Tenerife in Early December: Add Sunshine and Scenery to your Holiday Sparkle

For many of us in the United States, December typically conjures images of frosty windows, warm coats, and holiday shopping stress. But this year, picture a place where the beginning of winter means warm breezes, empty beaches, and enough twinkling lights to keep things festive without going full Santa overload. Welcome to the Spanish island of Tenerife – your secret slice of wintertime sun.

Tenerife isn’t your typical island getaway. It boasts a vibrant mix of volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and lively Spanish culture under the Canary Island sunshine. While you might not find a traditional holiday ambiance, it’s not short on charm in December. Christmas lights begin to twinkle, festive markets pop up like magical mirages, and you can still feel the holiday spirit. It’s the sweet spot: warm enough for beach days, cool enough for mulled wine, and quiet enough that you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret. Book your trip right, and you’ll get all this goodness before the holiday crowds arrive en masse. Here are some options for making your visit special:

Trade Snowflakes for Starlight at Teide National Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking on the moon (without needing a spacesuit), Teide National Park is a dream come true. The air is crisp, the skies are crystal clear for the perfect Instagram shots, and the silence of the volcanic landscape feels almost sacred.

Book a Teide National Park Tour to truly soak in surreal rock formations, vast lava fields, and Spain’s highest peak, all without jostling for space with summer visitors. It’s peaceful, it’s picturesque, and it’s downright otherworldly.

Sip, Stroll, and Savor along the Northern Coast

Dive into the cultural heart of Tenerife and unveil old-world charm amongst the cobblestoned streets of local towns. Embark on a quest to the northern coast and stop at charming spots like Garachico and Icod de los Vinos. In your leisure time, take yourself wine tasting where it’s made, nibble on holiday treats from early Christmas markets, and take in views of traditional Canarian architecture – all with no crowds and zero rush. Early December is also the tail end of wine harvest season, so the cellars are stocked, the winemakers are relaxed, and you’ll get to savor the good stuff with fewer elbows at the tasting table.

You deserve a different kind of December. This year, trade sleigh bells for sea breeze –  learn more about Tenerife and other Spain resources with our Destination Guide!

Contact your favorite Travel Advisor to book!