Would You Consider Christmas in the Lanzarote Sun?
Imagine swapping frosty mornings, dark afternoons and scraping ice off the car for blue skies, seaside walks and a Christmas dinner in the sunshine. It might sound a little unusual, but every year, more people consider spending Christmas in Lanzarote. So, what is Christmas really like on the island, and could you imagine celebrating the big day somewhere a little different?
For many British families, Christmas follows a familiar routine. The decorations go up, the presents pile up under the tree, the oven is full, and everyone hopes for a little bit of festive magic. There might be frosty windows, thick jumpers and the traditional Christmas film playing in the background.
But what if Christmas looked a little different?
What if you could spend Christmas morning enjoying breakfast outdoors, take a walk along the seafront in a T-shirt, and watch the sun set over the Atlantic instead of watching the temperature drop outside your window?
Welcome to Christmas in Lanzarote!
What is the weather like in Lanzarote at Christmas?
Let’s start with the obvious attraction: the weather.
December is winter in Lanzarote, but winter here is very different from winter in the UK. According to Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, the long-term average daytime maximum temperature at Lanzarote Airport in December is around 21.8°C, while the average minimum is approximately 15.4°C. These are climate averages, of course, rather than a guarantee of sunshine every day.
Rain is possible, and evenings can feel surprisingly cool, particularly when the wind picks up. However, Lanzarote offers a welcome escape from the cold for anyone who fancies some winter sunshine.
You might be enjoying a coffee on a sunny terrace, walking along the beach or sitting outside a restaurant while friends and family back home are reaching for their winter coats.
And yes, you can even pack your swimming costume. Some visitors happily swim in the sea in December, although Atlantic water temperatures are around 20°C on average and can feel chilly when you first get in.
Just remember to bring a light jacket, a few warmer clothes for the evenings and something suitable for the occasional cloudy day.
Does Lanzarote still feel Christmassy?
Absolutely! You might not find snow-covered streets or frozen puddles, but that doesn’t mean the island misses out on Christmas spirit.
As December approaches, towns and villages across Lanzarote begin putting up festive lights and decorations. Christmas trees appear in public squares, shops start displaying seasonal decorations, and nativity scenes become an important part of the celebrations.
Arrecife, the island’s capital, is worth visiting to enjoy the festive atmosphere, while other towns and resorts also have their own decorations, events and seasonal activities.
One of the lovely things about Christmas in Lanzarote is the contrast between the familiar and the unexpected. You can admire Christmas lights, browse for presents and enjoy a festive meal, then step outside into mild evening air.
It is still Christmas. It just comes with palm trees!
What are Christmas traditions like in Lanzarote?
Christmas in Lanzarote follows many of Spain’s traditional festive customs, which can make the experience particularly interesting for British visitors.
Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena, is an important occasion for families to gather over a special meal. Christmas Day is also celebrated, but the festive season continues well beyond 25 December.
One date worth knowing is 6 January, when Spain celebrates Three Kings’ Day, or Día de Reyes. For many Spanish children, this is one of the most exciting days of the Christmas season because it is traditionally associated with receiving presents.
In the run-up to the day, towns can host colourful Three Kings parades, known as Cabalgatas de Reyes, with music, costumes and sweets for children. Check local announcements for the dates and arrangements during your stay.
You’ll also find traditional festive foods and sweets, including turrón, a popular Spanish confection made with ingredients such as almonds and honey, and polvorones, crumbly seasonal biscuits.
Depending on where you visit, you may also come across local Christmas music, markets, nativity displays and community celebrations.
It is a wonderful opportunity to experience a different side of Lanzarote beyond the beaches and tourist resorts.
What is Christmas Day actually like for holidaymakers?
For visitors staying in one of Lanzarote’s main resorts, Christmas Day can be as relaxed or as lively as they choose to make it.
Imagine waking up without the usual rush of preparing a huge meal for a house full of guests. You could enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take a stroll along the promenade, spend time on the beach or simply relax beside the pool.
Some hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas menus or festive dining packages. Others continue with their normal menus, so it is worth checking what is available and booking ahead if you have your heart set on a particular meal.
For British visitors who cannot imagine Christmas without a roast dinner, there are establishments around the island that cater to that familiar taste of home. If you’d prefer to try something different, you can explore Spanish dishes and local Canarian specialities instead.
And if your ideal Christmas involves a drink in the sunshine, a chat with friends and a relaxed afternoon watching the world go by, you may find Lanzarote suits you perfectly.
Of course, not every business opens on Christmas Day, and opening hours can vary. Planning ahead will help you avoid disappointment.
Can you have a traditional British Christmas in Lanzarote?
You certainly don’t have to abandon your favourite traditions just because you’re spending Christmas abroad.
