the islands, alive. In fact, at the highest point in La Laguna, you’ll find the so-called bailaderos, where witches once gathered to perform magical rites and dance under the moon.
Returning to lower altitudes but still seeking Christmas magic, there are numerous initiatives to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, though you won’t find true "Christmas villages" in the Nordic style. Many urban centers host outdoor musical performances and Christmas markets filled with colorful lights. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the streets light up with holiday decorations, and stalls offer local and artisanal products. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, markets in city squares are perfect for gift shopping and tasting traditional sweets like truchas de batata. Countless Christmas performances and musical events, such as the Los Gofiones concert in Agüimes, Gran Canaria, blend traditional and modern songs. Some towns host live Nativity scenes, especially in churches and historic centers. But the most anticipated event for Canarian families is undoubtedly the Three Kings Parade on January 5th. This is one of the most significant celebrations, with processions in major cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, where the Kings arrive on camels, sometimes in convertibles, helicopters, or even jet skis, bringing gifts for children.
In every town, large Christmas trees with unique decorations, often featuring spectacular lights, are placed in the main squares. In the Canaries, Nativity scenes (belenes) are also essential for holiday décor. One of the most beautiful and largest can be seen in the town of Candelaria, home to the patron saint of the entire archipelago. This scene recreates the characteristic landscape of the Güímar Valley, with villages represented by rural trades. Most notably, it includes a miniature of the iconic sanctuary featuring Guanche figures dressed in goat skins, worshiping the statue of Chaxiraxi. Since our search for Christmas has brought us to the ocean’s edge, we must also mention the sand Nativity scenes: the one on Las Canteras beach in Gran Canaria's capital and the one on Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife are particularly famous.
If you’re looking for a special stay, remember that many Canary Islands resorts organize themed Christmas events, with activities for adults and children in relaxing, sunny environments.
And if you’re still feeling nostalgic for snow, you can always visit the giant Snowman (Muñeco de Nieve) located on the roundabout at Avenida Los Majuelos, on the border between La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Despite being created by a famous Czech artist, Jiří Georg Dokoupil, whose artistic proposals gained significant success in the 1980s (for instance, he designed the 1987 Tenerife Carnival poster), this sculpture has been deemed by the public as the ugliest roundabout decoration in all of Spain!