In this guide to Mallorca at Christmas in 2023, find out what to expect when visiting the island over the festive season.

I have been living on the island since 2005 and I absolutely love the festive season. Mallorca’s Christmas lights are some of the most magical and tasteful you will find in Europe.

Christmas in Mallorca is a season not to be missed, and an opportunity to see the island in an entirely new light.

We will keep readers up to date with events as they are announced on the Mallorca Under the Sun Youtube Channel and the Mallorca Under the Sun Facebook Group, so if you are not yet a member, come and join for free. 

So consider visiting Palma de Mallorca over the Christmas season. Explore the Christmas markets, and see the lights. Do some Christmas shopping in milder temperatures, see in the New Year, and even on a sunny day, catch some rays on the beach.

So what’s Mallorca like over the Christmas season?  Here is a guide to everything you need to know. 

This post contains affiliate links.

When is the Mallorca Christmas Lights switch on?

Mallorca’s Christmas Lights are traditionally switched on the last weekend of November if you are planning ahead.

For 2023, the Palma Christmas light switch-on will be held on Thursday 23 November. This will coincide with the Black Friday Sales starting in Mallorca on the following day.

For this reason, expect Palma city centre and the shopping centres to be extremely busy at this time.

If you want to avoid the extreme crowds, then I would recommend visiting at another time.

The time of the switch-on for the Christmas lights on Thursday 23 November 2023 will be held at 20:00. You can see the Palma City Council guide to this here.

This official Christmas Light Switch On Event in the centre of Palma around Plaza de Reina (at the far end nearest the sea of Paseo del Bourne).  

Crowds gather in other main squares including Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Cort for the Christmas light switch-on. 

Turning on the Christmas lights signals the start of the festive season in Mallorca.  

There are a few changes to Christmas in Palma this year and that is the main Christmas market being held in Parc de Ses Estacions which is behind the bus station.

This is because of works taking place in Plaza España and Port Pintada (which joins Calle San Miguel).

In addition, over previous years there has been a huge illuminated Christmas tree in Parc de la Mar right in front of the Palma Cathedral too. Due to works in Parc de la Mar in 2022, the tree was moved to the Parc de Estacíones behind the bus station and Plaza España. Will this tree be moved back to Parc de la Mar? Time will tell.

The big Mallorca Christmas lights switch on doesn’t just happen in Palma but also all over the island.  Some towns such as Alcudia Old Town may switch on their Christmas lights later in December.

You will see Christmas lights in all the resorts and main towns too albeit on a much smaller scale than in Palma. 

The decision to switch on the lights later on in the month is believed to be for energy-saving measures.

Cala Millor Christmas Lights Switch on

The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on the 3 December at 17:30 on Carrer de Sol and Carrer Cristofol Colom in Cala Millor.

But that’s not all. Head to Son Severa at 20:30 to see the Christmas lights switch on in the old town square in Placa Sant Joan.

Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa Christmas Lights Switch on

At 18:30 Wednesday, December 6 the Christmas lights switch on takes place in the Plaza Major in Pollença Old Town.

The Christmas lights switch on in Puerto Pollensa will take place on Plaza Miquel Capllonch del Moll ion 8 December at 18:30.

There will be some street entertainers and plenty of food so join the celebration!

Port de Soller Christmas Lights Switch On

In Port de Soller, the Christmas Lights switch on will take place on the 9 December at 18:00.

Alcudia Old Town Christmas Lights Switch On

This will take place on the 15 December 2023 at 19:00 outside the Porta de Moll (the town walls). You will see the lights illuminate the Old Town wall and the streets of this wonderful Old Town.

*One word of warning though. All of the festive events mentioned in this article (Christmas Lights Switch On, New Year’s Eve and the Three-Kings parade), these events will be extremely busy.

So please make sure you watch out for your belongings. You can now shop for anti-theft bags and body belts in my Amazon Shop here.

Read about crime in Mallorca in this article, how to avoid pickpockets and also should the worse happen, how to report a crime here.

To watch a video guide about Christmas in Mallorca and what to expect, check out this video guide here.

Where are the Christmas Markets in Mallorca?

The main Christmas markets are in Palma city centre in the Old Town area. 

The opening of the markets coincides with the Christmas lights switch-on event.

Check out the market stalls in Plaza Mayor, Plaza Mercat, La Rambla and Plaza Espana and new for 2023, in Parc de Estacions.  

These markets offer great opportunities to not only shop for Christmas presents but also to buy figurines for your own nativity scene.  

The tradition for many homes in Spain is to have their own nativity scene with items passed on down through the years. 

The best place to collect items or start your nativity scene is from the market stalls in Plaza Mayor.

Plaza Mercat and La Rambla are great areas to pick up Christmas presents with stalls packed with locally made products and handicrafts.

