New Christmas Eve parade to bring festive magic to Tenerife

A brand-new Father Christmas parade is coming to Tenerife this Christmas Eve, bringing an additional festive attraction for families, residents and visitors to the island.

The event will take place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on 24th December 2026, and will be the first time the capital has organised a dedicated parade centred around Father Christmas.

The announcement was made by the city's councillor responsible for festivities, Javier Caraballero, as part of plans to expand the Christmas programme and attract more people to the capital during the festive season.

A new Christmas Eve attraction

The parade is expected to be particularly popular with families and children, offering another opportunity to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in Tenerife.

Although the event has been confirmed, the exact route and starting time have not yet been announced. Further details are expected to be released as the festive programme is finalised.

The new parade will complement the city's existing Christmas attractions, including its festive lights, seasonal activities and traditional Three Kings celebrations in January.

It is also hoped that the additional event will encourage more visitors into Santa Cruz, providing a boost for local shops, restaurants and hospitality businesses during the Christmas period.

Christmas celebrations begin in November

The festive season in Santa Cruz will officially get under way on 19th November, when the city's Christmas lights are scheduled to be switched on.

A programme of activities will follow throughout December, leading up to Christmas Eve and continuing into the New Year.

One of the biggest events will remain the traditional arrival of the Three Kings, scheduled for 5th January 2027 at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, followed by the annual parade through the streets of Santa Cruz.

More funding for festive events

The new Father Christmas parade forms part of a wider expansion of the city's celebrations.

The council's festivities department has received a budget increase of approximately €500,000 compared with last year, providing additional funding for its overall programme of events.

The increase covers the department's wider activities and is not solely allocated to the new Christmas parade.

For those spending Christmas in Tenerife, the expanded programme will provide another reason to visit the capital and enjoy its seasonal atmosphere.

Further information about the Christmas Eve parade, including its route and timings, will be announced closer to the event.