Many visitors look for a traditional roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings, while others are perfectly happy to swap the usual meal for seafood, tapas or a long lunch overlooking the sea.
Some families bring a few Christmas decorations, exchange presents in their accommodation and watch their favourite festive films. Others decide that their Christmas present to themselves is the freedom to do absolutely nothing.
There is no single right way to celebrate.
If you are travelling with children, you can still create those special Christmas morning memories. If you are travelling as a couple, it might be an opportunity to enjoy a peaceful festive escape. And if you are visiting friends or family who live on the island, you could discover a new way of celebrating together.
The secret is to decide which traditions really matter to you and find ways to keep them, even if the surroundings are different.
Where should you stay for Christmas in Lanzarote?
The best place to stay depends on the kind of Christmas you want.
Puerto del Carmen is a good option for visitors who enjoy a lively resort atmosphere, a long seafront promenade, plenty of restaurants and bars, and the freedom to head out for an evening without travelling far.
Playa Blanca may appeal to families and couples looking for attractive waterfront areas, beaches, restaurants and opportunities for relaxed evening strolls.
Costa Teguise offers beaches, restaurants and a holiday atmosphere, with plenty to explore during the day.
If you prefer somewhere quieter, consider accommodation in smaller villages or rural parts of the island. You may find a more peaceful setting, although you’ll need to check transport options and how far you’ll be from restaurants and other facilities.
Wherever you choose, remember that Christmas is a popular holiday period in Lanzarote. Flights and accommodation can be in high demand, so booking early is sensible, particularly if you have specific dates or a particular type of accommodation in mind.
Is Christmas in Lanzarote expensive?
It can be, especially if you leave everything until the last minute.
Christmas and New Year are popular travel periods, so flights and accommodation may cost more than they do during quieter weeks. Restaurants offering special festive menus may also charge different prices from their usual menus.
On the other hand, you can make your trip as simple or as luxurious as you like.
A self-catering apartment, supermarket shopping, beach walks and exploring the island independently may help keep costs under control. If you’d rather have someone else take care of everything, an all-inclusive hotel or a festive package could be more convenient.
Our advice? Compare the full cost of your holiday, including flights, baggage, transfers, meals and any Christmas Day extras. You may be surprised by how the figures compare with staying at home and organising a traditional Christmas there.
What are the downsides of spending Christmas in the sun?
As tempting as it sounds, Christmas in Lanzarote won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
Some people love the cold-weather traditions: wrapping up for a winter walk, sitting beside a fire, seeing the family gathered around their own Christmas tree and waking up in their familiar home.
If Christmas is all about being surrounded by extended family, travelling abroad may mean missing some of those moments. Flights can also be disrupted, and travelling over the festive period requires a little extra planning.
And although Lanzarote is known for its mild climate, you shouldn’t expect guaranteed beach weather every single day. December can bring wind, cloud and rain, and temperatures drop after sunset.
There is also the question of whether the island will feel like Christmas to you. Some visitors love the novelty of celebrating somewhere different, while others find that they miss the atmosphere and familiar routines of home.
Neither reaction is wrong. It simply depends on what makes Christmas special for you.
Could Christmas in Lanzarote become your new tradition?
Perhaps the most interesting thing about spending Christmas in the sun is that it makes you think about what the festive season really means.
Is it the weather, the decorations, the presents and the food? Or is it having time to relax, spending time with the people you love and creating memories together?
For some people, a Christmas holiday in Lanzarote is a one-off adventure. For others, it becomes an annual escape from the winter weather.
You could spend Christmas Day beside the sea, explore the volcanic landscapes, enjoy a leisurely lunch, watch the sunset and finish the evening with a festive drink. The following day, you could head out to discover another part of the island instead of spending the afternoon recovering from a mountain of washing-up.
And while you might miss certain traditions from home, you could create new ones that become just as meaningful.
So, would you consider Christmas in the sun?
Christmas in Lanzarote offers a different kind of festive experience: mild temperatures, outdoor living, beaches, local Spanish traditions and the chance to enjoy the holiday season at a slower pace.
It isn’t a guaranteed escape from every winter shower, and it won’t replace the familiar comforts of home for everyone. But if you fancy doing something different this year, it could be an opportunity to make Christmas memorable for all the right reasons.
Perhaps you don’t need snow to make Christmas magical. Perhaps all you need is a little sunshine, good food, the people you love and a view of the Atlantic.
Now we’d love to know: could you imagine spending Christmas in Lanzarote?
Would you happily swap the cold weather for a Christmas dinner in the sunshine, or is Christmas simply not Christmas without the traditional winter atmosphere back home?
Tell us what you think!