Plaza España hosts many food stalls and there are fun fair rides across the Avendias (the main road) close to the bus station.

For another Christmas market experience, head on over to Pueblo Español on the West side of Palma too. 

Pueblo Español is a venue made up of the recreation of elements from iconic Spanish cities. This is paid-for entry, but it’s a wonderful market.  

Tickets usually include a Glühwein wine. Opening days and times are to be confirmed, however, this venue is usually open on Christmas Day. 

To see a Christmas shopping guide in Palma de Mallorca, check out this video on my YouTube channel to get an idea of where to shop and the kind of presents or locally made goods to buy.

If you want to visit these markets when they are at the busiest, then Friday and Saturday nights in the run-up to Christmas will see residents pouring into Palma.

For those who prefer a quieter shopping experience, then visit on another weekday evening.

There are also plenty of other Christmas markets taking place in other areas of the island.

To see a complete guide to Christmas Markets in Mallorca, and when they are on, check out my guide here.

Things to see and do in Mallorca over Christmas

Nativity Scenes in Mallorca

If you are visiting Mallorca at Christmas, check out the nativity scenes or “belens” (Bethlehems) which are on display not only in the “Ayuntamiento” or Town Hall in front of the Olive Tree in Plaza de Cort in Palma but also in many towns around the island from Deia to Alcudia.  

These nativity scenes are a huge part of the Christmas festivities and visitors will queue up to see them. 

But look out for the pooping man who is always placed in the nativity scene.  In Catalan, he is called “A Caganer“.

Once placed in the nativity scenes as a signal of prosperity and wealth (apparently), now the game is to look for a carefully hidden Caganer in the nativity scenes around the island.

There is also a market stall too in Plaza Mayor with celebrity caganers can be purchased to place in your nativity scene!

You can read more about Nativity scenes in Mallorca in this article here which includes a full guide on where to see them.

Ice Skating in Palma de Mallorca

In 2023, ice skating will return to Plaza España in Palma which hasn’t been in place here since 2019. 

It is also possible to ice skate at the Son Amar Christmas fair which was expensive and less accessible to those visiting Palma.

A TOP TIP for ice skating in Mallorca: don’t forget to bring some gloves or you won’t be allowed to skate.

If you do forget then gloves are available to purchase at the ice rink for a few Euros.

I would also recommend bringing some dry socks and if you are taking young children, then also a change of trousers!

There are a couple of other ice (plastic) rinks at the Puerto Portals and Port Adriano markets too.

Christmas Fair Ground Rides in Palma de Mallorca

There are also Christmas fairground rides in Palma which can be found in Plaza España, outside Mercat Oliver, Plaza Mayor and in Parc de la Mar to keep the little ones busy.

All over the city centre, you can buy festive snacks to take you around the markets from freshly roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, or churros de chocolate. 

But Christmas doesn’t just happen in Palma. 

Other Christmas Markets in Mallorca

There is usually a (small) Christmas market in Palmanova, a bigger Christmas market in Santa Ponsa near the roundabout before entering the resort (tbc if this is happening this year), as well as a Christmas market in Puerto Portals.

There are also Christmas markets in Can Pastilla, Santa Ponsa, Son Servera (near Cala Bona), and Santanyi, as well as a huge Christmas market in Port Adriano.

Plus the international schools will be holding Christmas markets.

The Baleares International School will be holding their Christmas market on the 14 December, which features a grand raffle, stalls, games and more.

You will find smaller markets too in towns running through the centre of the island.

Midnight Mass in Palma Cathedral

Christmas Eve is one of the most popular times of year to visit Palma Cathedral to hear the singing of the Sibil.ila.

This starts at 11 pm but arrive early if you would like to take part.

Santa Lucia at Palma Cathedral

Another magical Palma Cathedral experience is to attend is Mallorca’s Santa Lucia.

Children from the Swedish Community in Mallorca sing carols bringing light to winter darkness in this wonderful performance, surrounded by candlelight.

This normally takes place on the evening of the 13 December, but again check listings on the Palma Cathedral website.

Mallorca Hiking

On the public holidays when the markets and restaurants are closed, then you may wish to make the most of the cooler temperatures to explore the island.

Hiking in Mallorca is hugely popular in the winter months, and there is nothing better than packing a picnic and heading for the hills of the Trumuntana Mountains.

You can find some videos on my Youtube channel of some suggested routes. I look forward to making more of these videos over the winter of 2023/2024.

Other Christmas Events in 2023:

Mallorca Food Tours

Mallorca Food Tours are a great way to try the local food in a fun festive atmosphere. Explore the city and 4 different restaurants, and receive a surprise dish and beverage at every stop. Bookable every day at 2 different time slots.

Google Food Tours Mallorca for more info or find them on Facebook.

