Christmas in the Canaries and New Year’s Celebrations

Step in, Christmas in the Canaries and New Year's celebrations that will have you waving goodbye to central heating and hello to gorgeous golden sands alongside Christmas-themed cocktails at the pool. Here is what to expect for your next tropical Christmas in the Canaries. 

Canary Islands holidays are all about fun in the sun, golden beaches, cocktails at sunset, and ocean extravaganzas with plenty of exciting activities. While most think of a winter wonderland at Christmas, The Canary Islands offer the ultimate summer getaway to head out of the cold and into year-round sunshine. 

Nowhere does summer escapes in the Canary Islands quite like Lanzarote. Known for its combination of natural landscapes and winter sun holidays, Lanzarote provides the perfect backdrop to a Canary Islands Christmas. 

Navidad Isleña (Island Christmas) is an event hosted every year from the beginning of December to the 30th. Organised by local municipalities, hosts of musical performers take to the streets, squares, and churches of Lanzarote. The line-up changes each year, so check out the local programs to enjoy a range of free concerts that put you in the heart of Canary culture. 

The Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort is the place to be for family fun festivities. Here, the whole family can go wild with the various Christmas-themed activities taking place from December 1st to January 6th. From various water sports and eight swimming pools to a sensational spa and 15 bars and restaurants, your Christmas in the Canaries is well taken care of. 

As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife holidays offer the very best, whether it’s on land or in the warm turquoise waters. You’re in for an island Christmas treat. 

If the star on your Christmas tree is your favourite part of decorating, Tenerife can do one better with some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. This island is a Designated Starlight Destination, so grab your beach blankets and head out to spot some incredible starry night skies. Canary Islands weather plays along beautifully with warm cool temperatures up to 24 degrees, perfect for a nighttime stargaze.

Once the Christmas celebrations are over, it’s time to ring in the new year with some of the best cocktails on the island at Las Teresitas, inviting you to sit back and reflect on your well-deserved winter break, overlooking the gorgeous ocean.

If you happen to be in Tenerife over the 5th of January, you’re in for an epic Spanish tradition. The Three Wise Men parade on Día de Los Reyes (Three Kings Day) features Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar making their way through the streets, handing out gifts to children. Alongside, the famous three kings are beautiful dancers and musical performances.

After the excitement of the parade, it’s time to huddle up and enjoy the stories of the three kings, as celebrations continue into the night. On January 6th presents are handed to children before enjoying a piece of roscón de reyes, a sweetened bread containing a coin or figure. The one who finds the treasure in the bread is said to have good luck in the coming year. 

For luxury at its finest, look no further than Hotel Bahia del Duque. Situated on the shores of Costa Adeje, there is truly something for everyone. From the 21 onsite restaurants and bars, lush gardens, two stunning beaches, and a host of activities on and off the water, this is the place to be for an all-out Canary Island Christmas for the whole family. 

Canary Islands holidays aren’t always about the large parades and celebrations. Most come here to relax in a little slice of paradise. Savour the underwater adventure on your Gran Canaria holiday by snorkelling at Las Caletas Beach with its coral barrier, allowing you to get up close and personal with the local marine life. 

For Christmas shopping, the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, offers sensational luxury duty-free shopping, helping you get those must-have Christmas list items at a fraction of the cost. 

One of the must-see activities over Christmas in Canaria is the amazing nativity scenes sculpted from sand at Las Caletas Beach. The intricate scenes are one of a kind, with some parts reaching as high as five metres. 

To get in on all the action, Santa Catalina, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, is where you want to be. Located in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you’re in for a luxurious stay, only three kilometres from Las Caletas Beach. Foodies, get ready for the onsite Michelin-star restaurant in this five-star historic hotel, alongside two bars and three other restaurants. The hotel presents traditional Canary style coupled with elegant luxury and exemplary service. 

Are you ready to experience Christmas in the Canaries? At Sovereign Luxury Travel we have over 50 years’ experience in tailormade luxury holidays. We take care of all the finer details, so you don’t have to. Our Personal Travel Planners are on hand every step of the way to ensure your luxury holiday is memorable and enjoyable.

Visit sovereign.com to start planning your next luxury escape today! 

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