Enjoy Christmas in a different way as you explore five unforgettable holiday activities to do in Gran Canaria with Dunas Hotels & Resorts.
Spending Christmas in Gran Canaria means swapping grey skies for sunshine, palm trees and the gentle Atlantic breeze. Instead of rushing between shops in the cold, you can stroll along golden beaches, explore volcanic landscapes and enjoy festive lights in short sleeves. And if you choose to stay with Dunas Hotels & Resorts, you’ll be perfectly placed in the south of the island to enjoy it all.
Here are five memorable ways to experience Christmas in Gran Canaria, with suggestions for the best Dunas hotel for each plan.
1. Visit the Maspalomas Dunes and watch the sunset on the beach
Christmas in Gran Canaria doesn’t mean snow – but you do get dunes. The Maspalomas Dunes are one of the island’s most iconic landscapes: rolling waves of golden sand with the ocean and lighthouse in the distance. In winter, temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore.
Spend the afternoon walking along the shoreline or taking a gentle stroll towards the Maspalomas Lighthouse. As the sun begins to set, the sky often turns shades of pink and orange, reflecting beautifully on the sand and water. It’s an unforgettable setting for a Christmas walk – and a very photogenic one.
Where to stay in Maspalomas?
For easy access to the dunes and beach, Suites & Villas by Dunas and Maspalomas Resort by Dunas are especially well located, close to the Maspalomas nature reserve and golf course, with the beach around 1.2–1.4 km away.
However, if you prefer to be directly by the sea, Don Gregory by Dunas in San Agustín is a fantastic choice for combining beach walks with relaxed “feet in the sand” Christmas moments.
2. Explore Christmas markets and festive lights
If you like a bit of Christmas sparkle, Gran Canaria won’t disappoint. The island hosts a range of Christmas markets and events, especially in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with stalls selling local crafts, festive decorations and Canarian delicacies.
In the historic quarter of Vegueta, you can often find Christmas markets set among cobbled streets and traditional buildings, with live music and a cosy atmosphere.
The capital also puts on impressive Christmas lights and concerts, particularly around Plaza de Santa Ana and other central areas, where residents and visitors gather to enjoy outdoor music and seasonal performances.
An evening trip from the south to Las Palmas is entirely doable, and returning to the quieter resort atmosphere at night makes for a lovely contrast: city lights first, then peaceful hotel.
Best Dunas hotel for this plan
All Dunas hotels in the south have good road connections to the GC-1 motorway towards Las Palmas. If you’re planning to combine market-hopping with beach relaxation, Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas, Maspalomas Resort by Dunas and Suites & Villas by Dunas offer a nice balance of resort facilities and easy access to the main road.
3. See the famous Sand Nativity Scene at Las Canteras Beach
One of the most unique Christmas traditions in Gran Canaria is the Sand Nativity Scene (Belén de Arena) on Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Every year, international sand sculptors create huge, detailed scenes from the Nativity story, all entirely modelled from sand.
It’s considered one of the largest open-air nativity scenes in Europe, and entrance is usually free, with donations often going to local charities.
You can wander among the sculptures, admire the craftsmanship up close and take photos with the Atlantic Ocean just a few steps away. With the mild December weather and festive lights lining the promenade, it’s a magical way to experience Christmas in a thoroughly Canarian style.
4. Celebrate like a local: concerts, Three Kings and seaside strolls
Christmas in Spain doesn’t end on 25 December – the festive season continues right through to Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes) on 6 January. On the evening of 5 January, many towns in Gran Canaria host Three Kings’ parades (Cabalgatas de Reyes), with Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar processing through the streets, throwing sweets to children and greeting excited families.
In Las Palmas, the Kings traditionally arrive by boat at the Port of La Luz before making their way through the city, while other municipalities in the south, such as Maspalomas and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, organise their own celebrations and family events.
December is also a month full of concerts and cultural events, from classical performances by the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra to traditional Canarian folk music. Some of these are held in historic squares such as Plaza de Santa Ana, where you can enjoy live music beneath the Christmas lights and starry sky.
On quieter days, you might simply choose to do what locals love most in winter: a gentle seaside paseo. The promenades of Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and San Agustín are perfect for an evening stroll, perhaps with an ice cream instead of mulled wine.
Where to stay in the south of Gran Canaria?
If you’d like to be close to the action in the south:
- Don Gregory by Dunas sits right on Las Burras Beach in San Agustín, making it ideal for seaside walks and easy access to coastal promenades.
- Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas, Maspalomas Resort by Dunas and Suites & Villas by Dunas place you near Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, with their shops, bars, beachfront paths and local celebrations.
5. Take a festive boat trip along the southern coast
Christmas in Gran Canaria doesn’t have to stay on land. One of the most memorable experiences you can enjoy during the festive season is a boat trip along the island’s southern coast. Whether you prefer a relaxing catamaran cruise, a wildlife-focused excursion or a luxury sailing experience, the calm winter seas and warm sunshine make it an ideal time to be out on the water.
Many departures leave from Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán or Pasito Blanco, offering routes that glide past dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and golden beaches. On some trips, you may have the chance to spot dolphins, enjoy a swim stop or try snorkelling in clear Atlantic waters. With the soft December light over the ocean and the mild Canarian climate, it’s a peaceful and refreshing way to add a touch of adventure to your Christmas holiday.
A festive drink on deck, the sound of the waves and uninterrupted views of the coastline make this a Christmas memory that feels both unique and quintessentially Gran Canarian.
A warm and unforgettable Christmas in Gran Canaria
Christmas in Gran Canaria isn’t about roaring fires and snow – it’s about sunshine, sea air, festive lights reflected on the Atlantic and a slower, warmer way to celebrate. With average daytime temperatures of around 22 °C in December and pleasantly mild evenings, it’s the perfect time to enjoy long coastal walks, outdoor markets and relaxed hours by the sea.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or with family, the island invites you to experience Christmas differently — swapping winter chill for soft ocean breezes, crowded shops for scenic landscapes and traditional festivities for a more laid-back Atlantic style.
By the time you return home, you’ll likely find yourself dreaming of your next Christmas on the island, where the lights shimmer on palm trees and the sound of the ocean becomes part of the celebration.
