Experience Christmas in Gran Canaria for island fun

Experience Christmas in Gran Canaria for island fun

2,019 properties for Christmas. Compare and book at the best price!

Grab some winter sunshine with Gran Canaria at Christmas

Christmas in Gran Canaria is always a winner! Gran Canaria has become a popular festive destination for so many reasons. First and foremost, who can resist a splash of winter sunshine? When you're feeling gloomy and need to boost those Vitamin D levels quickly, this is the place to go. Secondly, you'll find plenty of family-friendly, festive fun, from open-air concerts to colourful parades. This is also one of the best times of year to go hiking in Gran Canaria. If you love the great outdoors, head to Gran Canaria at Christmas.

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Planning a Christmas trip to Gran Canaria

Why should I visit Gran Canaria at Christmas?

If you're tired of doing the same old thing every Christmas, then a trip to Gran Canaria might just be the solution. Gran Canaria at Christmas will give you an experience you'll never forget. The weather here is mild and pleasant - think spring, rather than winter - and it's the perfect time of year to explore the great outdoors. Gran Canaria's hiking trails, which are too hot for comfort during the summer months, are at their best during the festive season. Put on your hiking boots and head for Bandama Caldera, an eerie volcanic crater, or Roque Nublo, a striking rock formation. Don't feel like going for a hike? Then look for holiday lettings in Gran Canaria near the beach and soak up some winter sunshine. You might not want to swim in the cold Atlantic waters, but you'll still see plenty of sunbathers on the shore.

What kind of Christmas traditions and activities can I find in Gran Canaria?

Christmas Eve is the time for some of the best festive traditions in the Canary Islands. Head to Santa Ana Square to enjoy a free, open-air festive concert that's often held each year. Young and old from across the island gather together to enjoy the live music and sing along. Throughout the holiday season, you may also spot some Ranchos de Pascua. These popular Canarian musical bands dress up in traditional costumes and take to the streets, performing hymns and carols in exchange for donations; all the money is usually given to charity. These lively groups offer a glimpse of what Christmas in Gran Canaria was like in centuries gone by.

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FAQs: Christmas in Gran Canaria

What's the weather like in Gran Canaria at Christmas?

The weather is one of the main attractions for Christmas visitors to Gran Canaria. The Canary Islands are far away from mainland Europe, so the weather here is entirely different from what you'd see on the continent at the same time. Daytime highs hover around a balmy 22°C, and there's sunshine most days. The Atlantic waters are definitely chilly during the festive season, so you may want to skip the swimming - but you'll still see some brave souls out in the water.

Are shops and restaurants open in Gran Canaria over the Christmas period?

In the Canary Islands, as in other parts of Spain, most people have their big festive meal on Christmas Eve. This means that shops, bars and restaurants often close a little early on 24 December, giving staff plenty of time to get back home and prepare for a family meal. They generally remain shut on Christmas Day - but, as Gran Canaria is such a popular tourist destination, some restaurants are still open on the big day. You'll probably need to book in advance if you want a special festive menu. Supermarkets will be closed on 25 December, but small convenience stores are still open.

What family-friendly activities can I find in Gran Canaria at Christmas?

There are plenty of Christmas markets and concerts that children can enjoy in Gran Canaria during the festive season. If you're still around on 5 January, you can take in the Three Kings' Parade. According to Spanish tradition, the three kings bring gifts to children, and their spectacular parade is an annual family treat. Head out to the streets and try to catch the sweets that the kings throw to the crowds. Gran Canaria's year-round family-friendly attractions are also still open over the festive season. If you fancy a day at a water park or amusement park, you'll find lots of options.

How can I celebrate New Year's Eve in Gran Canaria?

The biggest fireworks display is in Las Palmas at midnight, but towns across the island have their own, smaller displays, too. Many people - locals and visitors alike - enjoy spending New Year's Eve on the beach. There are some beach parties with DJs or live bands that you'll need to pay to attend, but there are also plenty of lively activities taking place on public beaches that are free to everyone. Planning a night out in one of Gran Canaria's famous clubs? Pace yourself - in Spain, the New Year's celebrations don't stop until the sun comes up.

What Christmas food should I try in Gran Canaria?

Canarian Christmas food is quite different from what you'll find elsewhere in Spain, with locals often enjoying delicacies like roast goat or rabbit in tomato sauce. Puchero, a Canarian stew made with several different types of meat, is a hearty dish that's often the centrepiece of the Christmas meal. For a sweet snack, try truchas de batata, surprisingly tasty little pastries stuffed with sweet potato and dusted with sugar.

Holiday destinations nearby for Christmas