December is a special month on the island. It begins with Spain’s long Constitution Day weekend and closes the year with the joyful spirit of Christmas — the event that truly defines this season across the Canary Islands. If you’re planning a winter escape, it’s essential to know the best things to do in Gran Canaria in December.
The first thing you’ll notice as you step off the plane is the weather. You can look forward to relaxing days with mild, spring-like temperatures of around 22 °C and barely a cloud in sight. It’s a welcome contrast to the wintry chill and snow of mainland Europe.
Here we share the top experiences that make December in Gran Canaria so special — a month full of culture, fun, relaxation and wellbeing that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Weather in Gran Canaria in December
The first thing you’ll notice when you get off the plane is the weather. You’ll be able to enjoy a few days of rest with spring-like temperatures, around 22 degrees, practically cloudless, unlike what happens in mainland Spain or Northern Europe, where they suffer the harshness of the weather, with cold and snow.
Here you can see the weather in Gran Canaria:
5 things to do in Gran Canaria in December
Before diving into our list, let’s take a moment to appreciate your choice. Picking Gran Canaria for your holiday is already a success. Picture this: you’ve just left behind scarves, coats and freezing temperatures in northern Europe. Once you arrive here, all that winter gear becomes unnecessary.
The Canarian winter is a true paradise you simply can’t miss — a season that will make you fall in love with the island all over again. You’ll enjoy golden beaches, lively cultural events, outdoor sports, wonderful local cuisine and magical Christmas traditions that make this month truly unforgettable.
Up next, we reveal five of the best things to do in Gran Canaria in December to help you experience the island at its finest.
1. Visit the sand nativity scenes
Have you ever seen a nativity scene made of sand? Probably not — but you’re in luck. In Gran Canaria, right in the heart of the capital on Las Canteras Beach, stands the largest open-air sand nativity scene in Europe.
Every year, artists from the island and beyond gather to sculpt this extraordinary display. You can walk through it and admire the intricate details, from a thoughtful St Joseph to a sand-carved Baby Jesus — each figure a masterpiece shaped by hand and imagination.
2. Enjoy outdoor sports
Gran Canaria is an island that lives and breathes sport. Thanks to its climate, during December you can enjoy outdoor sports in magnificent conditions, without worrying about the cold or rain.
In the middle of December, you can forget about checking the weather forecast and go out and explore the island through sport.
If you don’t know what to do in Gran Canaria in December, you can enjoy the best hiking trails across the island, which will take you to dreamlike landscapes.
There are also cycling routes that will delight lovers of two wheels, or you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing day playing golf on some of the island’s most famous courses.
3. Attend concerts and cultural events
In addition to its stunning nature, Gran Canaria has a vibrant cultural and musical scene. December is one of the island’s most exciting months for live performances, offering concerts across its towns and resorts.
Notable highlights include the traditional pre-Christmas concert held in Plaza de Santa Ana and the spectacular New Year’s Concert performed by the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra.
Beyond music, make time to explore the island’s top museums — such as the Canarian Museum, Casa de Colón, Pérez Galdós House Museum or the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art — all located in the charming historic quarter of Triana-Vegueta.
4. Take a plunge (yes, you read that right)
Spending Christmas holidays in Gran Canaria means enjoying a miniature paradise. With temperatures around 22 °C in December, it’s impossible not to dip into the sea at one of its stunning beaches.
The island’s beaches are among its biggest attractions. In the north, you’ll find the breathtaking natural pools of El Puertillo in Bañaderos or Agaete, along with wild beaches like Juncal.
If you opt for the south, it’s equally fantastic. Beaches like Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, and Meloneras are perfect spots for an unforgettable day in the sun, even during December.
5. Visit one of the most important amusement parks in the Canary Islands
In the heart of Maspalomas, the most iconic leisure park in the Canary Islands awaits: Holidayworld Maspalomas.
Throughout December, its Christmas Market fills the park with festive magic every weekend, creating a joyful atmosphere for all ages. Highlights include:
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Meet Father Christmas and hand him your letter
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Take part in the Christmas toy donation drive
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Witness the official Christmas lights switch-on
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Glide gracefully across the ice-skating rink
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Enjoy live music, family shows, and weekly surprises
This year, the celebrations also feature two special events that bring even more creativity and laughter to the season:
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A Quick Painting Competition, showcasing local talent and festive inspiration
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A Stand-Up Comedy Contest, where humour and holiday cheer go hand in hand
Beyond the Christmas celebrations, you can still enjoy everything that makes Holidayworld Maspalomas a must-visit attraction:
- Experience the thrills of Wooland Fun Park
- Challenge friends at Swing Bowling
- Sing your heart out at our Karaoke
- Savour world flavours at the Nomad Street Food Market
All this, wrapped in a lively festive atmosphere that captures the true spirit of Christmas in Gran Canaria.
Throughout December, its Christmas Market fills the complex with magic every weekend, offering festive activities for all ages:
- Meet Santa Claus and hand him your letter
- Join the gift donation drive
- Officially switch on the Christmas lights
- Glide on the ice skating rink
- Enjoy live shows, music, and weekly surprises
Beyond these attractions, you can experience the Wooland Fun Park, challenge friends at Swing Bowling, sing your heart out at the Karaoke, or indulge in global cuisine at the Nomad Streetfood food court — all set in a lively, festive atmosphere.
Gran Canaria in December: an island you shouldn’t miss
There is no better place in all of Europe to enjoy a holiday full of excitement and magic than the experience you’ll find in Gran Canaria.
You have witnessed all that this magnificent island has to offer. The perfect blend of enjoying its wonderful nature through sport, discovering its history and customs, combined with more typical seasonal activities like beach days, makes it the ideal destination to enjoy a month as special as December.
In short, travelling to Gran Canaria in December will not disappoint you. Come and discover all that the round island has to offer during these special times.