Why Visit Gran Canaria in December
December on Gran Canaria offers something genuinely rare: Christmas by the sea in a mild 19°C climate. While the rest of Europe layers up and retreats indoors, the island celebrates the festive season with open-air markets, terrace dining and the remarkable possibility of sitting on the beach in short sleeves on Christmas Day.
The island's most iconic December event is the Belen de Arena, a monumental Sand Nativity Scene on Las Canteras beach. International sculptors spend weeks creating enormous biblical figures from sand, and the free display attracts visitors from across the archipelago and beyond. It is one of the most distinctive Christmas traditions in all of Spain.
The first two weeks of December offer low-to-mid season pricing, making it a shrewd time to visit. From around 20th December, prices rise sharply as Christmas and New Year travellers arrive. The snowbird community is fully established by now, lending the island a relaxed international atmosphere. The interior mountains and ravines are green and lush following the autumn rains, creating a beautiful contrast with the sunny coastline.
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Weather in December
December is one of the coolest months on the island, but by European winter standards, the weather remains remarkably pleasant.
| Weather data | Value |
|-------------|-------|
| Average air temperature | 19°C (highs 20-22°C, lows 15-16°C) |
| Sea temperature | 20°C |
| Sunshine hours per day | 5-6 hours |
| Rainfall | 25-35 mm over 5-6 days |
| Humidity | 60-70% |
| UV index | 2-3 (moderate-low; sunscreen still recommended on clear days) |
| Daylight hours | 10 hours 15 minutes |
Rainfall is slightly more frequent than in the autumn months but remains light by continental standards. Showers tend to be short. The south coast (Maspalomas, Mogan) stays drier and 2-3°C warmer than Las Palmas. Evenings cool to around 15°C on the coast and can drop to 8-10°C at the summit.
Trade winds are moderate. Sunny days alternate with partially cloudy ones, but it is rare to lose an entire day to rain.
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Events and Festivals
Sand Nativity Scene (Belen de Arena)
The highlight of the Gran Canaria Christmas calendar. From early December through mid-January, international sculptors create a monumental nativity from sand on Las Canteras beach. Figures reach up to 4 metres in height with extraordinary detail. A tradition since 2006. Free entry.
Christmas Markets
Several festive markets open across Las Palmas during December:
- Parque de Santa Catalina Christmas Market: handicrafts, Christmas sweets and gifts. Open from early December.
- Vegueta Nativity Fair: handmade nativity figures and scenes in the historic quarter.
- Teror Sunday Market: special Christmas editions with local products and artisan gifts.
Christmas Lights
The streets of Las Palmas glow with spectacular festive illuminations. Calle Triana, Mesa y Lopez and the Las Canteras promenade are lit with thousands of lights. An evening stroll through the illuminated city is essential.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (24th-25th December)
Christmas Eve is celebrated with family dinners featuring traditional dishes such as puchero canario (stew), roast goat and sweet potato pastries. Midnight Mass follows for those who observe it. Christmas Day is a public holiday with most shops closed, but the beach and promenade remain open.
New Year's Eve (31st December)
Las Palmas rings in the new year with celebrations on Las Canteras beach, fireworks over the Atlantic, live music and open-air bars. The Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes with the midnight chimes is observed in the town squares and along the promenade. Festivities continue into the early hours.
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Best Activities
Visit the Sand Nativity Scene
An absolute must. The sand sculptures occupy several hundred square metres of Las Canteras beach. Each year features a different theme, with artists working for weeks. Best visited at sunset when artificial lighting enhances the detail. Free.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
The cetacean season is in full swing in December. Boat trips from Puerto de Mogan and Puerto Rico offer sightings of pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales. Cost: 45-55 EUR adults, 25-30 EUR children. Duration: 2.5-3 hours. Sighting rate above 90%.
Winter Hiking
The island's interior is at its greenest and most spectacular. Recommended routes include the Camino de la Plata (Cruz de Tejeda to Artenara, 8 km, 3 hours), the Barranco de Guayadeque and the Roque Nublo trail. Temperatures at altitude sit around 10-14°C, ideal for walking.
Christmas Shopping on Calle Triana
The main shopping street of Las Palmas, beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. Fashion boutiques, Canarian handicraft shops, bookstores and cafes. Combined with a stroll through Vegueta, it makes a perfect shopping day.
Evening Walk Along Las Canteras
December provides the ideal conditions for a night-time promenade. Christmas lights, terraces with blankets and heaters, and the Atlantic breeze create a unique atmosphere. A glass of Canarian wine with the illuminated sea as backdrop.
