As the Christmas season approaches, Mallorca traditionally enters the Advent spirit at the end of November 2024 with the switching on of the festive lights in Palma. This year, the Christmas lights will be switched on on the 27th of November at 6:30 PM. The programme – especially around Passeig del Born and Plaça de la Reina – will run until around 9:00 PM and will include concerts, dances, and illuminated figures. This will be rounded off by the switching on of the lights at Plaça de Cort and Plaça Major, making them the ideal setting for a stroll through the festively decorated city centre. But what else can you experience in Mallorca in 2024 during the Christmas season?
This year, the Christmas markets in Mallorca are once again a highlight. They combine traditional festive flair with Mediterranean charm and invite you to experience festive celebrations, culinary delights, and unique handicrafts amidst pleasant weather. The following Christmas markets are particularly recommended.
Christmas Market in Puerto Portals
The Christmas Market in Puerto Portals takes place this year from 13th December 2024 to 6th January 2025 and probably attracts the most visitors in the southwest of the island. With its 40 wooden stalls, it offers a mixture of culinary specialities and international delicacies such as mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and crêpes, as well as Christmas gifts such as leather goods, jewellery, fashion and art. The ice rink, which is set up every year and delights young and old alike, is also particularly popular. For children, there are also craft workshops and live bands perform regularly.
Christmas market in Port Adriano
Port Adriano is also preparing a Christmas market This will take place from 17th December 2024 to 9th January 2025. During this period, it will be open daily from 12:00 to 20:00, except on 24th and 31st December, when it will close at 16:00. The market's highlights are the 300sqm ice rink and the giant slide. Of course, you will also be provided with delicious food and drinks here.
Christmas market in Santa Ponsa
In the southwest of the island, Santa Ponça also hosts a Christmas market, which particularly attracts many German families. It takes place from 23 November 2024 to 15 December 2024, on weekdays from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm and at weekends from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm. The market also offers numerous activities for children, including Spain's largest Lego exhibition with Lego workshops, craft stations, pony rides, children's detective stories, and regular visits from Father Christmas. Adults can fully enjoy the festive atmosphere with classics such as gingerbread, stollen, Christmas cookies, and mulled wine.
Christmas Market at the Spanish Village
The Christmas market at Pueblo Español, a replica of a typical Spanish village in Palma, opens on December 1st and invites visitors to enjoy festive browsing every Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 to 23:00 until December 22nd. The atmosphere is family-friendly and, with its small stalls, Christmas decorations and fairy lights, is reminiscent of a classic Christmas market. Highlights include traditional delicacies such as „Turrón“ (Spanish nougat), „Polvorones“ (Spanish shortbread), and „Churros“ with hot chocolate.
The programme offers a colourful mix of live shows, music from DJs and bands, as well as numerous activities specifically for children. Special attractions include the popular Disney characters strolling through the charming „Spanish Village“, as well as Father Christmas, who is available for photos and enchants the little guests.
For those interested in culture, there are also Christmas-themed art tours through the gallery, offering fascinating insights into the works on display.
Tickets can be purchased for €10 for adults and €5 for teenagers between 9 and 15 years old at the following Link achieve. Each ticket includes a voucher for a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Christmas Market in Palma
As an alternative in Palma, the Mercat de Nadal is a great option. It's spread across several squares and streets, including Plaça Major and Passeig del Born, making this market perfect for a leisurely stroll through the old town. The stalls offer a variety of Christmas products such as handmade candles, nativity figures, and Christmas decorations. The market winds its way through the entire old town, offering a charming mix of local craft stalls and food stalls. Here you can also try locally roasted chestnuts, ensaimadas, and turrón, the Spanish version of nougat, which are particularly popular during the Christmas season.
Anyone walking further through the city in the direction of Plaça d’Espanya will find an ice rink from 1 December 2024 to 7 January 2025. Skates can be hired on site, and the rink is open daily. For many families, the ice rink is a festive tradition and a highlight of the Mallorcan winter.
Christmas at the Son Amar Estate
Just ten minutes from Palma, you can visit another Christmas market. The historic Son Amar house is transformed into a true winter wonderland every December, delighting both locals and visitors alike, and has established itself as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Mallorca. This year, the market opens its doors from 30 November 2024 to 22 December 2024, Fridays to Sundays, inviting you to explore over 25 decorated stalls offering a variety of regional products and handmade gifts from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Here you'll find everything from traditional crafts and regional delicacies to souvenirs that reflect the authentic charm of Mallorca.
In addition to the stalls, there are numerous activities that make the market an unforgettable experience. Ice skating fans can enjoy 15 minutes on the ice rink for €7.50 per person. However, free Christmas films are also shown in a cosy open-air cinema, and photo sessions with Santa Claus are offered. Admission to the market itself costs €5 for children aged 4 and over and also includes a voucher for a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
A highlight in Son Amar is the Christmas show „It's Christmaaas“, which is performed every Friday to Sunday at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. You can purchase tickets at the following Link acquire.
Besides the markets, the churches in Mallorca are also beautifully decorated at Christmas time. Palma Cathedral, „La Seu,“ is particularly worth a visit. Nativity scenes depicting the Christmas story are exhibited in many churches and chapels on the island. These nativity scene exhibitions are part of the Mallorcan Christmas tradition and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Finally, during the Christmas season, the special event of the arrival of the Three Wise Men on January 5th should be mentioned. In the evening, the Kings parade through the streets of Palma and other towns in a spectacular procession. They often arrive by boat and distribute sweets and gifts to the children. This tradition is the highlight of the Christmas season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
The Christmas markets in Mallorca will once again offer a diverse and festive programme in 2024. From the magnificent Christmas illuminations in Palma to the exclusive markets in Puerto Portals and Santa Ponça: the markets on the island are an experience for the whole family and an ideal way to get to know Mallorcan culture during the festive season and, most importantly, to enjoy the Christmas period to the full.
