Forget the frosty windows and winter coats. Christmas in Lanzarote is a unique blend of cherished Canarian tradition and blissful, spring-like climate. Imagine swapping a crowded shopping mall for a sun-drenched artisan market or trading a chilly carol service for an open-air concert under the stars.
If you’re planning a family holiday to Lanzarote this December, prepare for an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you and your loved ones can expect.
1. Enchanting Christmas Markets with a Local Twist
Yes, Christmas markets are a universal classic, but Lanzarote’s versions pulse with an authentic, local heartbeat. This is your chance to find truly meaningful gifts – handcrafted jewellery, intricate embroidery, traditional ceramics, and gourmet local products like mojo sauce or malvasía wine.
Don’t miss the legendary Sunday market in Teguise, one of the largest in Europe. For a more festive focus, explore the special Christmas markets popping up in every municipality. Make a day of it: discover the Tanit Ethnographic Museum in San Bartolomé or the Aloe Vera museums in Yaiza and Haría before ending your shopping with a well-earned snack by the picturesque Charco de San Ginés in Arrecife or on a beachfront terrace in Puerto del Carmen.
2. Magical Concerts & Living Traditions
The beautiful ranchos de Pascua are a musical tradition dating back to the 16th century, passed faithfully through generations. For a truly special experience, seek out the gathering of ranchos held on December 23rd in the Church of San Roque in Tinajo.
Throughout the season, the Navidad Isleña programme comes alive with parrandas, choirs, and folk groups performing in towns across the island. These open-air concerts are a joyful and free way to immerse your family in the authentic culture of Lanzarote.
3. A Scavenger Hunt of Nativity Scenes (Belenes)
Unleash your inner child on a tour of the island’s nativity scenes, which are far more than a simple crib. They are intricate works of art that tell the story of Lanzarote’s history and landscapes.
Start in the lush valley of Haría, where the nativity sits near the charming church and craft market. Then, head to Tinajo, where the scene often comes to life with a live performance by local residents on Christmas Day. In Yaiza, you’ll find a breathtakingly detailed belén that recreates traditional landmarks and trades, complete with miniature volcanoes.
For a truly unique twist, seek out the nativity scenes sculpted from sand on Playa del Reducto in Arrecife and Las Cucharas beach in Costa Teguise. In Puerto del Carmen, the scene is beautifully integrated into the seafaring corner of La Tiñosa.
4. Festive Fun in the Winter Sun
Where else can you go for a Christmas Eve swim? Lanzarote’s glorious climate means the festivities move outdoors. A fantastic family event is the Haría Music Race Night on Christmas Eve. It’s less about competition and more about celebration – participants of all fitness levels can join the run through the fishing villages, often ending with a festive dip and live music.
For budding athletes, the traditional San Silvestre fun run in Arrecife on December 31st offers categories for all ages, making it a perfect active outing for the whole family.
5. Unforgettable Christmas Evenings & Feasts
For a night of pure magic, nothing compares to a Noches de Jameos musical dinner inside the volcanic tunnel of Jameos del Agua. It’s an experience that will stay with your family forever.
The island’s culinary scene also shines. Indulge in a gourmet festive menu at the MIAC Castillo de San José. For a taste of true traditional cuisine, the Casa Museo del Campesino in La Geria offers an irresistible Christmas menu of millet broth, goat stew, and octopus with mojo, all paired with superb local wines.
6. And for the Chinijos (the little ones)…
The best news for families? Lanzarote is very close to the home of the Three Wise Men. Their Majesties make personal appearances across the island to collect letters from excited children, even making a spectacular entrance from the Timanfaya National Park!
The highlight is the dazzling Three Kings parades on the evening of January 5th. Every major town hosts its own procession. The kings even make their way to the smaller island of La Graciosa. It’s a truly magical end to the festive season.
This Christmas, give your family the gift of a different kind of holiday. Embrace the sun, the tradition, and the unique energy of Lanzarote. You’ll return home not just with a tan, but with memories of the most authentic Atlantic Christmas.
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