Christmas and New Year in Lanzarote

For those of us lucky enough to call Lanzarote home, Christmas and New Year here feel truly special. While much of Europe is wrapped up against the winter chill, we are treated to gentle sunshine, clear blue skies and daytime temperatures that hover comfortably between 20 and 22 degrees.

Here, the festive season blends authentic Spanish and Canarian traditions with the relaxed spirit of our resorts. Whether you fancy a peaceful family Christmas by the pool, a joyful New Year's Eve beneath a sky full of stars, or the magic of watching the Three Kings parade through our towns, Lanzarote offers something for everyone. It is a time of year that always feels both welcoming and a little bit magical.

It is easy to see why so many people are drawn to Lanzarote at Christmas. Here, we trade in grey skies and chilly weather for gentle sunshine and a real sense of celebration. The island comes alive with festive lights, nativity scenes in the town squares and churches, and the unique Spanish traditions that make this time of year so special. Resorts join in the festivities with their own entertainment, gala dinners and themed evenings, so there is always something to enjoy.

From around December 20th through to January 6th, Lanzarote is at its busiest. This is when the island truly fills up, with visitors arriving from all over Europe to enjoy the festive season. Flights and accommodation are in high demand, and many of the most popular hotels and apartments are booked well in advance. If you are thinking about spending Christmas or New Year here, our best advice is to plan ahead and secure your flights and accommodation by September if you can. Waiting until November often means fewer choices and higher prices.

The highest prices are usually between December 20th and January 6th, but if your plans are flexible, it is worth considering a visit just before or after these dates. Early December or the second week of January can offer much better value, and you will still enjoy the lovely Lanzarote weather.

Christmas in Spain has its own gentle rhythm, quite different from what many British, Irish or northern European visitors might be used to. Taking a little time to get to know the local traditions can really enrich your experience here on Lanzarote, and it also helps with planning meals and knowing when shops and restaurants are likely to be open.

Belens (Nativity Scenes) In Lanzarote

Every Christmas, Lanzarote is transformed by the arrival of Belénes, the beautifully detailed nativity scenes that are such a cherished part of the festive season here in the Canary Islands. You will spot them in churches, town squares and even in private homes across the island. The Belén de Yaiza is perhaps the most well-known, a lovingly handcrafted display that becomes the heart of the village each December. What I love about the Lanzarote belenes is how they often go far beyond the usual stable scene.

Local families and communities create miniature Canarian villages, complete with volcanic landscapes, whitewashed houses, camels and cactus gardens, weaving the biblical story into the everyday life of the island. Teguise, Arrecife and Haría all have their own impressive displays, but I always recommend taking a look inside the smaller village churches too. Often, you will find a beautifully detailed scene lovingly put together by neighbours and friends. The belenes usually appear in early December and remain in place until at least Three Kings Day on January 6th, which is actually the main day for gift-giving here, rather than Christmas Day itself.

Christmas Eve Celebrations (24th December)

The heart of the Christmas celebration here is Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena as it is called. This is when families gather for their main festive meal, which usually begins late in the evening, often around 9 or 10, just as you would expect in Spain. The meal is a long, sociable affair, all about sharing good food and company. In the Canary Islands, seafood takes centre stage, with prawns, lobster, clams and fresh fish often making an appearance. You will also find roast lamb or suckling pig on some tables, especially in restaurants that cater to mainland traditions. For dessert, turron is almost always served – a delicious almond and honey nougat that comes in both hard and soft varieties. Polvorones, those melt-in-the-mouth almond shortbreads, are another favourite, along with marzipan figures and mantecados to round off the meal.

After dinner, many families make their way to Midnight Mass, known as Misa del Gallo, with churches in Arrecife, Teguise, Yaiza and all over the island opening their doors. Even if you are not religious, there is something truly special about the atmosphere in a Canarian church on Christmas Eve, filled with music, candlelight and a real sense of community.

Christmas Day here is a much quieter affair than you might find in the UK. There is no rush to open presents first thing in the morning. Instead, families usually gather for a relaxed lunch, often enjoying leftovers from the generous Nochebuena meal. The whole day has a gentle, unhurried feel. For visitors, Christmas Day in Lanzarote is peaceful, with some restaurants and shops closing for the day, as most of the excitement has already taken place the night before.