Canarian Cooking Class
Several schools and restaurants in Las Palmas offer workshops in traditional dishes: papas arrugadas with mojo, gofio amasado, ropa vieja and bienmesabe. From 40 EUR per person, including tasting. A perfect activity for cooler days.
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What to Pack
- Layered clothing: t-shirt, jumper or hoodie, light jacket
- Swimwear: swimming is still possible on sunny days
- SPF 30 sunscreen (the winter sun can catch you off guard)
- Light coat or jacket essential for evenings and mountain areas
- Waterproof layer for occasional showers
- Hiking boots for interior trails
- Smart clothing if you plan Christmas or New Year dinners
- Sunglasses
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Beach Conditions
Swimming in December requires a certain adventurous spirit but is perfectly achievable. The sea at 20°C feels brisk on entry but comfortable once you are in, particularly during sunny midday hours. Many Nordic visitors swim daily without complaint.
Las Canteras Beach
The star of the month thanks to the Sand Nativity Scene. The La Puntilla zone offers waters sheltered by La Barra, suitable for short swims. The promenade is at its festive best with Christmas illuminations and terrace dining.
Maspalomas Beach
The south coast is the best option for December beach time, with temperatures 2-3°C warmer and more reliable sunshine. The dunes at sunset are spectacular. Fewer beach services are active compared to summer, but the experience remains enjoyable.
Playa de Mogan
The harbour beach at Mogan is sheltered from the wind with calm waters. The fishing village decorated with Christmas lights adds a particular charm in December.
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Day Trips
Christmas Village Route
Several inland towns decorate their streets and squares with nativity scenes and festive lights. Teror, Tejeda, Artenara and Galdar offer an authentic, quiet Christmas atmosphere. A full-day driving route with stops for lunch and exploring.
Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves
The northwest coast combines dramatic cliffs, tropical coffee plantations and the picturesque Puerto de las Nieves with its fresh fish restaurants. The Ermita de las Nieves and the coastal views are highlights. 40 minutes from Las Palmas.
Telde and Cuatro Puertas Caves
Gran Canaria's second city has an interesting historic centre and the aboriginal archaeological site of Cuatro Puertas, featuring caves and chambers carved into the rock by the ancient Canarians. 20 minutes from Las Palmas. Free entry.
Maspalomas and the Dunes
The Maspalomas dunes offer a pleasant winter walk without the suffocating summer heat. The lighthouse, lagoon and dune field form a 2-3 hour circuit. Camel rides available (12 EUR). 35 minutes by car from Las Palmas.
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Where to Stay
Las Canteras is unquestionably the best base for December. The Sand Nativity Scene, the Christmas lights along the promenade, the festive restaurant atmosphere and the proximity to the Triana and Mesa y Lopez shopping districts make it the heart of Christmas in Gran Canaria.For a Christmas stay by the sea, [Casita Palmera](https://casitapalmera.es) is located just 30 metres from Las Canteras beach, with prices from 90 EUR per night. It is the perfect base for enjoying the Sand Nativity, Christmas dinners at the promenade restaurants and the festive life of the city, all with the comfort of your own apartment and equipped kitchen.
Pricing note: The first two weeks of December maintain low-to-mid season rates. From around 20th December, prices rise significantly due to Christmas and New Year demand. Booking well in advance is essential for dates between 20th December and 6th January.---
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in the sea in December?
Yes, though the water at 20°C feels fresh initially. Many Nordic visitors and local residents swim daily. The sheltered lagoon at Las Canteras behind La Barra offers slightly calmer conditions. The best swimming window is between 12:00 and 16:00 on sunny days.
What is New Year's Eve like in Las Palmas?
Festive and lively. Thousands gather along Las Canteras promenade and at Plaza de Santa Ana to welcome the new year. Fireworks light up the sky over the Atlantic, live music plays and bars stay open until the early hours. The atmosphere is safe and family-friendly. A jacket is recommended for the nighttime chill.
Is the Sand Nativity Scene worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is one of Spain's most distinctive Christmas traditions. International sculptors work for weeks creating enormous, intricately detailed figures. Entry is free and the evening lighting adds a special dimension. Hundreds of thousands of people visit each season.
How much do flights cost in December?
Prices vary considerably by date. First two weeks: 100-170 EUR return from London or Berlin. Christmas and New Year period (20 Dec - 6 Jan): prices can double or triple. Book 8-12 weeks ahead for the holiday period.
What is the temperature like at night in December?
Coastal evenings sit around 15-16°C, comfortable with a light jacket. Mountain areas (Tejeda, Artenara, the summits) can drop to 8-10°C. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust throughout the day as conditions change.