One of the most relaxing places to experience the festive season has to be the island of Mallorca. There is almost a collective sigh, as the hectic summer is over, and the hustle and bustle of the season slows all but to a stop by the end of autumn.
Though rarely seeing snow, Mallorca’s countryside has a wonderfully crisp feel in December and January, with red berries dotting the hedgerows and the earthy scent of wood smoke. You’ll find little bars and cafés in the smallest of villages aglow with festive spirit. At Villa Esquina, we love to watch the beautiful countryside change as we get cosy with the family in the snug, or set about preparing a traditional meal in the kitchen. Villa Esquina is a peaceful haven for friends and family to get together and celebrate. Get in touch to check out our availability for this winter and spring season. Whether you wish to use the holiday season to wind down and chill out or get caught up in the spirit of the festivities, Mallorca at Christmas has something for everyone.
Feliz Navidad!
Christmas Traditions in Mallorca
The season officially begins on December 8th with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and ends on January 7th, when a lot of tired-eyed children go back to school following Three Kings day! The celebration of the three holy kings has a particular importance in Spain. Because of this, a lot of families now choose to split present giving between 25th and 6th January, giving them more time to play with their presents.
The myriad of churches, sanctuaries, and hermitages spread throughout Mallorca pay extra-special attention to their décor at Christmas time. Christmas Eve is a significant part of any European festive calendar, the magnificent cathedral at Le Seu stages an awe-inspiring midnight mass, also echoed at Lluc, Mallorca’s most sacred monastery.
Belen – or Nativity
Every town and village have their own “Belen.” These are beautiful, poignant nativity scenes intricate in their minute details often displayed in public buildings, churches, or even in the front window of the local sweet shop. The churches, boulevards, and palaces of the capital city Palma have many on show and are well worth making a trip to tour them all. We recommend that you stop frequently for “churros”, a freshly fried doughnut-like treat, and a “Lumumba”, a hot chocolate with a more than a generous slug of brandy.
Shopping
The city`s streets are an excellent place for shopping all year round with big brands on offer in the boutiques of the main streets of Palma, but also the more traditional local fare. On the run-up to Christmas, they are boosted with many German-style festive markets initiated by the large expat community but enjoyed by all. The British and Scandinavian resident communities also bring a slice of home with their own markets and traditions. Check out the Swedish church in Palma and the British style market in Santa Ponsa for two of the best.
Majorca’s Christmas Markets
Puerto Portals : 15 December – 7 January
Starting on December 15th, Puerto Portals will be full of festive cheer thanks to its seasonal market, featuring dozens of Christmas stalls. In addition to plenty of original gift ideas, you’ll find a nice gastronomic offer, including traditional Christmas specialities and international dishes, such as “Kartoffelsalat” or “Lebkuchen”.
Enjoy shopping and eating in a warm atmosphere adorned with lights and Christmas trees, set to traditional music. Children’s activities are completely free for visitors and include storytelling, craft workshops and face painting.
Plaça Major : Open daily 10:00-21:00
The Plaça Major market is filled with stalls selling Christmas decorations and gifts – including everything you need to create your own nativity scene
Pueblo Español : 1 – 10 December
At Christmas, the streets and squares of Palma’s Spanish Village become a winter wonderland, with many gift stalls, warming food and drink stands and of course, special appearances from Santa Claus. Pueblo Español is situated in the Son Dureta area of the city, with free car parking.
Alaró: 16 – 17 December
Discover Alaró during this 2-day Christmas Market which takes place every year in December.
Christmas Lights in Palma
Definitely worth a visit are the Christmas lights in Palma. Palma’s most beautiful avenue is filled with families to view the switching on of the stunning Christmas lights which this year takes place on 22nd November.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day has become a day to enjoy the outdoors. Often the weather over the holidays is bright and sunny, chilly enough to make it feel like winter, but not so much that you can’t feel your toes. On and around Boxing Day the popular trails in the Tramuntana mountains become busier than usual with walkers looking to shed a few calories and clear the head before the next party!