Tenerife's Christmas Nativity Scene Route

In Tenerife, Christmas is a magical time filled with festive lights, cherished traditions, and a wonderful array of nativity scenes. These displays transform the island each year, drawing thousands of visitors. If the weather is good, these days are perfect for exploring the island's many nativity scenes, which range from intricate artistic creations to more traditional displays. This "nativity scene route" offers a diverse experience, making December and January ideal months to connect with this popular custom.

The capital city, Santa Cruz, hosts several impressive nativity scenes:

• City Hall: The nativity scene by musician and artist Jesús Gil is a major Christmas highlight. It measures four meters long and five meters deep, featuring figures between 25 and 50 centimeters tall. You can visit daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, but it will be closed on December 25th and January 1st.
• Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands: This nativity scene, created by the "Amigos del Belén de La Laguna" group, boasts 410 pieces with figures made by artist José Luis Mayo. It's open until January 4th, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, specifically December 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th, it will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for pre-booked groups from associations. It will be closed on December 24th, 25th, and 31st, 2025, and January 1st, 2026.
• Cabildo de Tenerife: Here, you can enjoy another work by Jesús Gil, featuring figures by Madrid artisan José Luis Mayo. It's open daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On December 24th and 31st, it will only open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. On December 25th, January 1st, and January 6th, it will be open from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Parliament of the Canary Islands: This nativity scene, created by Fernando Benítez, is 10 meters long and 5 meters deep. It's open until January 6th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On December 24th and 31st, it's open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on December 25th and January 1st, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Beyond the capital, other municipalities also showcase their unique nativity scenes:

• El Chorrillo (Leticia Batista Sports Pavilion): This special school nativity scene, made from recycled materials, was created by the Leoncio Rodríguez Teacher Training Center and the San Isidro and Machado schools. You can visit it Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, until January 9th.
• Candelaria: The municipal nativity scene has been updated with 182 new figures, including a tribute to local fisherwomen, created by sculptor Erika Ravelo Mendoza. This display is accessible 24 hours a day in the Plaza Centro Cultural de la Villa.
• Arico City Hall: Created by local resident Daniel Pérez with help from Ángel Moleiro, this nativity scene is located in the Social Welfare area until January 7th. Visiting hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Adeje: The 'Nativity Scene of Traditions' will open on Sunday, December 14th, at 6:00 PM in the El Barranco History and Art Space, located in Plaza de España. During the opening, members of the Municipal Folklore School Group will perform a living nativity scene. In the following days, this will transform into an artistic manger featuring Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus dressed in traditional Canarian costumes, set amidst natural elements from the municipality.
• Garachico: A municipal nativity scene, created by local resident Raúl, is housed in the Casa de Piedra. It can be visited daily until January 15th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Icod de los Vinos: The municipal library courtyard hosts a nativity scene by Mr. Miranda, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Additionally, the traditional nativity scene by Lucio and his family, residents of San Marcos beach, can be seen during the same hours.
• Los Realejos: Sculptor Raúl Pérez Méndez's nativity scene, featuring six pieces, is on display in the City Hall lobby until January 9th. Visiting hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• La Orotava: The town celebrates its 18th Nativity Scene Route, featuring 28 displays created by the Taoro Nativity Scene Association throughout the town. Most are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM; and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On December 24th and 31st, they will close in the afternoon, and on December 25th and January 1st, they will be closed all day. (Note: specific hours may vary for individual nativity scenes). The City Hall square also hosts a traditional nativity scene that fills the entire space, featuring 5,000 pieces and life-size figures, accessible at any time until January 6th.
• Santa Úrsula: The municipal nativity scene, a work by artist Antonio Expósito, is located in the Santa Úrsula City Hall hall, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Tacoronte: The traditional nativity scene, created by local resident Virgilio Díaz Rodríguez, is in the María Rosa Alonso room at the Casa de la Cultura de Tacoronte. It can be visited Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Guided Nativity Scene Route in La Laguna: "Walking in La Laguna through the Nativity Scene" is a guided tour that explores significant sites in the historic center. A guide will share insights into the history of nativity scene tradition in La Laguna, passing through locations like Plaza de la Concepción, the Museum of History and Anthropology, and Plaza del Adelantado.

These guided tours will take place on December 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, and 31st, as well as January 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. There will also be morning tours on December 23rd and 30th. Morning sessions start at 11:00 AM and finish at 12:30 PM, while afternoon tours run from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.