Palm trees, lights and Sand Nativity: 
Christmas on the beach in Las Palmas

The beach is the heart of life in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and in December the sandy beach dresses up for Christmas to the delight of locals and visitors alike. Las Canteras, one of the most highly valued beaches in Europe and recognised with the Q for Tourism Quality, environmental management, universal accessibility management and service quality management certificates, displays all its charms at this time of year and becomes a magical place to celebrate these dates and say goodbye to 2023.

The Sand Nativity of Las Canteras

The palm trees of the Las Canteras promenade are joined this month, next to the sand, by two enormous Christmas trees and two traditional market areas and the temperature is always perfect for swimming or sunbathing. And, as the highlight of the celebrations in the capital, the now iconic Las Canteras Sand Nativity could not be missed.

With 18 years of history, the famous sand sculptural intervention of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is erected on the beach for another year. Nine artists from five countries have worked this year on its design, which in 2023 is dedicated to all Canary Islanders living outside the islands. Almost 3,000 m2 and over 2,000 tonnes of sand have been used to create eight different scenes of the traditional Nativity Scene: the flight from Egypt, the streets of Bethlehem, “Stargazers” and the Announcing Angel, the fountain, the Magi and the Nativity - as well as a tribute to the island’s tomato workers, the well-known tenant farmers and their decades-long social struggle.

Also, like every year, the Sand Nativity is a work of solidarity that donates its profits to the city’s soup kitchens. Open to the public from 5 December to 8 January, it is a must-see every Christmas.

Welcome to 2024, at the beach

As well as strolling along the Las Canteras promenade and soaking up the unique Christmas atmosphere, the beach is also the perfect place to say goodbye to the year and welcome in 2024. Thanks to the capital’s good temperatures in any month, the fireworks that light up the sky of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on New Year’s Eve can be enjoyed from Las Canteras beach itself. The best setting to start the year off on the right foot, with live music in the open air at both ends of the beach.

The beach is also the place to see one of the most striking Christmas postcards: Santa surfing the famous waves of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. A tradition that is repeated every year, in which the Santas change the snow of Lapland for the Atlantic and get on their boards to celebrate Christmas on the beach of Las Canteras. A unique sight not to be missed from the peace and quiet of the sand.

Nativity scenes, street markets and Christmas trees in the historic neighbourhoods

Beyond Las Canteras, the historic quarters of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria also get into the festive spirit. The Plaza de Santa Ana, in the heart of Vegueta, boasts a nine-metre high Christmas tree, where numerous cultural events will also be held throughout the festivities. In the same square you can also visit the Nativity Scene of the Casas Consistoriales, another Christmas classic in the city.

Christmas carols, parades, concerts and street markets will be held in every corner of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with more than 150 cultural activities to make this a truly fairytale Christmas.

More information at http://lpavisit.com/es/

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