Save our Sea Art & Wine

1-3 December 2023: Enjoy an Art and Wine night at Son Barrina Gallery. This is a festive fundraiser for the Save the Med Foundation, held between 10am and 5pm. Find Son Barrina Gallery, on the Carretera Inca – Llubi km 5.98.

Yuletide Retreat for Girls

2 December 2023: A Yuletide Retreat will be held for girls age 9-14 from 10:30am to 5:30pm in Andratx for a day of enhancement to celebrate the Winter Solstice and spirit of Yule Tide. T. 654 62 41 89 for more info.

St Philip & St James Anglican Church Christingle Service

3 December 2023: Join the festive Christingle Service at 11am and bring and share lunch.

Sonen Nadal (Xeremiers de Soller)

3 December 2023: Held at 6:30 pm, at the CP Victoria in Soller, enjoy this wonderfully traditional Christmas Fair in Soller town.

Christmas Ceramic Workshop

9 December 2023: Get artistic at the Christmas Ceramic Workshop held between 3-5pm at Los Dos Caballeros Winery in Inca. Cost 70€

Christmas Decoration Workshop

16 December 2023: Also held at the Los Dos Caballeros Winery in Inca, create your own Christmas decorations and garland wreath. Materials provided. Cost 65€

What’s open in Palma de Mallorca on Christmas Day?

Unrelated to Christmas, you’ll also find Palma Aquarium open on Christmas Day too if you’re looking for things to do.

The Palma City Sightseeing Bus is also running on Christmas Day, as well as throughout the festive period.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Mallorca over Christmas is BEFORE Christmas itself, and then on the run-up to Three Kings’ Day on the 6th of January, as Palma is bustling and the atmosphere around the island is fantastic.

Christmas in Mallorca – what’s it like?

In this guide to Mallorca at Christmas, there is much more than a celebration building up to 25 December.  It is a celebration of an entire season.

In fact, Christmas Day in Spain is a minor celebration in comparison to Three Kings’ Day.  

Traditionally the Three Kings bring children presents on the night of the 5 January, however, the rise of Santa Claus in popular culture means that many children in Spain will receive a small gift on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  But more on that later. 

So what can you expect? 

The run-up to the 24 December is quite exciting. There is a great atmosphere throughout the island.

The island quietens down on the afternoon of 24 December. 

Public holidays in Mallorca are held on the 25 and 26 December.  You will see shops and businesses close early on the 24 December to prepare for the evening’s celebrations.

The 24 December is the evening when families get together and sometimes presents are exchanged and where the festive meal is served. 

A traditional Christmas meal includes “Sopa de Navidad” (a Christmas Soup) which is a chicken broth with pasta stuffed with mince as well as plenty of seafood or maybe a suckling pig.

You will also see in the run-up to Christmas slabs of “turrrones” which is a type of soft or hard nougat being sold throughout the supermarkets and in the markets.  

These are served in homes and businesses throughout the Christmas season.

Can I get a Christmas Lunch in Mallorca?

Yes!  A limited number of restaurants will open on Christmas Day (this is a public holiday here in Spain), and you will most likely be able to book a Christmas lunch in Palma and Pollensa.  

These restaurants usually advertise through social media channels when they will be open for Christmas lunch on Christmas Day. 

And while only very few restaurants will be open on Christmas Day itself, others will be open during December with a special Christmas menu on the run-up to Christmas.

Check out this article here for a list of restaurants offering Christmas lunch on Christmas Day in 2023, plus a few suggestions for caterers.

If you are planning to visit Mallorca and would like to book a Christmas lunch, my advice is to book early.

Prices for Christmas lunch in Mallorca on Christmas Day, are looking like they are starting from around 150€ per person.

It’s not cheap, but you will be paying the price for the business to be open on Christmas Day.

Are nightclubs open in Magaluf over Christmas?

There do not appear to be any nightclubs open on Christmas Eve in Magaluf.

However, there is a huge New Year’s Eve party in BCM Nightclub for an end-of-year bash entitled “The Last Dance”.

This is currently being marketed to residents in Mallorca rather than holidaymakers, and since there are very few hotels open, expect to find a more Spanish crowd here..

Which hotels are open in Mallorca in December?

You will find more hotels open in Palma city over December and January than anywhere else on the island. 

This allows you to not only enjoy the festiveness of Palma but also to be centrally located to take the bus to explore other areas of the island. 

There are also some hotels open in popular resorts. As an example in Palmanova, you will be able to book the 4* Elba Sunset hotel, the 3*Roc Portanova and in Santa Ponsa, the 4* Hotel Santa Ponsa Pins hotel over the Christmas period.

You can start to look for availability for hotels in Mallorca over Christmas.

To find availability in hotels in Mallorca, check out some great hotel rates with Booking.com here and Expedia.com here.

