Santa Cruz has unveiled its Christmas Shop Window Route, an initiative that brings together 64 local businesses showcasing specially designed festive displays. Organised by the Development Society as part of the Rambla and Salamanca Commercial Areas Transformation Plan, the route offers residents and visitors the chance to enjoy these unique decorations until 24 December.
All participating shops and their locations can be found on the website www.santacruzescomercio.com/ruta-de-escaparates, where users can also vote for their favourite displays.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez explained that the initiative aims not only to spread Christmas cheer but also to strengthen the role of local commerce. ‘This route encourages public participation in activities that help revitalise small and medium-sized businesses and enrich the municipality’s economic and social life,’ he said.
He also highlighted that the displays reflect the considerable effort made by shop owners during the festive season—an effort the City Council is committed to supporting through the Transformation Plan.
Carmen Pérez, CEO of the Development Society, noted that the high level of participation—64 shops—shows the business community’s growing interest in enhancing the city’s commercial appeal during this key period. ‘This contributes directly to economic activity and helps improve the services offered to residents and the many visitors arriving in Santa Cruz at this time of year,’ she added.
The route, which opened on 9 December, has so far attracted 365 registered participants on the web app and 334 posted reviews, with numbers expected to rise before the 24 December deadline. Pérez emphasised the importance of public involvement, announcing that all individuals who vote will be entered into a draw for three £100 gift vouchers, redeemable at any shop participating in the route.
Shops themselves will also receive recognition. The three establishments with the highest ratings will be awarded a professional social media campaign—valued at a minimum of £500 each—and an official certificate acknowledging their achievement.
The web app, available in Spanish and English, allows users to browse participating shops, view their locations and submit votes. It can be accessed directly through the website www.santacruzescomercio.com/ruta-de-escaparates.
This initiative forms part of the Rambla and Salamanca Commercial Areas Transformation Plan, co-financed by the European Union through the Canary Islands ERDF Programme 2021–2027, under the Canary Islands Smart Commercial Destination framework.