A uniquely Spanish tradition takes place on December 22nd: El Gordo, the Spanish Christmas Lottery. It is the biggest lottery in the world by total prize money, and the draw is broadcast live on television for hours, with children from Madrid’s San Ildefonso school singing out the numbers – a tradition that has lasted for generations. Here in Lanzarote, you will see bars and cafes tuned in to the draw, and locals often buy tickets or shares of tickets, called decimos, well in advance. The excitement on the day is infectious, and when a winning number is announced, whole towns celebrate together. Even if you are just visiting, it is a wonderful thing to experience.

If you are lucky enough to be here in early January, you will experience one of the most special times of the year. The highlight of the Spanish Christmas season is January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany. On Lanzarote, as in the rest of Spain, children wait for this day with great excitement, as it is when they receive their presents. Here, the gifts come from the Three Kings: Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar. While Santa Claus has become more common in recent years, especially in the resorts and with younger families, the Three Kings remain at the heart of Christmas for most local families.

The real magic starts on the evening of January 5th. Every town and village on Lanzarote, no matter how small, comes to life with the Cabalgata de Reyes, the Three Kings parade. The biggest and most colourful parade is in Arrecife, where the kings and their lively group travel through the streets on beautifully decorated floats. There is music, dancing and plenty of costumes, but for the children, the best part is always the shower of sweets thrown into the crowds. Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca each have their own parades as well. These are smaller but just as joyful. It is a lovely sight to see children lining the pavements with bags, hoping to catch as many sweets as possible. The whole evening is full of excitement and a real sense of community.

On the morning of January 6th, children wake up early, their excitement filling every corner of the house as they open their presents. No Epiphany celebration here would be complete without a Roscon de Reyes. This is a soft, ring-shaped cake, decorated with jewel-like candied fruit and often filled with cream. Hidden inside are two surprises: a tiny figurine, which brings good luck and the honour of being king or queen for the day, and a dried bean, which means you will be buying next year’s cake. In the days before the holiday, local bakeries fill their windows with these colourful cakes, and if you get the chance, I really recommend trying one.

January 6th is a public holiday here, just like Christmas Day, so most shops and businesses will be closed. It is worth planning your shopping and outings ahead of time.

This is what brings so many people here each winter. While London shivers at around 7 degrees in late December and Manchester rarely gets above 5, Lanzarote enjoys a gentle warmth, with daytime temperatures usually between 20 and 22 degrees. Most days are blessed with six or seven hours of sunshine, enough to lift anyone’s spirits. The UV is not as fierce as in summer, but it is still strong enough to surprise you, so a bit of suncream is always a good idea.

As the sun sets, the evenings settle into a pleasantly cool 14 to 16 degrees, which feels refreshing after a day in the sun. If you are planning to dine outdoors or enjoy a drink on a terrace, a light jacket or a long-sleeved top is usually enough. If you are heading inland or up into the hills around La Geria, Teguise or the northern cliffs, it can feel a touch cooler, especially if the wind decides to make an appearance.

Rain is always a possibility, but it is rarely a problem. December is technically one of Lanzarote’s wetter months, but that is all relative. Over a fortnight, you might see a shower or two, usually brief and often gone as quickly as they arrive. All-day rain is very unusual here. More often than not, the clouds clear and the sunshine returns before you have even finished your coffee.

The sea hovers around 18 to 19 degrees in late December, which is surprisingly pleasant if you are used to anything other than tropical waters. Many people swim every day over Christmas, and once you are in, it feels absolutely fine. Most hotel pools are unheated and tend to be a similar temperature to the sea, or perhaps a little cooler. Some of the bigger hotels do offer heated pools, so it is worth checking if a warm swim is important to you.

For packing, think light summer clothes for the daytime, with a pair of long trousers and a couple of warmer layers for the evenings. It is always wise to bring something waterproof, just in case, but you can safely leave the heavy winter gear at home.

Here on Lanzarote, New Year's Eve, or Nochevieja, is all about the tradition of las doce uvas de la suerte, the twelve grapes of luck. As the clock strikes midnight, everyone gathers to eat one grape for each chime. It sounds simple, but the chimes come quickly and trying to keep up, laughing with friends and family, is always a highlight of the night. Each grape is said to bring good luck for a month of the year ahead. Local supermarkets make it easy by selling little tins of twelve peeled, seedless grapes just for this special moment.

If you want to experience the island’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration, head to Arrecife’s Plaza de la Constitución, just beside the church of San Gines. The square fills with music, laughter and anticipation as a stage hosts live bands or a DJ, and everyone gathers for the midnight grape countdown. Fireworks light up the harbour, and the whole city seems to join in the festivities. It’s a wonderful atmosphere, and you’ll notice that locals like to dress up for the occasion, so it’s a good excuse to put on something a little special – but make sure you’re comfortable enough to dance and enjoy the night.

