On Thursday, 23 November, Santa Cruz de Tenerife will come alive with the extraordinary switching on of its Christmas lights, marking the start of a vast array of activities for the Christmas and Epiphany season.
The festive lights will be illuminated at 19.00 hours, accompanied by a musical event at Plaza del Príncipe. The evening will feature performances by renowned artists from the Islands, including Jadel, Claritzel, Chago Melián, Tamara, Mario Falero from La Voz Kids, and the Virgen del Mar school choir, all partaking in the Christmas Classics show.
A first-time addition this year is the illumination of the entire Rambla, extending from the municipal swimming pool to the Comandancia de Marina. This will include colourful light ceilings and a special photocall area.
The installation involves over two million LED bulbs, amounting to a cost of 1,200,000 euros. The Christmas setup will progressively reach all municipal districts by the first week of December.
For the little ones, there’s a special treat: a Children’s New Year’s Eve celebration on 31 December at Plaza de la Candelaria. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can enjoy a range of activities. The programme also includes the traditional Living Nativity Scene, this year even larger, inaugurating on 12 December at Plaza de la Candelaria.
The festivities commence with the lighting ceremony and will continue with musical and sports events, exhibitions, and street markets, culminating in the eagerly awaited arrival of the Three Kings on 5 January.
The schedule is packed with family concerts, theatre, exhibitions, storytelling, children’s workshops, and visits from Santa Claus. Folk bands and musical groups will perform Christmas carols, adding to the festive spirit in the streets of Santa Cruz.
The Christmas Market, open from 15th December to 6th January from 10.00 to 22.00 hours at Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena, will offer Christmas and craft products. The Gastro Navidad Market Fest, from 16 December to 6 January, combines gastronomy and music with a rich programme of concerts and food stands.
Black Week Santa Cruz, from 23 to 27 November, promises special discounts in retail across the five districts. This will be accompanied by a range of activities starting with Plenilunio on 1, 2, and 3 December, including guided tours, craft workshops, and Carnival group performances.
The full programme for the Christmas and Epiphany festivities 2023-2024 can be found at fiestasdesantacruz.com.
