Christmas Lights and Shopping Dreams in Las Palmas

Las Palmas in December always feels like stepping into a living Christmas card, but this year… this year it was pure magic. Millions of lights draped the streets, shimmering across shop windows, palm trees, and balconies as if the entire city had decided to sparkle for us. The evening air was soft, a gentle hint of the ocean in every breath, and from the moment we arrived, the festive atmosphere wrapped around us like a warm hug.

🌆 Walking Through a City of Lights

We started our walk in the early evening, just when the sky was turning that deep, velvety blue that makes every light shine even brighter. The streets of Las Palmas were alive. People drifted from one shop to another, families were laughing, and Christmas music floated through open doors. Every corner revealed something new: glowing stars above us, illuminated arches, and trees covered with twinkling fairy lights.

As we strolled, we passed display after display—colourful toys, holiday decorations, shining jewellery, and Christmas sweets that made the air smell like cinnamon and sugar. It wasn’t just shopping… it was wandering inside a festive dream.

🏖️ Sand Sculptures in the Making

On our way, we made a small detour to take a look at the famous Belén de Arena—the sand nativity scene. It wasn’t open yet, but the preparations were underway. Artists were already shaping enormous blocks of sand into smooth, towering forms. Even in progress, it was impressive. The official opening was set for the 15th of December, and seeing the sculptors at work made us even more excited to return when everything is finished. It felt like we had caught a behind-the-scenes glimpse of something magical.

🛍️ From Shop to Shop – Christmas Hunt Begins

We continued walking through the glowing streets, stepping in and out of shops, touching soft scarves, choosing little trinkets, comparing perfumes, laughing at some Christmas sweaters that were definitely too much, and loving every moment.

There’s something special about shopping when the city is alive, when every doorway has a wreath, and every cashier wishes you a “Feliz Navidad.” It makes every purchase feel like a tiny memory.

🏬 El Corte Inglés – The Big Treasure House

Eventually, our route led us to one of Las Palmas’s giants: El Corte Inglés.

The moment we walked in, it felt like entering a Christmas universe. Floors full of decorations, shiny gift sets, toys, electronics, clothing, perfumes—everything surrounded by warm lights and festive music.

We wandered through floor after floor, discovering new ideas at every corner. After a while, the bags started to fill with perfect presents: a mix of surprises, useful things, and those “this one is just too nice not to buy” gifts. The kind you immediately know will make someone smile.

With our arms full and our wallets a little lighter, it was time to go back to the car. We dropped the bags in the backseat, took a deep breath of fresh evening air, and headed back into the city for the next chapter of our Christmas adventure.

🎄🎶 The Christmas Market – Warm Lights & Holiday Spirit

The Christmas Market was glowing like a little village of lights. Small wooden stalls lined up with handmade ornaments, local crafts, sweet treats, and hot drinks. People were chatting, looking at decorations, tasting little pastries, and smiling without even noticing it.

We walked through slowly, enjoying everything: the smell of roasted nuts, the glittering handmade stars, the tiny wooden toys, the soft glow of candles. Every stall felt like a small story.

🎡 A Walk Over the Fair – Lights, Music, Magic

Next to the market, the fair was alive with movement and colour. Bright rides turned in circles, kids screamed with joy, and music echoed between the stands. The lights from the fair mixed with the Christmas lights of the city, creating a carnival of colours in the night sky.

We walked across the fairground, watching people riding the attractions, laughing, playing games, and eating cotton candy. It was like stepping into a holiday movie where everything is fun, warm, and full of energy. Even just walking there was enough to feel that spark of childhood excitement.

✨ A Perfect Ending to a Glittering Day

When we finally returned to the car for the last time, Las Palmas was still shining behind us. Our bags were filled with presents, but more importantly, our hearts were filled with that special December feeling—the mixture of lights, music, laughter, and the simple joy of walking through a city dressed in Christmas magic.

It was one of those evenings that reminds you why Christmas in the Canary Islands is so special. No snow… but millions of lights, millions of smiles, and the warmest atmosphere you can imagine.

