Canary Islands Christmas holidays: Where to eat Xmas dinner

When travelling to one of the islands for a Canary Islands Christmas it is worth researching the local traditions for this time of year. For example, the major Spanish bank holiday, Reyes, which celebrates the three kings, marks the time when families exchange gifts. This is held on January 6th, epiphany, weeks after the rest of Europe exchanges gifts. Other more minor traditions include visiting local nativity scenes located in town plazas (or in the case of Gran Canaria you can find one on Las Canteras beach), eating roasted chestnuts while Christmas shopping and dancing the night away at traditional dances.

Tenerife over Christmas is made extra special thanks to the stunning weather and scenery. If you need somewhere to stay for your Tenerife Christmas holidays, then the Royal Hideaway Corales Beach can offer you a Christmas in paradise, with both an adults-only and family resort tailor-made to suit your preferences. 

Picture spending Christmas Day surrounded by the lush ocean waters of La Caleta beach with spectacular views of La Gomera. Located just 2.7 kilometres from the popular Plaza del Duque shopping centre, enjoy some last-minute Christmas shopping and treat your loved ones over the festive period. Here are some of our top picks of where to feast for a Christmas lunch in Tenerife during your Canary Islands Christmas holidays.

You could be enjoying your Christmas dinner food coma sitting in front of old reruns, but we have a better plan. Sleep off the extra helping of turkey with a siesta on the beach. To ensure you are just a stone’s throw from the ideal napping spot we have compiled a list of our top tips for eating a delicious Christmas feast in Tenerife. Dine like royalty at the Drago Buffet restaurant with glamorous decor and frontline sea views, located in one of the best hotels in Tenerife for Christmas, the Barceló Tenerife Royal Level. This is one of the newest dining spots on the island and it has earned a reputation amongst foodies for its delicious sustainable, international and Km 0 meals.

Enjoy a classic Christmas dinner on the big day. And once you’ve had your fix of traditional British Christmas fare, don’t forget to indulge in some classic local dishes. The best places to eat in Tenerife are the fascinating guachinches, typical spots that serve local wine and locally sourced food (often without a menu). They can only open for up to four months a year, or until their wine has run out, but the festive season is the perfect time to visit, not long after the grape harvest. Toast an alternative Christmas in one of these quirky spots.

Let the festivities begin and enjoy your beach Christmas celebrations on the beautiful island of Gran Canaria. If you need a hotel for your Canary Islands Christmas holidays, why not check out the all-inclusive and family-friendly Barceló Margaritas? With the hotel hosting exclusive Christmas and New Year’s Eve gala experiences, there is no better place to enjoy a magical Christmas getaway. Then check out where you can indulge in a classic Christmas dinner in Gran Canaria, when you’re not busy exploring the island or tasting the delicious local seafood. Can you imagine anything better than feasting on a Christmas dinner whilst admiring the sunset? Head to the south of the island and find a table in one of the local restaurants. Taste Mesón in Mogan is set in an idyllic beachfront setting with stunning views over the beach and harbour. If a traditional feast is what you are after, Agua Lounge Bar in Meloneras is a top choice. Or, for vegan and veggie options, Henry’s Bar in Puerto Rico is a must. As the sun goes down, indulge yourself with the seasonal plates on offer. Canarians love wine, including champagnes and cava, so there’s plenty to choose from if you fancy a Christmas tipple.

Who needs a white Christmas when you can spend the festive season in an island paradise? Barceló Teguise Beach is the perfect choice for Christmas sun, set in an unparalleled location right on the oceanfront in Costa Teguise, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Lanzarote. Celebrate the Christmas and New Year’s Eve periods with the hotel’s gala experiences and enjoy a holiday to remember. Here are a couple of ideas for places to enjoy a classic Christmas meal in Lanzarote. Situated in the Old Town Harbour in Puerto del Carmen, Bodega Jose Carvery offers a dreamy traditional roast dinner.

The Good Old Days Bar & Kitchen is another spot in Puerto del Carmen that offers a mouth-watering festive menu too. Enjoy a traditional turkey roast served with all the classic Christmas trimmings, turkey and cranberry spring rolls, Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, and plenty more culinary delights. Booking for this hotspot is essential so get your table booked in to avoid disappointment. Yet, if you fancy a spot of upmarket dining, head straight to Tías and reserve a table at Casa Cabana Steak House. The fresh and modern decor combined with the mouth-watering dishes will be a real holiday highlight and provide a stylish end to the year.

In the Canary Islands, just like in our home countries, most places will be shut on the 25th of December. This means, if you want to go out for a Christmas meal, you should always book in advance. Christmas in Corralejo Fuerteventura is no different. Luckily the beach is always open! The biggest celebration here is actually on the night of the 24th, which is known as ‘nochebuena’, so if you really want to get into the local spirit of things, book to go out for a big seafood supper late in the evening on the 24th at a restaurant that’s popular with locals. Or, if you just want to hide away from the festivities and not have to lift a finger, Fuerteventura has some wonderful all-inclusive hotels to choose from for your Canary Islands Christmas holidays. Simply choose where you want to spend Christmas by the beach, switch your mobile to aeroplane mode and dial the number for room service. Merry Christmas! 

Sometimes breaking with tradition can be a good thing. If you are thinking of spending time in the Canary Islands over Christmas there are plenty of options to suit all kinds of travellers. Those who want a taste of home will love Tenerife’s southern coast with its strong British influence and idyllic beaches. If adventure is what you are after then Lanzarote’s lunar-style volcanic landscapes could not be further from the typical white Christmas of storybooks. In Fuerteventura, you can still enjoy a white Christmas on the picturesque beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. So, it may not be Xmas as we know it but there are worse ways to spend the holidays than topping up your sun-tan under the warm Canarian. Are you ready to book your Canary Islands Christmas holidays?