Its the last weekend before most of the foreign residents celebrate their Yuletime dinners and get togethers. Of course here in Spain, and on the Canary Islands, December 25th is a day of quiet contemplation with the main gift giving days being January 5th & 6th in celebration of the Day of the Three Kings, so for Canary Islanders there is still a full week of Christmas shopping to be done. The weather continues to be glorious and sunny over the coming days, just perfect to start the seasonal festivities. There are plenty of seasonal events going on all over Gran Canaria and here are our hand picked selection of just a few for you to visit this weekend before Christmas.
20.12 – 5.1. Vecindario, SANTA LUCIA
FERIA DE ARTESANIA
A total of 44 artisans and four NGOs (non profit organisations) who carry out their work in the municipality have confirmed their attendance at the Craft Fair, which has been installed in the pedestrian area of Avenida de Canarias, starting from Thursday December 20th until the night of the eve of Kings Day (Reyes). This market forms part of the revitalisation campaign ‘Santa Lucia is Christmas’, aimed at promoting and enhancing local trade and family leisure. Craftspeople working with palm and ceramics, wicker, costume jewellery, miniatures, wooden toys, cloth and felt dolls, modelling, glass, tiles and cutlery, among other materials, display just some of the items on offer.
Opening hours for the Fair is 10:00-21:00, except December 25 and January 1, when the fair will be only open until noon. The night of the eve of Kings Day the fair will remain open until the closing of the main shops.
On Saturday 21.12, between 10:00-13:00 there is a Childrens’ parade along the Open Commercial Area (Avenida de Canarias)
On Saturday, Traditional Canarian Christmas Carols Concerts between 19:00-21:00
• Plaza de Los Algodoneros
• Pedestrian zone, by the South entrance
• Menéndez Pelayo Street
Pedestrian Zone Avenida de Canarias
UNTIL – 8 JANUARY, LAS PALMAS
SAND NATIVITY SCENE – LAS CANTERAS BEACH
The Belen de Arena in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on Las Canteras Beach (at the La Puntilla end), is one of the main Christmas events for the city and the island. To visit is free for the public, although donations are requested each year for charitable purposes.
The Sand Bethlehem can be visited until January 8.
Sunday to Friday, from 9:00-22:00.
Saturdays, from 9:00-23:00
Special days 24/12, 31/12 and 5/1 from 9:00-20:00
21-23 DECEMBER, MASPALOMAS
CHRISTMAS IN THE SUN-EVENT
Christmas in the sun- children and family oriented event in Parque Sur Maspalomas.
Inflatables, workshops and entertainment from 10:00-21:00 over the next three weekends. On Friday 21.12 the fun starts at 17:30.
21-23.12 , 28-30.12 and 4-6.1
Check the full program below
21-23 DECEMBER, PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
CHRISTMAS MARKET – HOTEL MARITIM PLAYA
The 10th traditional and popular Christmas market at the hotel Maritim Playa, in Playa del Inglés. The Christmas Market opens at 16:00.
Christmas spirit and decorations, Canarian and German artisans, Glühwein, baked goods, music performances and much more.
21-23 DECEMBER, MOGÁN
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – MOGAN TOWN HALL
The Mogán Christmas program runs from December 14 to January 5 and includes various activities and events spread across virtually all neighbourhoods in the municipality. So Arguineguín, Mogán, Motor Grande, Las Filipinas, Barranquillo Andrés, El Horno, Veneguera and Playa de Mogán will all enjoy events aimed at the whole family and especially the smallest in the family.
On Friday, an afternoon for children at the Plaza in Motor Grande, near Mercadona. Lots of fun between 17:00 and 20:00 inflatables, workshops, video games and more.
In the evening at 21:00 there is a concert by “Los Sabandeños” in Arguineguin at Plaza Pérez Galdós.
On Saturday:
in Mogán casco, a christmas photocall for kids with a big decorative christmas ball between 17:00-19:00 in Parque Nicolás Quesada and a children entertainment area from 17:00-21:00
In Barranquillo Andrés, an afternoon for children at the Plaza. Lots of fun to be have between 16:00 and 19:00 with inflatables, workshops, videogames and more.
In Arguineguin christmas carols and small street parades at the church starting at 19:00.
On Sunday
In Playa de Mogán a christmas photocall for kids with a big christmas ball between 17:00-19:00 at Plaza Dr Pedro Betancor Léon. A Video Game party between 17:00-00:00.
21-23 DECEMBER, LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM BY TOWN HALL
The town hall program for the holidays is all about christmas concerts this weekend. On Friday, at 20:00 a concert by the symphonic band of the municipality at Plaza de San Lorenzo.
At 20:30 the traditional bus company concert at Parque San Telmo.
At 21:00 “The small guitars of the world” concert at Plaza del Pilar Nuevo.
On Saturday, The XXXI Traditional Christmas concert by “Los Gofiones” starting at 21:00 at Plaza de Santa Ana.
On Sunday The Christmas concert by La Trova at the Atlantic gardens just next to the Alfredo Kraus, starting at 20:00
SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER, MOYA
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM TOWN HALL
The Musical Group “”Cumbres y Costas”” Villa de Moya will offer on Sunday, its traditional Christmas concert of the Villa de Moya starting at 12:00. Ismael Betancor, trumpeter soloist of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Gran Canaria, will be the guest artist.
A lovely christmas concert to be enjoyed at Plaza Tomás Morales.
