As the Christmas season draws closer, Mallorca traditionally gets into 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 at 6.30 p.m. on November 27. The program—mainly around the Passeig del Born and Plaça de la Reina—will last until around 9:00 p.m. 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, providing the ideal backdrop for a stroll through the festively decorated city center. But what else can you experience in Mallorca during the Christmas season in 2024?
The Christmas markets in Mallorca are once again a highlight this year. They combine traditional festive flair with Mediterranean charm and invite visitors to enjoy festive experiences, culinary delicacies, and unique handicrafts in the midst of the pleasant climate. The following Christmas markets are particularly recommended.
Christmas market in Puerto Portals
This year, the Christmas market in Puerto Portals will take place from December 13, 2024, to January 6, 2025, and is likely to attract the most visitors in the southwest of the island. With its 40 wooden stalls, it offers a mix of culinary specialties and international delicacies such as mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and crêpes, as well as Christmas gifts such as leather goods, jewelry, fashion, and art. The ice rink, which is set up every year and delights young and old alike, is also particularly popular. There are also craft workshops for children and regular live band performances.
Christmas market in Port Adriano
Port Adriano is also preparing a Christmas market. It is scheduled to take place from December 17, 2024, to January 9, 2025. During this period, it will be open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on December 24 and 31, when it will close at 4:00 p.m. The highlights of the market are the 300 m² 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 that attracts many German families in particular. It takes place from November 23, 2024, to December 15, 2024, on weekdays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 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 Santa Claus. Adults can enjoy the festive atmosphere to the fullest with classics such as gingerbread, stollen, Christmas cookies, and mulled wine.
Christmas market at Pueblo Español
On December 1, the Christmas market opens in Pueblo Español, a replica of a typical Spanish village in Palma, inviting visitors to enjoy a festive stroll every Thursday to Sunday from 12 noon to 11 p.m. until December 22. The atmosphere is family-friendly and reminiscent of a classic Christmas market with small stalls, Christmas decorations, and fairy lights. Highlights include traditional delicacies such as turrón (Spanish nougat), polvorones (Spanish pastries), and churros with hot chocolate.
The program offers a colorful mix of live shows, music from DJs and bands, and numerous activities especially for children. Special attractions include the popular Disney characters strolling through the charming "Spanish village" and Santa Claus, who is available for photos and enchants the little guests.
For those interested in culture, there are also Christmas art tours through the gallery, which offer exciting insights into the works on display there.
Tickets can be purchased at a price of EUR 10 for adults and EUR 5 for teenagers between the ages of 9 and 15 at the following link. Each ticket includes a voucher for a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Christmas Market in Palma
An alternative in Palma is the Mercat de Nadal. It is spread across several squares and streets, including Plaça Major and Passeig del Born, making this market perfect for strolling through the old town. The stalls offer a variety of Christmas products such as handmade candles, nativity figures, and Christmas decorations. The market stretches through the entire old town and offers 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.
If you continue through the city towards Plaça d'Espanya, you will find an ice rink from December 1, 2024, to January 7, 2025. Skates can be rented 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 site
Just ten minutes from Palma, you can visit another Christmas market. Every December, the historic Son Amar house is transformed into a true winter wonderland that delights both locals and visitors alike and has established itself as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Mallorca. This year, the market will be open from November 30 to December 22, Friday through Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., inviting visitors to explore more than 25 decorated stalls offering a variety of regional products and handmade gifts. Here you will find everything from traditional handicrafts 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 enthusiasts can take to the ice rink for 15 minutes for EUR 7.50 per person. There are also free Christmas movies shown in a cozy open-air cinema and photo sessions with Santa Claus. Admission to the market itself is €5 for children aged 4 and above and also includes a voucher for a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
A highlight at Son Amar is the Christmas show "It's Christmaaas," which is performed from Friday to Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the following link.
In addition to the markets, the churches in Mallorca are also beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. Palma Cathedral, "La Seu," is particularly worth a visit. Many churches and chapels on the island display nativity scenes depicting the Christmas story. The nativity scene exhibitions are part of the Mallorcan Christmas tradition and are popular with locals and visitors alike.
Finally, during the Christmas season, the special event of the arrival of the Three Kings on January 5 is worth mentioning. In the evening, the kings parade through the streets of Palma and other cities in a spectacular procession. They often arrive on boats 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 varied and festive program in 2024. From the magnificent Christmas lights 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 opportunity to get to know Mallorcan culture during the festive season and, above all, to enjoy the Christmas season to the fullest.