Comments

On the road looking for Almond Blossoms

A Day in the Mountains: Exploring the Almond Blossoms of Gran Canaria Today was one of those days that felt like an adventure right from the start. The sun was shining brightly, and the skies were an endless blue, promising a perfect day for a little exploration. We, Auke, Miranda, Ralf, Susanne set off at 10 AM, eager to embark on our mountain excursion in search of the much-anticipated almond blossoms. The journey ahead would take us deep into the heart of Gran Canaria’s stunning natural landscape. Our route took us up the winding roads toward San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where we were greeted by a surprising number of cyclists. The trail seemed to be a popular choice for bike enthusiasts, their wheels spinning tirelessly as they made their way uphill, each person determined to conquer the mountainous terrain. It was a lovely sight, adding a little touch of life and activity to the already picturesque landscape. As we drove past San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the scenery star...

Exploring the Past: A Journey to Mundo Aborigen

Exploring the Past: A Journey to Mundo Aborigen The sun rose over Gran Canaria, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink as the ExploGC team—Auke and Miranda—set off on their latest adventure. Today, they were joined by their friends, Ralf and Susanne, for a journey back in time at Mundo Aborigen, a unique open-air museum nestled in the heart of the island. As they drove through the winding mountain roads, the landscape shifted from coastal views to rugged terrain. Mundo Aborigen stood proudly on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Barranco de Fataga, a deep ravine with towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The group stepped out of the car, immediately feeling the warm breeze mixed with the scent of pine and dry earth. At the entrance, an old wooden sign welcomed them to this remarkable recreation of the ancient Canarian way of life. The village was designed to resemble how the indigenous Guanche people had lived centuries ago before the Spanish conquest....

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Agricultural Past – Museo de la Zafra

Today, we’re in Santa Lucía de Tirajana, at the Museo de la Zafra, where we’re diving into the agricultural history of Gran Canaria!" This museum tells the story of the island’s farming traditions, especially the tomato industry, which was a massive part of Gran Canaria’s economy for decades. The first thing you notice when you step inside is how well-preserved everything is. These old farming tools and black-and-white photos really take you back in time!. It’s fascinating how agriculture shaped life here. Tomatoes, especially, played a huge role in the local economy, and this museum does an amazing job showing how farmers cultivated them. The museum explains how tomatoes became a major export in the early 20th century. Farmers had to adapt to the island’s volcanic soil and unique climate to grow them successfully. This museum isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about the hardworking people who built the island’s economy with their dedication to the land. Walking throug...

Hotel Los Frailes Tafira Alta a hotel that could never return to its original purpose.

Exploring the Forgotten: A Day of Filming at Hotel Los Frailes Today was another exciting adventure as we set out to film for ExploGC, our ongoing project showcasing the hidden gems of Gran Canaria. Our destination? Tafira Alta, a picturesque area in the northeast of the island. More specifically, we had our sights set on Los Frailes, a once-grand hotel now lost in time. Arriving at Los Frailes The journey to Tafira Alta was as scenic as ever, with winding roads leading us through lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Upon arriving at Los Frailes, we were met with an unexpected obstacle—a massive "For Sale" banner stretched across the front, and the entire area was fenced off. Disappointed but not discouraged, we decided to scout the perimeter, hoping to find a way in. Eventually, we spotted a small opening in the fence that allowed us to squeeze through. With cameras in hand, we stepped inside, eager to rediscover this forgotten relic. A Walk Through Memory Lane This...

Centro de Interpretación del Barranco de Guayadeque A Journey Through Time

A Sunny Morning in Barranco de Guayadeque We arrived on a sunny morning, when the Barranco de Guayadeque was glowing in shades of green and deep volcanic brown. The road into the ravine always feels like a quiet transition — leaving the busy island behind and entering a place where time moves differently. Steep rock walls rose on both sides, protecting a valley shaped by fire, water, and centuries of human life. The air was warm but fresh, and the vegetation felt unexpectedly lush for such a rugged landscape. Guayadeque never feels empty. Even in silence, it feels alive. Parking near the Museo de Guayadeque, we took a moment to look around. Cave homes were scattered along the slopes, some ancient, some still lived in today. It’s one of those rare places where history isn’t locked behind glass — it’s part of the landscape itself. Inside the Rock: The Museo de Guayadeque The museum is built into the rock, blending naturally into the ravine wall. From the outside it feels mode...

