Christmas holidays in Gran Canaria
Many families associate Christmas with cosy gatherings in the warmth of their own home. Yet more and more people are discovering the joy of celebrating Christmas in warmer climates, and most are pleasantly surprised. Spending the holidays away from home means more time together, with less stress over buying presents and preparing Christmas dinner. Families can relax and simply enjoy each other’s company.
With its subtropical climate, Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for the Christmas holidays. Average daytime temperatures are around 20°C, often reaching 23–25°C in the south of the island. The sea temperature is also around 20°C in December, so there are plenty of opportunities for a day at the beach or a dip in the pool.
Christmas is celebrated in most of the island’s holiday resorts, including Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Christmas markets, such as El Mercadillo de Navidad in Maspalomas, add to the festive atmosphere. The popular Holiday World amusement park also has a special Christmas programme. An attractive, family-friendly option in Maspalomas is the four-star Maspalomas Princess, which has five large swimming pools, a tropical garden and an all-inclusive option.
Christmas traditions in Gran Canaria
Christmas traditions in Gran Canaria are a little different from those we are used to. Many families have an artificial Christmas tree, and family and friends exchange small gifts on Christmas Eve. Later in the evening, many attend Midnight Mass, following Catholic tradition. Traditionally, children receive their main presents on Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes), 6 January. The celebrations begin the day before, with colourful Three Kings parades in many towns and cities, including the capital, Las Palmas.
Food plays an important role in Christmas celebrations. In Gran Canaria, there are no set traditional dishes for Christmas Eve; families enjoy their favourite meals instead. Sweet treats include small pastries called truchas and turrón, the popular Spanish nougat. On Three Kings’ Day, the traditional treat is a cake called Roscón de Reyes.
Christmas in Las Palmas
Las Palmas makes a special effort at Christmas. Although the decorations are not as extensive as those we are used to, the city is dressed for the occasion, with a very large Christmas tree among the palms on the seafront. The prettiest decorations are in Vegueta, the old town, where colourful lights and festive ornaments adorn historic buildings such as the Catedral de Canarias and Casa de Colón.
On the evening of 23 December, a traditional outdoor concert takes place in Plaza de Santa Ana, the large square in front of the cathedral in Vegueta. The Canarian group Los Gofiones has been performing this Christmas concert for many years.
Las Palmas is famous for its beautiful beach, Las Canteras. But did you know that the beach is also decorated for Christmas? Every December, talented artists from around the world come here to create impressive nativity scenes from sand. Known in Spanish as Belén de Arena (sand nativity scene), the exhibition at Las Canteras is the largest of its kind in Europe. Some even say it is the largest in the world.
Christmas in the villages
Gran Canaria has many lovely mountain villages, and several make a special effort at Christmas. One is Teror, where the celebrations continue throughout December and the first week of January. Teror is already known for its market, but Christmas brings extra sparkle, with beautiful decorations, live music and activities for children. It is a lovely place to visit with the whole family.
Gáldar also offers plenty of Christmas cheer for locals and visitors alike. The town’s Christmas lights are usually switched on in the last week of November, with music and a Christmas parade to mark the occasion. The festivities in Gáldar reach their peak between 22 and 31 December, when the town centre around the charming Plaza de Santiago becomes a large Christmas market filled with gift ideas. It is a beautiful sight.
Final recommendation
We warmly recommend Gran Canaria for a Christmas holiday, whether you are travelling as a family or a couple. Our tip is to stay on the warm south coast, hire a car and visit Las Palmas and some of the beautiful mountain villages. Resorts such as Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are great choices at Christmas. Families could also consider the four-star Marina Suites in Puerto Rico.
