For its many charms and its warmth as a travel destination, Lanzarote is the ideal place to spend Christmas. If you are planning a visit to Lanzarote in Christmas, we suggest you include the next six ideas to make your Christmas holidays warm and unforgettable.
Top 6 things to do at Christmas in the Island of Fire
1. Visit a traditional nativity scene
If you don’t know much about spanish culture, the popular tradition of recreating a nativity scene (a Belén) with figurines representing the birth of Jesus, might just interest you. Particularly captivating for children, they will have fun playing with the figurines and also painting the scene and decorating it with paper, cardboard and other materials.
In the art and craft of nativity scenes there are also those on exhibit in different locations around Lanzarote, often for charity purposes. There are some spectacular nativity scenes well worth visiting, like these:
Nativity scene in Yaiza
Yaiza, located to the north of Lanzarote, has an incredible nativity scene visited by many people every year. The most emblematic locations of this village of white houses and of the island of Lanzarote are recreated in small scale. This 23 metre long nativity scene will make you feel like you are travelling through a miniature island. Don’t miss it!
Nativity scene in Tinajo
Most nativity scenes are rather small in size but in the west coast village of Tinajo, and set by the San Roque church, the nativity scene is life-sized. It’s very impressive to see this living belén, with locals playing the parts and even some animals like little goats and chickens. As real as it gets!
Nativity scene in Haría
Located in the Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees, the village of Haría is a mandatory stop for everyone visiting Lanzarote. If the charm of the little white houses was not enough, in Christmas the locality becomes more magical even, thanks to the special lighting and its traditional nativity scene, which is recreated in all detail.
2. Experience the Epiphany night
In the Canary Islands, just like the rest of Spain, Christmas does not end the 25th of December: tradition dictates the Three Kings to visit all houses during the Epiphany, the night of the 5th into the 6th of January, and leave presents to young and not so young. If they want their wishes to become true, kids will have to write a letter to their Majesties and post it in the mail or deliver it personally at the parade!
If you have the chance to be on the island during the eve of the Three Kings Night, you’d be delighted to see the thrill in the eyes of the children of the island, excitedly waiting for their presents. It is worth highlighting: in Timanfaya National Park, at the resting place for the camels, kids can have their letters delivered to the Three Kings, who will come and visit. According to christian tradition, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar travelled to Bethlehem by camel!
3. Go to the beach!
It may not be your typical Christmas tradition, but many Canarians love going to the beach in Christmas and New Year. The fantastic temperatures of the Canary Islands in December and January are an open invitation to dive into the ocean, 21º C on average!
If you are in Lanzarote for Christmas you may very well be tempted to visit one of the many beaches of the island, sunbathe and go for an invigorating swim to welcome the new year in the most delightful fashion. Some of the favourites include Papagayo, Caletón Blanco and El Jabillo. In Lanzarote, the snowman is built with sand!
4. Eat the Twelve Grapes of Luck
New Year’s Eve is celebrated everywhere, but Lanzarote has an advantage over other places: you won’t be wearing heavy clothes or overcoats, it is never that cold. So come spend your warmest New Year’s Eve celebrating a tradition that keeps every spaniard on their toes: the night of the 31st of December, at midnight, you will have to eat twelve grapes, one for each month of the year, one with each toll of the bell.
In Arrecife, the square at the San Ginés Obispo church is in charge of welcoming the new year. People flock there by the hundreds with their grapes and their party hats. Many municipalities, hotels, resorts and nightclubs offer parties during that night, but the joy is shared by everyone, everywhere.
5. Spend an evening out at Los Jameos
The Jameos del Agua, designed by local artist César Manrique, is where Christmas becomes friendly and welcoming thanks to the concerts that take place inside this lovely volcanic cave. So take advantage of the opportunity and spend a fabulous evening dining at Los Jameos while attending a Christmas concert.
Lanzarote Experience Tours offers you a guided excursion at the Jameos del Agua, including an optional dinner, an Evening out at the Jameos del Agua. Come visit this romantic location with us!
6. Visit a traditional flea market
Why not make the most of your visit to Lanzarote and have a Christmas gift that’s beautiful and original? At the traditional flea markets of the island you’ll be able to pick from a variety of handcrafted products and goodies to gift and surprise your loved ones.
The flea market in Teguise is one of the most remarkable in Lanzarote, and makes for a great place for a walk during Christmas, you can observe the market, the stands and the products, you can listen to music and have a bite. You can buy some traditional Canarian food and drink, leather goods, baskets, trinkets, ceramics and pottery, and many more things found at this flea market that would make a very special gift. The market opens on sundays 09:00 to 14:00.
