When and where does Christmas begin in Los Realejos?
According to the Festivales de España directory, the Christmas season runs from 21 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The dates do not come from the council, and the page carries a note about a past edition, so treat them as provisional.
The directory places the lights switch-on at the end of November on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square), but gives no day. Last year the Ayuntamiento (town council) held it on the Plaza de La Cruz Santa, on 21 November 2025 at 18:30.
The council announced the 2025 start on 17 November, four days ahead, and presented the programme on 19 November. Nothing has been announced for 2026, so last year’s timetable is only a guide.
What does a visit cost and what is on the programme?
Entry is free for most events, according to the directory. Some Real Brass Festival concerts and events at the Teatro Cine Realejos may charge for a ticket, and prices are not known.
The Noche Mágica in December brings street entertainment, concerts and children’s workshops. The 2026 date is open, but in 2025 the council set it for 6 December.
The Mercado de la Navidad (Christmas market) around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento sells crafts, Canarian pastries, local wines and books. In 2025 it ran from 19 to 21 December, according to the council, and there is no date for 2026 yet.
The Real Brass Festival brings international brass ensembles to the Teatro Cine Realejos. The council scheduled it for 20 and 21 December in 2025, and the 2026 days are unconfirmed.
In 2025 the council spoke of more than 100 events in 45 days. Its press release also cited more than 3,500 metres of garlands and 700 light features.
What is the Belén Viviente de Tigaiga?
Since 2013 the Belén Viviente de Tigaiga (living nativity) has been staged on 25 December, previously on the night of the 24th. Residents of the district act out scenes of the Nativity, with shepherds, washerwomen and craftsmen.
The route runs along the Calle Tigaiga. It goes from the Tigotán residents’ association to the Plaza de la Hispanidad.
It began at 19:00 in 2019 and at 18:00 in 2022. The 2026 time is unconfirmed, and the council last gave the date for 2025 as 25 December.
Sources disagree on its history. A press report gives 1972 as the start, while the tourist office says only “for more than thirty years”.
How do I get to Los Realejos from the south?
Los Realejos lies in northern Tenerife, about 35 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife via the TF-5, according to the directory. None of the sources gives a distance from the southern resorts.
TITSA (the island’s bus operator) runs services there from across the island, says the directory, and the town centre has parking. Which routes serve the events, and when, is not confirmed.
No road closures for the festive days are known. If you come in the evening, check with TITSA first when the last return bus leaves.
Besides the festivities, the directory names three sights. They are the Mirador El Lance, the historic centre and the cliffs of Rambla de Castro.
Where can I find the programme and when does the season end?
The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings parade) on 5 January closes the celebrations with a procession through the main streets. The 2025-26 season also ended on 5 January, according to the council, while the directory gives 6 January for 2026-27.
The Fin de Año Infantil (children’s daytime New Year’s Eve party) is listed in the directory for 31 December. The council set it for 30 December in 2025, and which day applies in 2026 is open.
The full programme usually appears in November on the official website and at Realejos Cultural, according to the directory. You can reach the town hall at Avenida de Canarias 6 on 922 34 62 34.
The tourist office at Plaza de la Unión s/n answers on 922 346 181 and by email at turismo@losrealejos.travel. The organiser and the budget for 2026-27 are not stated.