Most families know Mallorca for its glorious beaches, but winter brings a quieter, cosier side to the island. Palma comes into its own at Christmas: twinkling streets, festive markets, ice to skate on below the cathedral and hot chocolate and churros to warm up afterwards, all against the backdrop of the cobbled old town.
Beyond the city, sunny blue-sky days are the norm rather than the exception, so there’s time for mountain hikes, seaside walks and seeing the island at a slower pace, minus the summer crowds.
Where you stay matters even more than it does in summer. Mallorca’s tourism is still largely geared to the warmer months, and most resort hotels close for winter. Year-round travel is slowly growing, but outside Palma the choice is still limited. We’ve included a couple of hotels beyond the city, with walks from the door and good places to eat nearby, but most of our picks are in Palma. That’s no bad thing: at Christmas, the city is where the lights, the markets and the festive buzz are, with ice skating, parades and plenty to keep the kids busy (and the grown-ups too).
At a glance
- Portella Palma
- Hotel Cappuccino
- Portixol Hotel & Restaurant
- Fil Suites
- Terreno Suites
- Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel
- Grand Hotel Son Net – Puigpunyent
- Can Veri Suites – Sòller
We’ve picked eight places to stay, open over Christmas and New Year: six in and around Palma, plus a country house hotel near Puigpunyent and a suites hotel in Sóller. Look for space to sleep well, somewhere cosy for the evenings, and a rooftop view, spa or indoor pool if you can. In Palma, walking to the lights, the markets and dinner is enough to fill a weekend.
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1.
Portella Palma, Old Town
Best for: Families who want the ice rink on the doorstep | 5★
Portella is all about the stylish apartments and the excellent location. It sits in the oldest part of Palma’s old town, beside the Arab Baths, on quiet, narrow streets that feel a world away from the city’s busier squares. Yet the cathedral is a four-minute walk away, and the Parc de Nadal market and ice rink is right outside. You get the calm of the old streets with all of Christmas in Palma on your doorstep.
The airy apartments are the big draw for families. Two-bedroom apartments sleep four, there’s a two-bedroom with a terrace, and a 4-bedroom apartment sleeps eight, handy if grandparents or friends are joining. There’s a small adults-only spa and a restaurant on site but no pool. You’ll be too busy exploring the city to miss one, and it’s a calm, stylish base to come back to each evening.
Portella Palma: Quick facts
Setting
Palma old town, by the Arab Baths and Parc de la Mar
Beach
Ca’n Pere Antoni, a 9-minute walk or Palma Marina and promenade even closer
Pools
None. Spa on site
Food & drink
1 restaurant serving local and international food
Things to do
Parc de Nadal ice rink and market on the doorstep. Cathedral 4 minutes on foot. Plaça Major Christmas fair and old town shopping within walking distance
Family rooms
1- and 2-bedroom apartments sleep up to 4. 4-room apartment sleeps 8. Cots are available but no extra beds
Getting around
Car not needed. Airport 8 km
Open
Over Christmas and New Year
Not for you if: you want a busy, buzzy hotel lobby to hang out in, or an indoor pool to come back to.
The Family Friendly take: The one for a Palma Christmas on foot, with a peaceful retreat to come home to. Skate, shop and eat out, then wander back through the old town’s quiet streets.
2.
Hotel Cappuccino, Plaça de Cort
Best for: A design hotel Christmas in the middle of it all | 5★
Right on Plaça de Cort, by the town hall, where Palma’s big nativity scene goes up each December. The hotel is set around an interior courtyard with palm trees, holds a large art collection, and has a rooftop pool (outdoor) with city views, a spa and a basement cinema. Downstairs, the Cappuccino Grand Café has heat lamps outdoors and is fun for people watching while the kids potter nearby.
For families, the Superior Family Room is the one to book. It’s a large space that sleeps four adults and two children under 12, so it works for one big family or two families travelling together. There’s also a family penthouse for something more special.
Hotel Cappuccino: Quick facts
Setting
Palma old town, on Plaça de Cort by the town hall
Beach
Palma’s marina and promenade, a 10-minute walk
Pools
Rooftop outdoor pool with city views (not heated). Spa
Food & drink
2 restaurants: Mediterranean and Japanese
Things to do
Plaça de Cort nativity scene outside. Plaça Major Christmas fair 200m away. Parc de Nadal ice rink and the cathedral a few minutes’ walk. Cinema on site
Family rooms
Superior Family Room sleeps 4 adults + 2 children under 12. Family penthouse also available
Getting around
Car not needed. Airport 15 minutes by car
Open
Over Christmas and New Year
Not for you if: you prefer to be tucked away on a quiet side street, or want a kitchen.
