To finish the year, we have the “grand finale.” While the UK is dreaming of a white Christmas, Tenerife is delivering a blue one. Taking an all-inclusive holiday in December is the ultimate way to swap the stress of supermarket queues and freezing rain for a sun-lounger and a glass of Cava.
December is one of the most magical times to visit the island. You get the perfect mix of high-end resort luxury and traditional Spanish festive charm. The weather in the South remains remarkably consistent, with average highs of 21°C to 23°C, making it the warmest place in Europe to spend the festive season.
The “Christmas Escapees”: Families and couples who want to “opt-out” of the traditional Christmas chores. No cooking, no cleaning, and no washing up—just a gala buffet and a walk on the beach.
New Year’s Eve Partiers: People who want to see in 2027 with a bang. Tenerife is famous for its outdoor New Year’s Eve parties, especially in Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz.
Stargazers: Mid-December is the peak of the Geminids meteor shower. With the clear winter skies, it is one of the best times of the year to visit the Mount Teide Starlight Reserve.
Gala Dinners Included: Most 4-star and 5-star all-inclusive resorts (like Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife or Bahia Principe Fantasia) host incredible gala dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. These are included in your “all-in” price, saving you hundreds on premium dining.
Festive Atmosphere without the Cold: The resorts go all-out with decorations. You’ll see massive Christmas trees next to swimming pools and intricate “Belénes” (nativity scenes) in the lobbies.
Heated Everything: December is when you’ll truly appreciate an all-inclusive resort with a heated pool. You can swim in 25 degree water while looking at the snow-capped peak of Teide in the distance.
Top Tip: If you’re in Tenerife on New Year’s Eve, follow the Spanish tradition of “The 12 Grapes.” At the stroke of midnight, you must eat one grape for every chime of the clock. If you finish them all in time, you’ll have good luck for the next 12 months. Most all-inclusive hotels will provide you with a little bag of grapes and a glass of Cava for this exact purpose!
The “Pre-Christmas” Bargain: The first two weeks of December (up until the 18th) are some of the cheapest of the year. If you can travel early, you’ll get the festive atmosphere for a fraction of the price.
The “Christmas Week” Premium: Expect to pay a significant premium for the week of December 25th. Book at least 9–12 months in advance for this period, as the best family resorts sell out very early.
Check the “Three Kings” Window: If you stay until January 6th, you’ll experience the “Reyes Magos” (Three Kings) parade. It’s the biggest celebration in Spain and a fantastic way to extend the holiday spirit.
Christmas Day Dip: Join the thousands of locals and tourists who take a traditional swim in the sea on Christmas morning. The water is usually around 20 degrees—perfect for a quick splash!
Visit the Sand Nativity: Head to Las Canteras (if you’re doing a day trip to Gran Canaria) or check out the incredible hand-carved nativity scenes in Santa Cruz and La Orotava.
Geminids Meteor Shower: Around December 13th–14th, take a nighttime tour to Teide. It is one of the best places on Earth to see the meteor shower without any light pollution.
For the best price: December 1st – December 15th.For the big celebrations: December 24th – January 1st.
Flights leave daily from all major hubs. The flight is about 4.5 hours. Landing at Tenerife South (TFS) in December is a joy—you’ll step off the plane into a warm breeze that feels a world away from the UK winter.
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