In the resort areas, celebrations have their own unique flavour. In Puerto del Carmen, Avenida de las Playas buzzes with people drifting between bars and restaurants, many of which offer live music, DJs and special events for the night. The excitement builds as midnight approaches, and you can watch fireworks burst over the beach and harbour. Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca each have their own smaller but lively gatherings, perfect if you prefer a more relaxed but still festive atmosphere.

Many visitors and locals alike enjoy ringing in the New Year with a hotel gala dinner. These evenings usually include a multi-course meal, entertainment, drinks and, of course, the traditional grape ceremony at midnight. Prices vary, but expect to pay between 50 and 100 euros per person, with some of the more luxurious hotels charging a bit more. These dinners are very popular and tend to fill up quickly, so it’s wise to mention your interest when booking your hotel and confirm your spot as soon as you can. Some hotels include the gala dinner as part of their New Year’s Eve package for all guests.

Midnight on Lanzarote is always a treat, though it is a little different from the big city spectacles you might know. Here, you will not find a perfectly choreographed show set to music, but instead a wonderful patchwork of fireworks lighting up the sky all across the island. It is a tradition that feels uniquely Lanzarote, and for many of us who call the island home, it is every bit as magical.

The biggest displays take place in Arrecife, where fireworks burst over the harbour by the Charco de San Gines, as well as in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise. But what makes New Year’s Eve here so special is that almost everyone joins in. Hotels, villas and private gatherings all add their own fireworks to the mix, so at midnight the whole island sparkles. If you find yourself on a rooftop or a hillside, you can watch bursts of colour appearing in every direction over the volcanic landscape. It is a sight that stays with you.

If you want the best view of the main displays, head down to the harbour areas in each resort. These are always lively spots, especially in Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen, where locals and visitors gather early to find a good place to watch the show. The old town harbour in Puerto del Carmen is a favourite for many.

If you are hoping to enjoy a special meal out during the festive season, it is a good idea to book your table well in advance for the main dates. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve are all very popular, and the most sought-after restaurants often fill up quickly, sometimes weeks ahead. By reserving early, you can simply look forward to your meal and soak up the holiday atmosphere, without any last-minute stress.

Many restaurants put together special set menus for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. These are usually fixed price, starting from around 30 euros per person at a relaxed, welcoming place, and rising to 80 euros or more at the more elegant venues. You can usually look forward to several courses, often featuring some excellent seafood, and sometimes wine or cava is included. It is always worth asking what is included when you book, so you know exactly what to expect.

Christmas Day can be a little more challenging, as quite a few restaurants close completely. Those that do open usually offer a set lunch menu. You will find that restaurants in the main resort areas, which cater mostly to visitors, are more likely to be open than the local favourites in towns like Arrecife, Teguise or Yaiza.

For the rest of the festive period, from December 26th through to the 30th and again from January 2nd onwards, it is still wise to book ahead if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, but it is usually less urgent. Most places will have space if you give a day or two's notice, or if you arrive early in the evening.

The best approach is to start looking at restaurants as soon as your travel dates are set, and get in touch to reserve your tables. It is much easier to organise before you arrive on the island, and it means you can relax and look forward to your meals.

Boxing Day, which many British visitors look forward to, is not celebrated here in Spain. Instead, December 26th is a regular working day, so you will find shops, supermarkets and businesses open as usual. This can be quite handy if you need to pick up a few essentials after Christmas Day.

On Christmas Eve, most shops and supermarkets open in the morning but tend to close early in the afternoon, often by 2 or 3pm, as everyone heads home to spend time with family. Christmas Day itself is a true public holiday here, with almost everything closed. You might find a few hotel restaurants and bars open in the main resort areas, but local shops, supermarkets and most restaurants will be shut. It is always a good idea to stock up on anything you might need by lunchtime on Christmas Eve.

New Year's Eve follows much the same pattern as Christmas Eve, with shops and supermarkets open in the morning and closing early in the afternoon. On New Year's Day, which is also a public holiday, you may find some supermarkets opening for a few hours later in the day, but it is best not to rely on it.

January 6th is Three Kings Day, a very special public holiday here, and you can expect most places to be closed, just as they are on Christmas Day.

Many of Lanzarote’s main attractions, such as Timanfaya National Park, the Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes and the Cactus Garden, have special opening hours over the festive period. Some may close on public holidays, while others might open for just a few hours. It is always worth checking the CACT website or asking at your hotel reception for the latest information, as opening times can change. It is best not to assume everything will be open as usual.

