The Christmas season in Spain has traditionally turned into a symbolic competition among its cities. Vigo and Madrid often grab headlines with their spectacular light displays, crowd illuminations, and gigantic trees. However, in 2025, this contest will take an unexpected turn: it will be Santa Cruz de Tenerife that takes centre stage by installing the largest Christmas tree in Spain.
A monumental structure measuring 50 metres tall will rise in the heart of the Tenerife capital, in the iconic Plaza de España, transforming the urban landscape and positioning the city as a Christmas reference point in the country. This was confirmed by the city council to El Día.
Christmas Lighting
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, through its Public Services department, has already begun preliminary work on the installation of lighting. In this initial phase, electrical lines and panels are being completed to support the entire setup. Subsequently, garlands, decorative elements, and illuminated structures will adorn the capital for the festivities.
This year, there will also be an important addition: for the first time, three major pedestrian avenues in the city — Manuel Hermoso Rojas, Benito Pérez Armas, and Príncipes de España — will feature Christmas lighting. This decision expands the festive route and connects different parts of the capital under a unified decorative landscape.
A Christmas Reference in the Canaries
Santa Cruz’s mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasised in El Día that the city has been working for years to ensure that Christmas becomes “a benchmark in the Canaries” and highlighted that advance planning is crucial to ensure that everything is ready on time.
Furthermore, he insisted that the Christmas lighting serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also stimulates trade, hospitality, and tourism, becoming an economic engine for the city during this period. Meanwhile, Public Services councillor Carlos Tarife praised the inclusion of the new avenues into the setup, stating that it allows for “continuity and unity” in the festive landscape, complementing other longstanding locations like La Rambla and the maritime avenue.
The Tallest Tree
This giant illuminated tree will be situated over the lake in Plaza de España, necessitating its emptying to avoid electrical issues. It is a structure rented from a specialised company, costing approximately 100,000 euros.
According to Tarife, “it will be the major highlight of Christmas that will compel even the mayor of Vigo to visit Santa Cruz to see the best lighting in the country.” This statement encapsulates the ambition with which the Tenerife capital aims to place itself prominently on the national Christmas map.
Growing Anticipation
The announcement of the 50-metre tree has already sparked excitement on social media and in the press, highlighting the magnitude of the project. The notion that the Canaries, specifically Santa Cruz de Tenerife, will host the largest tree in Spain reinforces the unique character of these islands as an all-year-round destination.
As construction progresses and the official lighting approaches, the chicharrera capital is preparing to welcome residents and tourists in an unprecedented festive atmosphere. In 2025, Christmas in Spain will have a new epicentre: Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