What is Mallorca like in December?

Firstly, don’t expect Mallorca to be anything like you would experience in the Summer months.

The resorts will be closed for the season but that’s not to say all businesses are closed.

There will be some restaurants, and bars open for residents everywhere around the island, however, the experience you will get here will be entirely different to that you will experience in the Summer.

Check out the latest content on the YouTube channel to see just how busy key resorts Palmanova and Alcudia have been!

The crowds will have gone home and this is a great time, particularly if you are considering living in Mallorca and you can read all about this in an article I have written here, to really see and experience what the island is like in Winter, outside the Summer holiday season.

While the sunbeds and umbrellas will have been cleared away, on a sunny day, it’s entirely possible to find a sheltered beach from the wind and sunbathe, or even swim. 

If you are visiting Palma, check out what the is the best beach to visit in Mallorca in Winter here.

If you want to see my recommendation for a beach to visit on a sunny, day, then check out this video here.

Find out what Mallorca is like in December here:

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mallorca?

The most traditional place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mallorca is in Plaza de Cort in Palma in front of the Town Hall.

Revellers gather to see in the New Year, and at the stroke of midnight drink cava and eat 12 grapes – one at each chime of the Town Hall clock for luck.

If you plan on going out for dinner, then the recommendation is to book early.  

Many restaurants, particularly in Palma will host a special New Year’s Eve menu.  In some cases, you may need to reserve and order in advance.

Also with the volume of revellers going out, taxis may well be hard to secure. So my advice again is to book a taxi early if you think you will need one.

I have written a detailed guide about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Mallorca, plus I have a list of hotels that will be open and hosting their own New Year’s Eve celebrations.

As I mentioned before, the Last Dance party will also be held in BCM nightclub in Magaluf. Tickets are available on their website, so it’s essential to buy in advance.

You can read more about New Year’s Eve in Mallorca here.

New Year’s Day in Mallorca – what’s it like?

News Year’s Day in Mallorca has (almost) always been a wonderful sunny day (obviously I can’t guarantee this for future years). 

However, the weather has usually been fantastic and it’s been great to sit out in the sunshine. 

While this is a public holiday in Spain it’s unlikely there are many restaurants open for New Year’s Day, but once again join the Mallorca Under the Sun Facebook Group to get informed nearer the time.

Buses will also run a limited service.  In fact, on any public holiday mentioned here, expect a reduced bus service and also more of a challenge to get a taxi.

Where to see the Three Kings Parade in Mallorca?

The arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated on the night of the 5 January to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, with the day after, the 6 January, celebrated as a public holiday. 

This is also the time when the Three Kings Christmas brings presents to children in Spain (in the same way as Santa Claus).

This night is bigger than Christmas itself and there are many Three Kings Parades in towns and ports around Mallorca.  Check local listings or ask in the Mallorca Under the Sun Facebook Group as we receive confirmation. 

However, these parades normally take place in Palma (in La Lonja, parading through Jaime III and up through the Old Town).

Be warned though that the centre of Palma is extremely busy on this evening.  The car parks fill up early and the buses are busy.  

My advice is to take a bus into Palma and maybe get a light bite in a restaurant before seeing the parade.

You will also find 3-Kings parades in Arenal, Puerto Portals, Palmanova, Port d’Andratx, Port de Soller, Puerto Pollensa, Alcudia, Cala Bona, Cala d’Or and throughout the centre of the island.

Normally sweets are thrown from the floats at the Three Kings parade past waiting children and families who line the streets. You’ll hear children chanting the name of their favourite King, whether it’s Melchior, Balthasar and Caspar. 

Children go to bed excited after this event to wake up the next day to find their presents delivered.

To read a full guide to where to see the Three Kings Parades in Mallorca, check out this article here.

The 7 January (if this falls on a weekday) normally signals the return to school for children and the end of the Christmas season.

From this point, you will not see the Christmas lights illuminated in Palma after this date. 

The lights are only turned on again in the main squares for the San Sebastián Festival on the days around 19 January, when Palma springs into life again for days of celebration and music events to celebrate their patron Saint.

If you would like to see a YouTube playlist of videos about Christmas in Mallorca, check these videos out here.

To know what to pack to enjoy Mallorca at Christmas, check out what the winter weather is like in Mallorca here. And if you are packing and coming over on a flight, then please do not pack Christmas crackers as they will not be allowed on your flight!

If you would like to see more photos from Christmas in Mallorca, click here.

Keep up to date with everything happening in Mallorca in the run-up to Christmas by subscribing to the Mallorca Under the Sun Youtube channel and join the Facebook Group too.  

And if you are unable to visit us here in Mallorca, there will be videos and live streams right across the festive season, so if you are unable to join us here, you will not miss out. 

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