Pharmacies here work on a rota system during public holidays, so there will always be at least one open in each area. If you need to find out which pharmacy is on duty, your hotel reception will be able to help.

The festive season is a special time here on Lanzarote, when the island comes alive with extra entertainment and a real sense of celebration. Many of the resort hotels put on their most impressive programmes of the year, with themed shows, live music, activities for children, poolside parties and elegant gala evenings. If you are staying in one of the larger hotels, it is well worth checking the entertainment schedule when you arrive, as some places invite special performers just for the Christmas and New Year period.

If you are looking for lively evenings, Puerto del Carmen’s Avenida de las Playas is always at its busiest during the festive period. Bars along the strip host live music most nights, with everything from solo singers to duos and cover bands creating a cheerful atmosphere. The quality can vary, but the mood is always upbeat and welcoming. New Year’s Eve is the highlight, but you will find plenty happening on any night between Christmas and the start of January.

Costa Teguise offers a smaller but lively bar scene, with most of the action centred around the Pueblo Marinero and the nearby commercial centres. In Playa Blanca, you will find the evening atmosphere focused around the marina at Rubicon and the heart of the town, where there is always a relaxed and friendly vibe.
If you are drawn to more traditional celebrations, several local churches hold carol concerts and special musical services at this time of year. The church of San Gines in Arrecife and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Teguise often host beautiful seasonal events. Teguise, with its charming old town and historic buildings, feels especially magical during the festive season.

You will also notice more street performers and musicians bringing extra life to the resort areas over Christmas. In the days leading up to the holiday, small markets sometimes appear, offering local crafts and produce. While Lanzarote does not have the grand Christmas markets you might find in Germany or Austria, there is still a lovely festive spirit to enjoy.

There’s a wonderful energy on Lanzarote during the festive season, and it’s worth planning ahead when it comes to getting around. Taxis are especially popular on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and after midnight on New Year’s, you may find yourself waiting quite a while for a lift, if you can find one at all. If you’re staying in one of the resorts, I always recommend a gentle stroll to your celebrations, as most places are just a pleasant walk away. If you’re heading a bit further afield, it’s wise to arrange transport through your hotel or book a taxi in advance, so your evening stays relaxed and enjoyable.

Taxi fares do go up a little on public holidays and during the late hours, from 10pm to 6am. This is quite normal across the Canary Islands, so it’s just something to keep in mind as you plan your evening.

If you’re thinking about hiring a car, it’s best to book as early as possible. Cars tend to get snapped up quickly over Christmas and New Year, and prices usually creep up as the holidays get closer. I always suggest arranging your hire car when you book your flights, as it gives you peace of mind. All the main car hire companies are based at Arrecife airport and in the main resorts, so you’ll have plenty of options.

Getting to and from the airport can be a bit more challenging on the busiest travel days, like December 23rd and 24th, New Year’s Eve and Day, and the first week of January. I always recommend pre-booking your transfer through your tour operator, hotel, or a private company, as taxis at the airport can be in short supply and the waits can be long on these dates.

Public buses, including Arrecife Bus and the intercity routes, run less often on public holidays. It’s always worth checking the Intercity Bus Lanzarote website for the latest holiday timetables. Buses between the resorts and main attractions still run, just not quite as frequently as usual.

The festive season is always a busy time here on Lanzarote, with visitors keen to enjoy the island’s winter sunshine. Over the years, we’ve found that a little forward planning goes a long way, so here’s a friendly timeline to help you make the most of your holiday.

Aim to have your flights and accommodation sorted by September if you can. This way, you’ll have the pick of the best places to stay and often find better prices too.

If you’re planning to enjoy a hotel gala dinner on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, it’s wise to confirm your booking by October.

November is a good time to reserve your favourite restaurants for those special festive evenings—Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve are always in high demand.

Many of the larger resort hotels ask for a minimum stay of five to seven nights over Christmas and New Year, so it’s worth checking the booking details before you confirm.

If you like the peace of mind that comes with a package holiday, it’s best to start looking in spring or early summer, as Christmas deals tend to get snapped up quickly.

Travel insurance is always a good idea, but it’s especially important at this time of year. It’s worth making sure your policy covers the full value of your Christmas bookings, just in case plans change.

A final tip for those self-catering: we always recommend doing your main supermarket shop on December 23rd. By Christmas Eve afternoon, the shelves can look a little bare and shops tend to close early. The same goes for New Year’s Eve, so it’s best to stock up the day before.