Swap the cold and the grey for sunshine, around 20°C and the sea. More and more families and groups of friends come to Tenerife for Christmas and New Year, and a private villa is the most comfortable way to do it: room for everyone, your own kitchen for the big dinner and a pool to start Christmas Day. We're Ronaldo and Mane, local hosts, and these are our tips.
What's the weather like in Tenerife at Christmas?
- Mild, sunny days. In the south of the island, daytime temperatures in December are usually around 20-23°C, with plenty of sunshine.
- Cooler evenings. After sunset it drops to around 15-17°C, so pack a light jacket for dinners outside.
- The sea is still swimmable, at around 20°C. An unheated pool feels cold in winter, which is why we recommend a villa with a heated pool.
- Snow on Teide. On some winter days the summit turns white: beach in the morning and snowy views in the afternoon.
How Christmas is celebrated in Tenerife
- Christmas Eve (24 December) is the big night in Spain: the main family dinner is on the 24th, not the 25th.
- Lights and nativity scenes. Town centres such as Santa Cruz and La Laguna are lit up, and many towns set up nativity scenes (belenes) that are lovely to visit in the evening.
- New Year's Eve and the twelve grapes. At midnight, people eat one grape on each of the twelve chimes for good luck. Many coastal towns celebrate with music and fireworks.
- The Three Kings (5-6 January). For children this is the most magical night: on the evening of the 5th, towns hold the Cabalgata de Reyes parade, and presents arrive on the morning of the 6th.
- Christmas sweets. As well as Spanish turrón and polvorones, try the Canarian truchas: small fried pastries filled with sweet potato or cabello de ángel (a sweet squash jam).
Most supermarkets close on 25 December and 1 January, and close early on the 24th and 31st. Do the big shop for Christmas Eve on the 23rd and for New Year's Eve on the 30th. 6 January is also a public holiday.
Why a villa is perfect for the festive season
- Your own Christmas dinner. A fully equipped kitchen, a barbecue and a big table on the terrace: cook what you like and celebrate at your own pace.
- Room for the whole family. Grandparents, cousins and friends under one roof, each with their own bedroom.
- A heated private pool for a swim on Christmas morning, just for you.
- No dress code and no rush. See in the New Year at home with the grapes and your own music, and head out to the party afterwards if you feel like it.
Plans for the holidays
Between celebrations there's time for everything: a whale and dolphin watching trip (they're here all year round), a day at Siam Park or Loro Parque, a drive up to Teide or a stroll around La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage city. We can help you book excursions and a hire car.
Book early
The Christmas and New Year weeks are the first to fill up, and flights get more expensive as the dates get closer. If you already know when you're coming, check availability now: booking direct with us gets you the best price and a direct line to the people who look after the villa.
Our villas with a heated pool
Villa Trueno: a modern villa for 6 guests with a heated private pool, sea views and a private garage.
Villa Alisios Golf Luxury: in La Caleta (Adeje), next to Golf Costa Adeje, with a heated private pool, sea views from the upper terrace and a private garage.
Amarilla Golf: Villa 4 Red, Villa 5 Green and Villa 6 Pink Princess, for up to 8 guests each, with a heated pool facing the golf course.
Casa Nolva Heated Pool: if you prefer Lanzarote, this house in Yaiza, in the south of the island, also has a heated pool.
Want to spend Christmas in Tenerife?
Christmas and New Year's Eve are the first weeks to fill up. Check which villas are still free and book direct for the best price.
