When Christmas arrives, it brings the most special time of the year — and in Gran Canaria, it comes with sunshine, ocean views and a completely unique atmosphere.
Whether you live on the island or are visiting for your Gran Canaria Christmas holidays, you might be wondering what to do, where to go and how to make the most of this festive season.
So, maybe keep your swimsuit handy (just in case), and let’s discover what makes Christmas in Gran Canaria such a warm, joyful and unforgettable experience.
A different kind of Christmas in the Canary Islands
While Christmas in mainland Europe means frosty mornings, snow-covered markets and steaming cups of mulled wine, the Canary Islands offer something truly different.
Here, winter feels more like an endless spring: mild days, blue skies and temperatures that stay around 21–23 °C, even in December and January.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the weather in Gran Canaria at Christmas, the answer is simple — it’s pleasantly warm.
You can still stroll along the beach, enjoy the sunshine, and even take a dip in the Atlantic. It’s no surprise that Gran Canaria is one of Europe’s favourite Christmas holiday destinations.
Five things to do at Christmas in Gran Canaria
With such an incredible setting, December and early January bring a wonderful mix of events, markets and traditions all across the island. From music and culture to theme parks and parades, here are five of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in true Canarian style.
1. The Sand Nativity at Las Canteras Beach
We begin with one of the most iconic Christmas events in Gran Canaria — the Sand Nativity Scene (Belén de Arena) on Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas.
Every December, international sand artists transform the seafront into an open-air masterpiece, sculpting biblical scenes such as the Nativity, the Annunciation, and the Three Wise Men.
This extraordinary display — the largest of its kind in Europe — combines art, tradition and nature in a setting you won’t find anywhere else. It’s completely free to visit and an absolute must-see if you’re in the capital.
2. Gran Canaria Christmas markets
If you love the festive charm of traditional markets, you’ll be delighted by the variety of Gran Canaria Christmas markets 2025. Throughout December and early January, the island is filled with stalls, lights and music, offering everything from handmade gifts to local delicacies.
There are many Christmas markets in Las Palmas but one of the most popular is:
Christmas Market on Rambla Mesa y López – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
📅 Dates: Thursday, 28 November – Sunday, 5 January 2025
⏰ Opening hours: daily from 12:00 to 21:30
📍 Location: Rambla Mesa y López, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
A lively outdoor market featuring dozens of artisan stalls, festive food and local products — perfect for Christmas shopping in the island’s capital.
3. New Year’s Eve concert
Christmas in Gran Canaria is the perfect time to experience the island’s rich cultural scene, and one of its most anticipated annual events is the New Year’s Concert by Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra.
This year’s edition will take place from 28 to 30 December at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, where audiences can enjoy a captivating programme of lyrical and symphonic masterpieces performed in one of the island’s most iconic venues.
The concert often sells out well in advance — and it’s easy to see why. Featuring a Participatory Choir of around 100 voices, the performance is both powerful and deeply moving, creating a shared experience that brings musicians and audience together in true festive spirit.
Elegant, emotional and distinctly Canarian, it’s one of the most unforgettable cultural highlights to enjoy during Christmas in Gran Canaria.
4. Visit HolidayWorld Maspalomas
Enjoy over 30 attractions, from the giant Ferris wheel to escape rooms, karaoke, bowling and the Nomad Gastro Market, where you can taste dishes from around the world.
It’s the ideal spot for families looking to combine adventure, great food and the island’s festive spirit — all in one magical place.
5. The Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes)
Finally, Christmas in Spain wouldn’t be complete without the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
On 5 January, Gran Canaria dresses up for one of the most enchanting nights of the year, welcoming the Kings as they arrive by boat at the Port of La Luz and Las Palmas.
From around 4:00 p.m., the Three Kings Parade winds through the streets of Las Palmas, filling the city with music, colour and sweets for children and adults alike.
Afterwards, the party continues in Vegueta and Triana, where street stalls and live concerts carry the celebration late into the night.
Experience the magic of Christmas in Gran Canaria
Christmas in Gran Canaria is all about warmth — in both weather and spirit.
From sandy beaches and live music to twinkling lights and traditional markets, the island captures the true essence of the season in a uniquely Canarian way.
So, whether you’re exploring Gran Canaria Christmas markets, admiring the Las Canteras Sand Nativity, or spending a fun-filled day at HolidayWorld Maspalomas, your Gran Canaria Christmas holidays will be full of light, joy and unforgettable memories.
At HolidayWorld Maspalomas, we invite you to experience the magic of this festive season — enjoy our attractions, share a meal at the Nomad Gastro Market, and celebrate Christmas the island way.