Santa Cruz de Tenerife is getting a new Christmas attraction this year, with the capital set to host its first dedicated Father Christmas parade on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2026.
The announcement was made by the city’s festivities councillor, Javier Caraballero, as part of plans to expand the Christmas programme and bring more people into the capital during the festive season.
It’s another event for families to look forward to, particularly those with young children who fancy a bit of extra Christmas magic before the big day itself.
A new Christmas Eve tradition?
The parade is confirmed, although the details are still being worked out. The council has yet to announce the route or starting time, so we’ll have to wait a little longer to find out where Father Christmas will be making his appearance.
The event will join Santa Cruz’s existing Christmas attractions, including the festive lights, seasonal activities and the traditional Three Kings celebrations in January.
The hope is that the parade will also encourage more people to visit the city centre, giving local shops, restaurants and bars a welcome boost during one of the busiest times of the year.
Christmas lights switch on in November
The festive programme is scheduled to get underway on 19 November, when Santa Cruz’s Christmas lights are due to be switched on.
Activities will continue throughout December, leading up to the new Christmas Eve parade and into the New Year.
The traditional arrival of the Three Kings remains a major date in the calendar. Their reception is scheduled for 5 January 2027 at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium, followed by the annual parade through the streets of Santa Cruz.
More money for Christmas celebrations
The new parade forms part of a wider expansion of the city’s festive programme.
The council’s festivities department has received a budget increase of around €500,000 compared with last year. That extra funding covers the department’s overall programme, rather than being earmarked solely for the Father Christmas parade.
For anyone spending Christmas in Tenerife, it gives another reason to head into Santa Cruz and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere.
We’ll have to wait for the council to release the route and timings, but 24 December is one to keep in mind if you’re planning your festive calendar.