December has a special touch since it’s the last month of the year. Christmas is undoubtedly the event that marks this month throughout the Canary Islands. If you decide to visit the islands, it’s vital that you know what to do in December in Gran Canaria. Furthermore, December in the Canary Islands is characterised by a warm Christmas, with an average of 22 °C.
Today, we’d like to offer you some valuable information about the best things to do in Gran Canaria during the month of December. A month full of events, fun, peace, and wellbeing that attracts thousands and thousands of people every year. But first…
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 we begin our ranking, we’d like to highlight the fact that you’ve chosen Gran Canaria to enjoy your holidays. Let’s put you in the picture: imagine you’re coming from mainland Spain or Northern Europe, where coats and scarves are the quintessential clothing because of the cold. Well, once you’re on the island, you can forget all about those outfits.
The Canarian winter is a real paradise that you can’t miss and will make you want to come back. You’ll be able to enjoy the best beaches, the great cultural events that take place in December, enjoy outdoor sports, the wonderful gastronomy of the island and the magical Christmas traditions.
Here are the best things to do in December in Gran Canaria, so that you can enjoy a unique experience on the island in winter.
1. Nativity scenes made of sand
Have you ever seen a crib made out of sand? The answer is probably no, but you’re in luck because in Gran Canaria, more specifically in the heart of the capital, at the Beach Playa de las Canteras, you’ll find the largest open-air nativity scene in Europe.
Artists from all over the island come together every year on this marvellous beach to give shape to this original crib. You also have the opportunity to walk through it and look at the numerous figures, such as the pensive St. Joseph or a baby Jesus made of sand.
2. Sports
Gran Canaria is an island that lives sport intensely. Thanks to its climate, during the month of December you’ll be able to practice outdoor sports in magnificent conditions, without worrying about the cold or the rain.
In the middle of December, you can forget about looking at the weather forecast and go out and discover the island while doing sport.
If you don’t know what to do in December in Gran Canaria, you can enjoy the best hiking routes all over the island that’ll take you to dream landscapes. Also, cycling routes are popular during winter; they’ll delight bike-lovers. You can also enjoy a quiet and relaxing day playing golf on some of its most famous courses, as well as surfing. Yes, even in winter!
3. Concerts
As well as being able to experience intensely all that Gran Canaria has to offer in terms of nature, the island also offers a wide range of musical and cultural events.
December is the month of concerts throughout all Gran Canaria. However, we can highlight the most important ones, such as the traditional pre-Christmas Eve concert that takes place in the central Plaza de Santa Ana in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The beginning of the musical year on the island comes with the New Year’s (Año Nuevo) concert, performed by the Orquesta Sinfónica de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on the 22 of December. Don’t miss it!
As well as music, one of the best things to do in December in Gran Canaria is to visit the best museums, such as the Museo Canario, the Casa de Colón, the Casa Museo Pérez Galdós or the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno, located in the historic area of Triana-Vegueta.
4. Take a dip
To experience a Christmas holiday in Gran Canaria is to enjoy a miniature paradise. It’s impossible to come to the island, with its 22 degrees in the middle of December, and not take a dip in one of its magnificent beaches.
One of the island’s strongholds is undoubtedly its beaches. If you go to the north, you can find the marvellous natural pools of Puertillo in Bañaderos or the natural pools of Agaete, as well as wild beaches such as El Juncal.
If, on the other hand, you decide to go south, it’s also a fantastic idea. Playa del Inglés, San Agustín or Meloneras are undoubtedly the best options to enjoy an unbeatable day at the beach in the middle of December.
5. Amusement parks
A leisure activity that in other places is relegated to the background when the cold weather arrives. On an island like Gran Canaria, this doesn’t happen. The theme parks are open all year round.
A good example of this is Wooland Fun Park in Holidayworld Maspalomas. After its reopening in 2019, it has become the benchmark for amusement parks in the Canary Islands.
In addition to having a variety of activities such as its main amusement park, bowling alley or karaoke, one of the best things to do in December in Gran Canaria is to visit its space reserved for gastronomy. At its Nomad Gastro Market, you can have a great culinary offer with cuisines from all over the world.
Gran Canaria in December: an island you shouldn’t miss
There’s no better place in Europe to come and enjoy a holiday full of intensity and magic than Gran Canaria.
You’ve witnessed everything that this magnificent island has to offer. This combination of enjoying its marvellous nature through sport, getting to know its history and customs, adding more typical plans for other dates such as the beach, make it the ideal place to spend a month as important as December.
In short, these are the things to do in December in Gran Canaria that you can’t miss. You’ll get captivated by its charm, and you’ll want to come back.
