For five magical years, the house of Montse and Alfonso in the Acorán neighbourhood of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has brought Christmas to life, captivating both children and adults. This year, however, marks the end of this beloved tradition, as the couple has announced that their iconic Christmas decorations will shine for the last time.
A Magical Experience for All Ages
When four-year-old Hugo steps into Montse and Alfonso’s house, his reaction mirrors that of every child who has crossed its threshold. His face lights up with joy as he takes in a wonderland filled with Santa Claus, reindeer, gnomes, and even a plane. The house, transformed into a holiday spectacle, serves as a dreamland for children and a nostalgic journey for adults. Montse explains, “The children are mesmerised, and many adults shed a tear, remembering their own Christmases.”
Since Thursday, the townhouse has been welcoming visitors to enjoy its intricate decorations, where every detail has been carefully planned. Montse, a former furniture worker and decorator, reveals that most materials were sourced from small shops across Tenerife. The centrepiece this year is a giant Christmas tree adorned with oversized presents in the garden. Surrounding it are flying figures, a slide emerging from an upstairs window, a sleigh pulled by reindeer, and a dedicated space for gnomes. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by Santa’s plane, three snowmen, and two letterboxes—for Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men.
Months of Preparation
Alfonso, a retired teacher, shares the immense effort involved in creating this magical experience. “Since February, we’ve been collecting materials, and the set-up began in October,” he says. Montse adds, “It’s a lot of work, and we’re not getting any younger.” After five years, the couple has decided that this will be their final Christmas display. On 6 January, as the Three Wise Men return to the East, Montse and Alfonso will bid farewell to their dream-filled project.
Visitors can tour the house from Thursday to Sunday, between 6:30 PM and 10:00 PM. Montse recalls how last year’s feature in DIARIO DE AVISOS led to long queues, with visitors arriving from across Tenerife, neighbouring islands, and even abroad. To minimise disruption for neighbours, they kindly ask visitors to park on Acorán Street rather than near their home.
A Legacy of Generosity
The couple’s generosity extends beyond opening their home. Children are greeted with a tree laden with sweets, while adults find themselves immersed in a haven of positive energy. “With so much negativity on TV, we need more positive moments like this,” Montse says. “We encourage everyone to keep the spirit of Christmas alive—for the good of all and in honour of those we’ve lost.”
As our visit concludes, little Hugo continues to explore the magical garden, enchanted by the Christmas trees, Santa’s sleigh, and the whimsical gnomes. He peers into letterboxes, imagines flying in Santa’s plane, and marvels at the ‘gift factory’ created by Montse and Alfonso. Next year, someone will have to explain to him that this magical embassy has become just another terraced house in Acorán.
