Christmas in the Canary Islands has a charm all of its own: mild weather, illuminated streets, open-air markets, live music and local traditions that create a festive season unlike any other. Below you’ll find a complete guide to the main Christmas markets, events and activities on each island.

1. Gran Canaria: Tradition, Crafts and a Festive Atmosphere by the Sea

Gran Canaria is one of the liveliest islands in December, with numerous markets and celebrations attracting both residents and visitors.

Beefeater London Xmas Market – Parque San Telmo (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

Photo Credit: Laprovincia.es

Dates: 4–8 December.
A Central European–style Christmas market with wooden stalls, live music, food trucks, cocktails and a wide range of gastronomy. Perfect for an evening stroll to enjoy local crafts and a festive atmosphere around Parque San Telmo. You can find the full programme here. 

Christmas Market at Parque Santa Catalina – Plaza de Canarias

Photo Credit: lpacultura.com

Dates: 4 December to 6 January 2026.
A large and varied market in the leisure area of Parque Santa Catalina / Plaza de Canarias (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). It offers crafts, gourmet products, Christmas decorations, a small funfair and family activities. One of the most atmospheric spots in the capital.

Fontanales Craft Market (Moya)

2025 dates: 29 and 30 November; 6, 7 and 8; 13 and 14; and 20 and 21 December.
A rural market set in Teleclub de Fontanales (Calle Federico Díaz Bertrana, Moya), known for its authenticity: traditional crafts, homemade food and folk music. Opening hours: 11:00–18:00.

Other Highlights in Gran Canaria

Photo Credit: grancanaria.com

• Sand Nativity Scene on Las Canteras: Held every year on Las Canteras Beach (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). Dates:5 December 2025 – 8 January 2026.
• Christmas lights switch-on in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Lighting begins on 26 November and the entire municipality is gradually illuminated until 4 December. More info here.
• Christmas Concerts at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium: From 26 to 28 December, the auditorium hosts a classic event: the XIII New Year’s Concert by the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra. The programme includes excerpts from major operatic and symphonic works. Showtimes and tickets here.

2. Tenerife: Historic Markets and Iconic Celebrations

Tenerife blends tradition, culture and music in spaces full of history.

Christmas Market in Santa Cruz – Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena

Photo Credit: atlanticohoy.com

Dates: 19 December to 6 January (10:00–22:00).
A central location with craft stalls, decorations and local products. Includes children’s activities and live performances.

Christmas Markets in La Laguna – Historic Centre

Photo Credit: canariasnoticias.es

Dates: 10–31 December (confirmed).
More than 145 stalls in a UNESCO World Heritage city. Crafts, traditional sweets, concerts and Christmas spirit along cobbled streets.

Highlight Events in Tenerife

• Christmas Concert – Ports of Tenerife (25 December, annually confirmed): A special occasion to enjoy Christmas with music in a unique seaside setting. More info and tickets here.
• Traditional Nativity Route: The La Laguna Nativity Route 2025 starts on 9 December with 38 nativity scenes across the municipality. More info here.
• Christmas lights switch-on in Adeje: 29 November in Plaza de España at 20:00. Nearby our hotels Guayarmina Princess and Princess Inspire Tenerife. More sites and dates here.

3. La Palma: Crafts, Tradition and a Slow-Paced Christmas Spirit

Photo Credit: eldiario.es

La Palma offers an intimate Christmas closely tied to local culture, perfect for those seeking a calm and authentic festive season.

Tijarafe Artisanal and Commercial Christmas Market

Dates: 12–13 December (programme pending confirmation).
One of the island’s most representative markets, featuring local crafts, tastings and family activities. Its rural and cosy atmosphere makes it a must for anyone seeking a traditional Christmas experience.

Other Highlights in La Palma

• Municipal Christmas lights switch-on: 22 November in Plaza de España at 21:15. A festive event marking the start of the season with tradition, music and Christmas sparkle.
• Santa Cruz de La Palma Christmas Market: 19 December to 4 January in Plaza de España. Crafts, gastronomy and activities throughout the season.
• Christmas concerts in Santa Cruz de La Palma: Including Nos vemos en la Plaza (6 December) and the traditional Tajadre en Navidad (13 December).
• Celebrations in Los Llanos de Aridane: Programme pending official confirmation.

4. Fuerteventura: Coastal Markets, Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Local Festivities

Photo Credit: diariodefuerteventura.com

Fuerteventura blends coastal charm with relaxed, family-friendly Christmas traditions.

Key Christmas Markets

Los Main markets take place in:

• Corralejo: 26, 27 and 28 December
• Puerto del Rosario: 20 December 2025 – 5 January 2026
• Morro Jable: Dates pending confirmation
• Gran Tarajal: Dates pending confirmation

Most offer local crafts, Christmas decorations, gourmet products and children’s workshops.

Dates vary by municipality and are published annually in November–December. Check official websites for La Oliva, Pájara, Puerto del Rosario and Tuineje.

Christmas Lights Switch-on

Puerto del Rosario will open Christmas 2025 on Friday, 28 November, with its traditional Lights Switch-On event on Primero de Mayo street from 17:00.

5. Lanzarote, La Gomera and El Hierro: A Peaceful and Traditional Christmas

These islands celebrate Christmas in a quiet and very local way. Lanzarote hosts markets in Arrecife (from 14 December), Teguise (5–8 December) and Puerto del Carmen (dates pending confirmation). La Gomera and El Hierro hold smaller markets in San Sebastián de La Gomera (28–29 November), Valle Gran Rey (19–20 December) and La Frontera, El Hierro (various events from 29 November focused on crafts and gastronomy).

Dates are updated annually between late November and early December on each island council’s website.

Tips for Enjoying Christmas in the Canary Islands

Photo Credit: marcacanaria.com

Visit markets at sunset to enjoy the lights and ambience

• Try local Christmas sweets such as truchas de batata or Canarian nougat
• Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings
• Check each municipality’s official programme, as opening times may vary on public holidays
• Choose local crafts as a meaningful souvenir

This Is Christmas in the Canary Islands

Photo Credit: tiempodecanarias.com

Christmas in the Canary Islands offers a unique blend of tradition, mild weather and festive spirits. Markets, concerts and local celebrations allow you to experience the season in a more relaxed, open-air way.

Staying with Princess Canarias in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma or Fuerteventura means enjoying this Christmas magic from privileged locations, with all the comfort you need to embrace the festive spirit of the archipelago.

Categories: Canaries, Travel Tips, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Tenerife