Christmas and New Year in the Canary Islands are warm, festive and very Spanish: lights and nativity scenes in December, twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, and the Three Kings parades on 5 January, which are the biggest celebration for children.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| December | Christmas lights, markets and nativity scenes (belénes) |
| 24 December (Nochebuena) | Family dinner, the main Christmas meal |
| 25 December | Quieter day, many restaurants open in resorts |
| 31 December (Nochevieja) | Twelve grapes at midnight, fireworks |
| 5 January | Three Kings parades (cabalgatas) |
| 6 January | Kings’ Day, gifts and roscón cake |
Tips for long-stayers
- Book accommodation and restaurants early: it is peak season.
- Expect some shops to close on 25 December, 1 January and 6 January.
- Join the free outdoor events in town squares.
- Try the Las Canteras sand nativity scene in Las Palmas.
Spending Christmas away from home
Many long-stayers organise shared Christmas meals with friends made over the winter. Restaurants in resorts often offer special Christmas menus; book ahead.
Our verdict
A warm Christmas by the sea is one of the joys of a Canarian winter. See Gran Canaria Weather in December.