Christmas Lights & Island Magic – Gran Canaria in Full Festive Glow

There’s a moment every year when Gran Canaria begins to change. When the warm ocean breeze mixes with the scent of roasted chestnuts, when the evenings suddenly sparkle a little brighter, and when the island—already full of colour—adds an entirely new palette of Christmas lights and festive decorations. And every year, that moment seems to come earlier. Christmas on Gran Canaria is getting more visible, more vibrant, and more full of life. This year, it’s everywhere. Truly everywhere. Parque Sur: From Quiet Park to Christmas Wonderland We started the week in Parque Sur in Maspalomas, usually a peaceful place for morning walks, relaxed picnics, or just sitting under the palm trees watching the koi ponds shimmer beneath the sun. But not now. Not in December. The moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into a glowing storybook. Lights wrapped themselves around every tree and lamppost. Gigantic Christmas figures stood proudly on the paths—snowmen, reindeer, angels, and huge ...

An Evening Walk Through the Beginning of the South

The evening light in San Agustín always feels different. Softer. Slower. As if the sun itself knows that this place was never meant for rushing. Our walk began at a building that quietly carries more history than most people realise: Hotel Las Folias, today known as Hotel New Folias. Standing there at the start, it was impossible not to think about what this place represents. This was not just another hotel. This was the beginning. When Hotel Folias opened in 1965, the south of Gran Canaria as we know it today did not yet exist. No Playa del Inglés full of lights, no Maspalomas boulevard, no endless resorts. Just land, wind, and an idea that this quiet coastline could become something more. Starting our walk here felt like stepping into the first page of a long story. From the hotel, we headed gently uphill toward Shopping Center San Agustín. The evening had settled in comfortably by now. The heat of the day was fading, replaced by a warm breeze coming from the ocean. The s...

A Day with the Ancients – Exploring Cenobio de Valerón and Cueva de Pintada

A Day with the Ancients – Exploring Cenobio de Valerón and Cueva de Pintada Today was one of those days that leaves you both awestruck and deeply connected to the roots of Gran Canaria. Alongside Auke and Miranda, we had the pleasure of venturing out with our dear friend Yvette to uncover more of the island’s fascinating aboriginal history. Our first destination: the legendary Cenobio de Valerón. Located in the northern municipality of Santa María de Guía, Cenobio de Valerón is not just a site—it’s a journey back in time. As we approached the entrance, the rugged terrain and cliffs of the north surrounded us in a dramatic embrace. This monumental collective granary, carved directly into the volcanic rock, is estimated to have been built more than 800 years ago by the ancient Canarios—long before the Spanish conquest. Despite its name, “Cenobio” (which implies a monastic origin), this place wasn’t a monastery. It was a communal granary, used to store grains, seeds, and other...

Filming for ExploGC: Exploring Playa del Inglés and Meloneras

A Day Filming for ExploGC: Exploring Playa del Inglés and Meloneras The day started with excitement as we prepared for another adventure with ExploGC Explore Gran Canaria. Our plan was simple but filled with opportunities to capture the essence of Playa del Inglés and Meloneras. The highlight? A ride on the iconic Mini Train, a visit to the vibrant market, and an evening stroll near the famous Faro Maspalomas. A Nostalgic Ride on the Mini Train With cameras ready, we hopped aboard the Mini Train in Playa del Inglés. Built in 1973 and running since 1975, this charming little train has become part of the town’s soul. As we rolled through the streets, the gentle breeze carried the scent of the ocean, and tourists waved as we passed. Filming from the train offered a unique perspective—colorful hotels, lively streets, and the golden dunes peeking in the distance. We captured families enjoying their vacations, street performers entertaining the crowds, and the relaxed atmosphere ...

ExploGC

Search This Blog