Are you visiting Gran Canaria during Christmas and don't know what to do during December? In this article, we'll show you the 5 best plans and events during Christmas on the island.
Enjoy a different Christmas on the beach on Gran Canaria
When one of the most important times of the year, the summer holidays, come to an end, we put away our swimming costumes. After that, one of the most endearing and magical times of the year in the Canary Islands arrives: Christmas. In this post, we want to present to you the most significant Christmas events and plans in Gran Canaria, because on the island you can have summer even in winter.
We know all too well what Christmas is like in Europe, with its traditional street markets, concerts, festivals, etc. However, spending Christmas in the Canary Islands has nothing to envy from the rest of the continent.
Weather in Gran Canaria in december
On the island, you'll be able to enjoy a mild climate, with temperatures that won't exceed 22 degrees, practically cloudless skies, with the sun as the main protagonist to enjoy the beaches.
Weather in Maspalomas: In Maspalomas, the south of Gran Canaria, temperatures are between 17ºC and 23ºC, with sunny days or a bit of clouds.
In short, if you've already decided to spend your Christmas holidays in Gran Canaria, you'll discover a lot of plans that you can do to enjoy your stay. The programme of events ranges from open-air nativity scenes to craft markets, concluding with the most special and important night of the year.
5 Things to do at Christmas in Gran Canaria
Don't think that on your arrival on the island you're only going to enjoy the beach and nature, because the Christmas events and plans in Gran Canaria will surprise you. You'll discover culture and tradition in all the activities that take place throughout the festive season.
Keep reading because we're going to show you what to do during Christmas in Gran Canaria, where you'll find a wide variety of activities to enjoy one of the most endearing months of the year.
1. Christmas concerts in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria stands out by having great musical events throughout the year, such as Womad or the International Jazz Festival. However, the Christmas season is no exception when it comes to music.
In the same way, coming to the island during the month of December is a good excuse to discover the island's musical richness, thanks to one of the most legendary groups on the Canary Islands music scene: Los Gofiones.
Every year they offer their Christmas concert, full of magic in an incomparable setting. This year, the concert will take place on Saturday 16th December at the Teatro Auditorio de Agüimes. The entry is free.
Another very important Christmas concert is the Christmas Solidarity Concert, performed by the Symphony Orchestra of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is held on 22 December at 20:00. On the same day, the Christmas Concert of the parranda de Teror will be held in the Teror Auditorium at 20:30.
2. See the largest open-air nativity scene in Europe
The Canary Islands have a long tradition of setting up nativity scenes. All over the Canary Islands, you can find all kinds of nativity scenes, such as the traditional nativity scene that is set up in Parque San Telmo.
However, the sand nativity scene in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has become one of the most important Christmas events in Gran Canaria in recent years. Located in the wonderful beach Playa de las Canteras, it's built with magic, sand and dreams.
It's the largest open-air nativity scene in Europe, moulded by internationally renowned artists who’ve brought to life such emblematic scenes as the Annunciation, the birth of the Christ Child and the Arrival of the Three Wise Men.
3. Visit traditional craft fairs
Let's move on to another typical Christmas event in Gran Canaria, the craft fairs. For many years, Canarian society has made a living from handicrafts, and they’ve become part of the popular culture.
Every year, throughout the month of December and the first days of January, craft fairs are held all over the island, such as the 29ª Craft Fair in San Telmo, which is held between the 2nd and 5th of January 2024.
Another event not to be missed at the beginning of December is the Canarian Crafts Fair, which takes place in the park Santa Catalina from the 03 to the 08 of december. You can also find other Christmas markets all over the island in towns such as Firgas, Teror and Tejeda.
4. Visit the Christmas House in Valleseco
From the 5rd to the 30th of December, families can enjoy the Casa de la Navidad de Valleseco in the Casino of Valleseco. Explore the toy factory, the medieval castle, the snowy forest, the underwater world, wool workshops, Christmas sweets and many more surprises. Admission is €5, and free for children under 12 years old.
5. Celebrate the end of the year and the Twelfth Night
- End of the year:
Say goodbye to the year and welcome in the new year from Las Canteras Beach or Plaza de Santa Ana with the traditional chimes that end with fireworks to welcome in the new year. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and unbeatable spring temperatures, topped off with a nice dip in the beach.
- Twelfth Night or night of the Three Kings:
The night of the Three Kings is, without a doubt, one of the most magical and endearing nights of the year, the day begins with the arrival of Their Majesties the Three Wise Men of the East to the city, to later attend the traditional parade that passes through the main streets of the city.
If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to take a dip in the beach and enjoy a different kind of New Year's Eve, far from the coats and gloves typical of this time of year.
When the parade is over, the neighbourhoods of Vegueta and Triana are decked out to welcome thousands of people who are rushing to do their last Christmas shopping. In addition, with this Christmas event in Gran Canaria, the streets vibrate differently. With a festive atmosphere worthy of this time of year, with street bars (named chiringuitos) and concerts such as the one taking place in San Telmo Park.
Christmas in Gran Canaria: magic and dreams
If you've decided to spend your Christmas holidays in Gran Canaria, these are the main events not to be missed. Each one of them is synonymous with Christmas. They are events that we look forward to all year round and enjoy to the fullest with our loved ones.
In short, if you're ready to enjoy a different kind of Christmas surrounded by magic and tradition, don't hesitate to enjoy all the Christmas events and Things to do during december in Gran Canaria.
