Christmas in the Canaries

Roline83

Hi 

Has anyone spent Christmas in the Canaries who could recommend any resorts?  We've been looking for a while and I fancied Morocco or Egypt but we've decided on Canaries but just wondered if anyone could recommend somewhere which would be suitable for kids over the Christmas period.

NoodleDoodleMan

I think you'll find prices over the festive period rise substantially, however I suspect you have already realised this fact of life ?

I reckon that any of the so called "family friendly" hotels from TUI or Jet2 would tick the box for you, just a case of trawling through the offers.

We are big fans of RIU hotels, they have several that might be suitable.

Family-Friendly RIU Hotels

• Hotel Riu Gran Canaria (Gran Canaria): A family-friendly all-inclusive resort with a kids' club, RiuLand, and a children's pool with slides. 

Hotel Riu Papayas (Gran Canaria): Another option in Gran Canaria, often listed among the best RIU hotels. 
Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort (Fuerteventura): Known for its family appeal and beachfront location. 
Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas (Gran Canaria): A beachfront option popular with families. 
Hotel Riu Buenavista (Tenerife): Offers a mix of adult and family spaces, including a kids' club and water features. 
Hotel Riu Palace Oasis (Gran Canaria): A family-friendly resort on a beachfront in Gran Canaria. 
Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote (Lanzarote): A family option on the island of Lanzarote. 
Good luck finding what you seek.

 

TELLIT01

What age kids?  It could make a difference to suggestions.

MyRealNameToo

Roline83 said:
Has anyone spent Christmas in the Canaries who could recommend any resorts?  We've been looking for a while and I fancied Morocco or Egypt but we've decided on Canaries but just wondered if anyone could recommend somewhere which would be suitable for kids over the Christmas period.

What are you wanting? A British style Xmas but in better weather or a Canaries style Xmas? 

As a Spanish Island for the locals the big meal and celebration are in the evening of the 24th not the 25th, 25th is a fairly low key affair. The 5th and 6th of January are the other big Christmas days. 

Hotels generally cater for both but some its very much lip service to the Brits. 

In generally Xmas is a much more low key event than the UK that has followed the US into excess... mother always went mid nov into feb (pre-brexit) to avoid the overload we get here. 

Roline83

TELLIT01 said:

What age kids?  It could make a difference to suggestions.

They're 12 and 9, so not Santa believers but love the festivities 

Roline83

MyRealNameToo said:

Roline83 said:
Has anyone spent Christmas in the Canaries who could recommend any resorts?  We've been looking for a while and I fancied Morocco or Egypt but we've decided on Canaries but just wondered if anyone could recommend somewhere which would be suitable for kids over the Christmas period.

What are you wanting? A British style Xmas but in better weather or a Canaries style Xmas? 

As a Spanish Island for the locals the big meal and celebration are in the evening of the 24th not the 25th, 25th is a fairly low key affair. The 5th and 6th of January are the other big Christmas days. 

Hotels generally cater for both but some its very much lip service to the Brits. 

In generally Xmas is a much more low key event than the UK that has followed the US into excess... mother always went mid nov into feb (pre-brexit) to avoid the overload we get here. 

Just a bit of both really, somewhere to get away where the kids can enjoy the festivities and it still feel Christmassy.  My daughter is going to be 13 on 2nd January so ideally wanted to be home for that.  

MyRealNameToo

Roline83 said:

TELLIT01 said:

What age kids?  It could make a difference to suggestions.

They're 12 and 9, so not Santa believers but love the festivities 

The three kings bring the Xmas presents in the canaries on the 5th Jan

Santa is starting to get a little more common but certainly in some (ex)Spanish there is already a tradition of the baby Jesus delivering some presents on 24/25th in addition to the main presents by the three kings so trying to fit Santa in at the same time is complex  

thriftytracey

Weather not always guaranteed particularly now with the climate emergency.  Canaries have had floods in winter.  We went in March and it was decidedly cool.

soolin

I've been in the Canaries at Christmas, it can be very low key. In our hotel a few decorations went up on Christmas eve with a Christmas tree. There was a special meal available- just the usual meat and salads/ rice etc but they put drink on the table where we usually had to help ourselves. The younger children were all given a small gift from a cheap looking Santa. Then on Boxing day it had all disappeared. That was in a family friendly hotel - and as we had been pre warned we went out on a trip on Christmas day as they said a lot of the touristy places were quieter on that day.

Our friend still goes every year, different islands and different hotels- but he goes purely as he doesn't like Christmas- so can forget about it out there.

In more recent years we've gone out for the 3 Kings festival in early January, that was much livelier- with parades, big events in the main centres and fireworks.  

soolin

thriftytracey said:

Weather not always guaranteed particularly now with the climate emergency.  Canaries have had floods in winter.  We went in March and it was decidedly cool.

Weather can be very variable year to year. We always go out in January , dates can vary - and we've had some brilliant weather . Strangely we avoid early spring, March and beginning of April as we've had cooler wetter weather there before. 

Suzycoll

Roline83 said:

Hi 

Has anyone spent Christmas in the Canaries who could recommend any resorts?  We've been looking for a while and I fancied Morocco or Egypt but we've decided on Canaries but just wondered if anyone could recommend somewhere which would be suitable for kids over the Christmas period.

Hi

Yes I have been to Tenerife over Christmas few years back.

 Resorts I would look at are Coste Adje.

I would choose a large hotel that may have Christmas things going on for kids. Although Christmas not a big thing in Spain (see others peoples comments)

TUI always good . RUI hotels aways good

Few comments ....just my opinion.

Prices - risen substantially (was there this February) unless you want the £1 a pint places,then they are not £1 any more.

Weather - can be quite chilly at night & check if pools are heated. It was not warm enough to go in the pool in February & I needed a jacket also. Can be windy

Have you thought of Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cape Verde (if in your budget). Much nicer than the Canaries 

Whatever you decide - Enjoy