Some Christmas activities never fail: strolling through illuminated city centres, shopping, meeting friends, visiting markets, tasting typical local cuisine...
Christmas in Mallorca is a time full of life and colour, which sees ancient traditions mixed with the modern, changing trends of a unique, cosmopolitan island that welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
A light spectacle
Palma is decked out in luxury with the arrival of Christmas, and the city's lights are an impressive spectacle whose switch-on is greeted with expectation by residents and tourists alike.
The most central and main streets radiate with stars, balls and garlands wrapped around the trees, forming a magical atmosphere that never ceases to amaze us.
If you want to see Palma's Christmas lights, we recommend you follow a "route" starting from the Paseo del Borne, one of the busiest shopping streets, and ending in the Parc de la Mar, where you can taste some typical roasted chestnuts.
Christmas markets
It’s true that Christmas markets in our country aren't as famous as those found in the centre of Europe. However, they still have their own special charm. And, if you're someone who lives Christmas to the full, then visiting them is one of the most enjoyable things you can do.
The opening of Palma's Christmas markets usually coincides with the switching on of the Christmas lights at the end of November.
The most popular one can be found in the Plaza Mayor, where you can buy items from the Mallorcan nativity scene (handmade and hand-painted figures of peasants) or handicrafts, such as the typical siurells.
We also recommend the markets of Las Ramblas, Plaza de España, and Pueblo Español, which are very lively, with plenty of shops, crafts, food stalls, and much more.
Nativity scene route 2022
Due to its position on the Mediterranean, and its links to the people of southern France and Italy, Mallorca, and Palma in particular, have a long tradition of nativity scenes.
If you like these types of re-enactments, this is a Christmas activity not to be missed.
Here's a list of the nativity scenes you can see this Christmas in Mallorca:
- Mallorcan Cort Nativity Scene
- Fundació Sa Nostra Nativity Scene, Caixa de Balears
- Consell de Mallorca Nativity Scene. Palau del Consell
- C&A Shopping Centre Nativity Scene
- Barceló Foundation Nativity Scene
- El Corte Inglés Shopping Centre Nativity Scene
- Santa Catalina Market Nativity Scene
- Centre of Military History of Palma Nativity Scene
- The parish of Santa Catalina Tomàs Nativity Scene
The Tramuntana, in all its glory
The villages in the Tramuntana mountain range experience Christmas in Mallorca in a special way. That's why these special dates are yet another excuse to visit them and get to know their delights.
In Sineu, they have been reviving the Nadal fet a mà (handmade Christmas) initiative for years, where they organise workshops to make handmade toys, and put on concerts and live music.
In Escorca, in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range, you'll find the Monastery of Lluc, a religious pilgrimage centre that, in the run-up to Christmas, becomes a meeting place for food lovers with its local produce market.
We also recommend that you visit some places near Palma, such as Puerto de Alcúdia, Puerto Portals, and Puerto Adriano.
Owners of a "millenary" tradition
Mallorca has a lot to offer tradition lovers. Indeed, our island hosts a particularly important event, the Chant of the Sibil.la, a mediaeval dramatisation related to the Apocalypse, which has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The Chant of the Sibil.la is performed at Midnight Mass on the night of December 24th.
It's traditional in many parishes on the island, although the best known ones take place in the Lluc Sanctuary and Palma Cathedral.
Are you planning to spend Christmas in Mallorca? These and many other great activities are awaiting you, and we are ready to welcome you!