The Family Friendly take: The most festive and central of the Palma picks. Step outside and you’re among the lights, the nativity and the Christmas fair.
3.
Portixol Hotel & Restaurant, Portixol
Best for: Seafront walks and cycle rides | 4★
A small, stylish hotel on the harbour at Portixol, east of the old town. It’s quieter than the centre, with Portixol beach just 300m away and the seafront promenade running all the way to the cathedral and old town, flat and easy for bikes, scooters and pushchairs. Bikes are free to borrow from reception.
The Mediterranean restaurant overlooks the little port and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are more seaside options nearby. The Mediterranean View Terrace rooms sleep two adults and two children (a double plus a sofa bed).
Portixol: Quick facts
Setting
Portixol harbour, on Palma’s eastern seafront
Beach
Portixol beach, 300m
Pools
Outdoor pool. Spa (extra cost) and gym
Food & drink
1 restaurant serving Mediterranean food, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a cocktail bar
Things to do
Seafront promenade into Palma for the lights and markets. Free adult bikes from reception. Harbourside cafés
Family rooms
Mediterranean View Terrace rooms sleep 2 adults + 2 children, double + sofa bed. Free cots
Getting around
Car optional. Central Palma 5 minutes by car, or walk or cycle the promenade. Airport 10 minutes
Open
Through the winter
Not for you if: you want to be central in the old town. It’s a 15- minute stroll along the seafront.
The Family Friendly take: The seaside option. Cycle (rent kids bikes for your stay) or stroll into town for the lights, then come back to dinner by the harbour.
4.
Fil Suites, Old Town
Best for: Space, kitchens and old town character | 4★
A converted textile factory (it was once Can Ribas, the Mallorcan fabric makers), sandwiched between two old town squares with some of our favourite family restaurants. Plaça Major is a few minutes’ walk away, and the bigger El Corte Inglés is very close by for a visit to Santa, a big toy department and all your last minute Christmas shopping.
There are two family set-ups. Fil The Best sleeps two adults and two children under 12 in twin beds plus a sofa bed. Fil Together is bigger with four twin beds and a sofa bed for up to four adults and two children under 12. There’s no pool or restaurant, but the old town’s cafés start at the front door.
Fil Suites: Quick facts
Setting
Palma old town, in a former textile factory by Plaça de Raimundo Clar
Beach
Seafront promenade, a 10-minute walk
Pools
None
Food & drink
Kitchens in the apartments. Restaurants on the squares either side
Things to do
Santa and Christmas shopping at El Corte Inglés nearby. Ice Park at Parc de les Estacions and the Parc de Nadal ice rink both within walking distance
Family rooms
Fil The Best: 2 adults + 2 children under 12, 2 twins + sofa bed. Fil Together: up to 4 adults + 2 children under 12, 4 twins + sofa bed. Free cots
Getting around
Car not needed. Private parking available. Airport 7 km
Open
Through the winter
Not for you if: you want a pool, on site restaurant or hotel services.
The Family Friendly take: Room to spread out, affordable options and right in the old town, with a kitchen for breakfasts and the Christmas fair round the corner.
5.
Terreno Suites, El Terreno
Best for: Bigger apartments with parking, ideal for longer stays | 4★
A boutique aparthotel between Bellver Castle park and the marina. The apartments are 50 to 100 m², each with a fully equipped kitchen, a living area and a terrace or balcony. Two-bedroom apartments have two doubles and a sofa bed, and some apartments interconnect, useful for two families travelling together.
Private parking on site is a big plus, and so is the rooftop pool (unheated) with its views. For the kids, the woods and playground at Bellver Castle are close by for a morning walk, and there are good cafés and restaurants within walking distance. For more choice, Santa Catalina, Palma’s café neighbourhood, is a short walk away. The old town is just over 3km away, an easy taxi or bus ride, or about 45 minutes on foot along the seafront.
Terreno Suites: Quick facts
Setting
El Terreno, between Bellver Castle park and Palma’s marina
Beach
Marina and seafront promenade a short walk away. Car or taxi to Cala Major, about 3 km
Pools
Rooftop pool, unheated
Food & drink
Full kitchen in every apartment. Cafés and restaurants within walking distance
Things to do
Bellver Castle woods and playground. Marina-side walks
Family rooms
Apartments of 50 to 100 m². 2-bedroom apartments: 2 doubles + sofa bed. Some interconnect. Cots can be rented
Getting around
Old town 3.5 km, a 40-minute walk along the seafront. Parking on site. Airport 10 km
Open
Through the winter
Not for you if: you want to walk straight out to the Christmas markets and restaurants of the old town.
The Family Friendly take: The best space for your money in Palma, with two proper bedrooms, living space and parking, and the city a short ride away.
6.
Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel, Son Vida
Best for: Families who want peace, golf, and Palma on their doorstep | 5★
Swap the seafront for space, golf and greenery. Up in the hills above Palma, the Sheraton is where you come when you want the city close but still need it to feel like a big hotel escape. It sits in Son Vida, a green, well-heeled residential neighbourhood, and the resort follows suit: spacious, surrounded by rolling hills, with three golf courses on the doorstep. The Family Rooms offer two twins and sofa bed, with a cot for the baby, there’s an indoor spa pool (with family hours), basketball, tennis and kids’ playgrounds too. The style is traditional golf resort rather than young and contemporary, but with that grandeur comes plenty of room to spread out.
At Christmas, the hotel runs its own festive programme. Normally, with a Christmas Eve dinner, a Christmas goose dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala with fireworks – check the program before you book. Palma is ten minutes by taxi for the lights and the old town.
Sheraton Arabella: Quick facts
Setting
Hills above Palma in Son Vida, on the Son Vida golf course
Beach
10 minutes by car to Cala Major, 15 to Illetes
Pools
Shine Spa indoor pool, open to families until 16h. The outdoor family pool and kids’ pool with slides are seasonal
Food & drink
2 restaurants: Mediterranean dining and poolside tapas
Things to do
3 golf courses, tennis, basketball and playgrounds. Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners
Family rooms
Family rooms with two twin beds, a sofa bed and optional cot
Getting around
Car recommended for exploring. Palma is 7 km away, an easy taxi ride
Open
All year
Not for you if: you want to walk to the beach, or need chic ‘n’ boutique interiors.
The Family Friendly take: The one for a resort Christmas close to Palma. Festive dinners taken care of, an indoor pool, and the city lights a taxi ride away.
7.
Grand Hotel Son Net, Puigpunyent
Best for: A grand country house Christmas with walks from the door | 5★
A restore country house above the village of Puigpunyent, with parts dating back to 1672, set among citrus orchards and gardens with views over the village and mountains. It’s peaceful and green, with walks from the hotel and sumptuous warm interiors, big fireplaces, antique furniture and plenty of cosy corners to retire to with a board game after a day out. Down in the village, a handful of restaurants make for a relaxed lunch or dinner if you fancy a change.
For families, a number of the suites sleep four, with one junior suite sleeping five. There’s also a two-bedroom pool cottage house sleeping five, with its own private garden and seasonal pool. The new 1,000 m² spa has a salt-water indoor pool, and there’s a 30-metre outdoor pool for warmer days. New Year’s Eve brings a gala dinner, included in half board rates on 31 December. A hire car is necessary for days out in Palma and exploring Tramuntana villages nearby.
Son Net: Quick facts
Setting
Country estate above Puigpunyent village, in the Tramuntana foothills
Beach
None nearby. Car needed
Pools
Salt-water indoor pool in the spa. 30m outdoor pool
Food & drink
2 restaurants: Mediterranean and local, plus a lunchtime grill. Village restaurants a short walk away
Things to do
Countryside walks from the hotel. New Year’s Eve gala dinner. Palma’s lights and markets by car
Family rooms
Suites sleep 4, a junior suite sleeps 5, and a 2-bedroom pool cottage sleeps 5
Getting around
Car essential. Palma about 16 km
Open
Over Christmas and New Year
Not for you if: you want to walk to the shops and Christmas markets, or are looking for scandi or minimalist interiors.
The Family Friendly take: The one for a grown-up country Christmas the children will enjoy too. Space, walks, good food and the city close enough for a day out.
8.
Can Verí Suites, Sóller
Best for: A Sóller town Christmas without the car | 3★
Sóller is a favourite with visitors spring through autumn so winter is the time to see it as locals do. Most of the crowds have gone, but this is a big, year-round town with its own Christmas programme and Three Kings celebrations in both the town and the port. The square is still busy, and the festive season here feels more Mallorcan than tourist.
Can Verí is a small suites hotel right in the centre, with cafés and restaurants a few steps from the door. The Suite with Terrace is the one for families: about 73 m², with a separate double bedroom, a sofa bed in the living room, a full kitchen and a private terrace looking out to the mountains. There’s no pool, but you won’t be short of things to do.
Most of the port’s restaurants close for winter, but a number in both the town and the port stay open all year. The tram runs down to the port for much of the winter (currently closed for maintenance until Dec 22), and on sunny days you can sit by the sea at one of the cafés that stay open. For days out, Fornalutx, Deià and Valldemossa are all close by, with a few restaurants open in each, and the Tramuntana walking paths start on the edge of town.
