Is there a Christmas market in Vega de San Mateo?
La Voz Canaria reported on 1 November 2026 that renovation of the Restaurante El Mercado building has begun in Vega de San Mateo. The report says nothing about a Christmas market or festive lights.
Further research turned up no date or venue for a Christmas market in the municipality. Anyone planning an Advent visit should first ask the Ayuntamiento (town hall) of Vega de San Mateo.
According to mercadillos.org, the weekly market runs all year round from Friday to Sunday on Calle Antonio Perera Rivero. The source gives no winter hours, and the summer hours of 08:00 to 14:30 on Sunday applied until 31 October.
What will the Restaurante El Mercado building become?
Juan Báez, the councillor for the market (Concejal de Mercado) and first deputy mayor, has explained the aim of the work. The building is to be renewed and brought back into use as a municipal restaurant.
La Voz Canaria quotes Báez speaking of “completely renewed spaces at the service of the public”. He also said the town is making progress on its promises to residents and is carrying out outstanding measures.
The report names the new market building as a further municipal project. When it will open has not been published.
An entry on the Gobierto procurement portal describes the subject as the renovation of Restaurante El Mercado y Sala de Formación de Vega de San Mateo. The building is meant to become an innovative space, adapted to new uses.
How much will the renovation cost and who is doing it?
None of the sources checked gives a sum in euros. Nor is it confirmed whether the town, the Cabildo (island government), the Canary Islands government or the EU is paying.
The Gobierto entry mentions a second modification of the project, handled by the Alcaldía (mayor's office). This suggests the plan has changed more than once.
The contractor, building time and completion date have not been published. No official gazette entry or Cabildo statement on this building turned up either.
The EU tenders portal TED lists notice 21740-2026, giving the town's procurement address.
What changes for visitors and residents during the renovation?
Nobody has published whether the restaurant is currently closed. It is equally unclear who runs it and whether a new operator is being sought.
Trip.com lists a Cafetería Restaurante El Mercado at Calle Antonio Perera Rivero 4, 35320. The entry does not say whether it is the same building, but it sits next to the market street.
No report says whether the work affects the weekly market. The Cabildo tourism portal describes the market as a weekend tradition with fruit, vegetables, cheese and crafts such as basketry.
According to tourism sources, Vega de San Mateo lies inland at about 800 metres above sea level. No official bus information turned up, and only tour operators offer combined trips to San Mateo and Teror.
What happens next in Vega de San Mateo?
The town has not yet named an opening date for the renovated restaurant. Questions on budget, building time and operator remain open, and the Ayuntamiento press office and the Concejalía de Mercado (market department) are the places to ask.
According to Canarias Ahora, the town is run by Mayor Davinia Falcón (AVESAN-CC). She took over in 2024 after a PSOE no-confidence motion succeeded, though the exact date is not confirmed.
Anyone planning an Advent outing should stick with the Friday to Sunday market for now. The town has not said whether it will have Christmas lights or special offers.