Can Verí Suites: Quick facts
Setting
Sóller town centre, with cafés and restaurants steps away
Beach
Port de Sóller, about 10 minutes by car or a 40-minute walk. Bus, or the tram when it’s running
Pools
None
Food & drink
Breakfast, plus a full kitchen in the suites. Year-round restaurants in town and the port
Things to do
Sóller’s Christmas and Three Kings celebrations. Days out to Fornalutx, Deià and Valldemossa. Tramuntana walks from town
Family rooms
Suite with Terrace, about 73 m²: separate double bedroom, sofa bed in the living room, kitchen and terrace. Free cots
Getting around
Car not needed in Sóller, but handy for days out. Free off-site parking. Airport 36 km
Open
Over Christmas and New Year
Not for you if: you want to spend much of your trip in Palma or exploring the rest of the island.
The Family Friendly take: A peaceful Christmas break with Tramuntana walks from the door, just enough good restaurants nearby, and Palma close enough for a day trip by car or taxi.
Which One Is Right For Your Family?
Want the Christmas markets on foot? Portella, Fil Suites or Hotel Cappuccino, all in the old town.
Need separate bedrooms? Fil Suites, Portella, Terreno Suites, Son Net or Can Verí Suites.
Want an indoor pool? The Sheraton or Son Net.
Want a rooftop view? Hotel Cappuccino or Terreno Suites.
Prefer the seaside? Portixol, for promenade walks and bikes into town.
Travelling with grandparents or another family? Portella’s four-room apartment, Fil Together or Terreno Suites’ interconnecting apartments.
Want to leave the car behind? Any of the Palma old town picks, Portixol, or Can Verí Suites in Sóller, with the tram to the port.
Prefer the countryside? Son Net, for a grand country house with walks and village dining.
Want festive dinners taken care of? The Sheraton, or Son Net for New Year’s Eve.
Before you book
- Ask about winter closures: Even year-round hotels close some pools, rooftops, spas or restaurants for maintenance over the winter.
- If the hotel has a spa pool, check family hours or whether children are allowed to enter.
- Book festive meals early: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve dinners fill up, in hotels and in town.
Christmas In Mallorca 2026: What’s On
At Christmas, Palma feels festive without feeling frantic. The streets are strung with lights, the old town is busy with families out shopping and wandering, and the restaurants are full. On sunny days you can even sit outside for lunch. Beyond the city, nearly every town and village has its own Christmas market at some point in December, which is a good excuse to get out and explore.
One of the nicest traditions is the Ruta de Belenes, the nativity scenes that pop up all over Palma in shopping centres, squares, churches and even banks. Children love spotting them, and many are surprisingly elaborate. Add real ice skating, German-style Christmas markets and festive shows, and there’s plenty to fill the days.
Then there’s the big one. In Mallorca, as across Spain, the Three Kings bring the presents, and on the evening of 5 January Palma’s Three Kings parade fills the old town with floats, music and sweets thrown to the crowds. If your trip stretches into January, it’s worth staying for.
For dates, markets and events, see our Christmas in Mallorca guide.
FAQs
Is Mallorca a good place to spend Christmas with kids?
Yes. The streets are quieter, the weather is mild enough for walks and lunch outside, and there’s real ice skating. It’s a Christmas that feels local rather than commercial.
Are restaurants open over Christmas?
In Palma, almost all restaurants stay open through the Christmas period. Across the rest of the island, many close for winter. The ones that stay open tend to be traditional Mallorcan restaurants, the places locals go all year. In bigger towns such as Sóller, Valldemossa and Santanyí, there are enough good restaurants and cafés open to keep you well fed, just not all of them.
What’s the weather like in Mallorca in December?
Usually mild and often sunny. Daytime temperatures in Palma average around 16 to 18°C, dropping to 9 to 11°C at night, with roughly five or six rainy days in the month. Pack layers and a waterproof. For wet days, see our 25 rainy day activities.
What’s on in Palma at Christmas?
Palma’s lights switch-on is on Saturday 21 November at Parc de la Mar. The Parc de Nadal market and ice rink runs below the cathedral from 21 November to 6 January, and Ice Park at Parc de les Estacions from 20 November to 10 January. The Three Kings parade is on 5 January. See our Christmas in Mallorca guide.
Which days are public holidays?
25 and 26 December, 1 January and 6 January. Many shops and some restaurants close, book Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve meals early.
Are Mallorca hotels open over Christmas?
Palma’s hotels and aparthotels mostly stay open, along with a handful in Sóller and the countryside. Most beach resorts close until spring.
Where should we stay in Mallorca at Christmas with kids?
Palma’s old town, for the lights, markets and ice rinks on foot. For a quieter break, Sóller or a countryside hotel.
Do we need a car?
Not in Palma. For the countryside hotels, or to make the most of Sóller stays, yes.
