Mallorca transforms into a festive wonderland at Christmas, blending local traditions with German inspired Christmas markets and family-friendly activity favourites. From ice skating and Santa’s Grotto to pop-up nativity scenes and the Three Kings Parade, there’s seasonal cheer for kids, and adults, of all ages to enjoy.
To help plan a cracking Christmas Countdown, we’ve rounded up our top twelve festive things to enjoy with the kids in Mallorca this year.
1. Christmas Lights Switch-On in Palma
When: Nov 23, from 19h
Palma’s festive lights switch-on is a spectacular start to the season, with live music, kids activities and street performances culminating in an animated countdown that sees the city centre turn into a sparkling winter wonderland.
This year’s theme will transport families around the universe and into the future with performances featuring acrobats, jugglers, lights and music shows. At 7pm three simultaneous parades will set off on different routes, from Calle Riera to Joan Carles I, Sa Feixina to Antoni Maura and Sant Miquel to Plaça de Cort, each ending at 7.40pm.
From there, Plaça del Mercat will enjoy a circus show with aerial acrobatics, juggling and activities for the kids, Plaça de Cort; an artistic tale of the universe on the a big screen, and Plaça de la Reina; a musical, dancing acrobatic extravaganza!
Finally, at 8.20pm, the countdown to turn on the lights will begin, this year with both Plaça de la Reina and Plaça de Cort as centre stage for the big switch on, welcome news for families who find crowds overwhelming with young children. It is bound to be busy regardless so make sure to bring a pushchair or baby carrier to keep little ones close-by, and be prepared for kids of all ages to plead for the giant light balloons that are sold on every street corner!
Christmas Markets: Santa, Shopping and Treats for All Ages
Mallorca’s Christmas markets pop up in villages and towns across the island from November. Some with shops & stalls selling handmade crafts and delicious seasonal treats, others with visits from Santa, festive performances and even a skating rink.
2. Fira de Nadal i dels Reis (Christmas & Kings Market), Palma
When: Nov 22 – Jan 6, 10-21h
Located in the heart of Palma, with stalls in Plaça Mayor, La Rambla, Via Roma & Parc de les Estacions, the market is great stop-off for families exploring the city on foot. While the stalls are spread out and varied in quality, kids will enjoy treats like churros or roasted chestnuts, a ride on the fun fair (Parc de les Estacions) and admiring the tiny nativity scene (Belen) figurines in Plaça Mayor.
To make a festive evening of it, combine with a trip to the Ice Park at Parc de les Estacions, visit the Nativity Scene at Plaça de Cort, or hop aboard the magical Christmas Train for a whistle-stop tour of the twinkling city lights (further info below).
3. Puerto Portals Christmas Market
When: Dec 13 – Jan 6, 12-21h
A family favourite, this traditional German-inspired market has over 40 wooden stalls, an ice skating rink (eco-ice), children’s choirs, kids craft workshops, and plenty of holiday treats. Kids can skate while parents enjoy hot chocolate or glühwein. Full program to be announced soon here. Admission is free (some activities at additional cost and may require advance sign-up online)
4. Christmas Wonderland, Son Amar
When: Nov 30 – Dec 22, weekends only (Fri 16-21h, Sat & Sun 15-21h)
Son Amar’s Christmas Wonderland features over 25 market stalls, a special Christmas show, ice skating, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended, as is booking your slot for skating and the Christmas Show (both at additional cost). Entry: €5 (free for children under 3) Book online
5. Weihnachtsmarkt, Santa Ponsa Christmas Market, El Molino
When: Nov 23 – Dec 15, 17-22h, weekends 10-22h
For Lego lovers young and old, Santa Ponsa’s German Christmas Market ‘Weihnachtsmarkt’ in Son Bugadelles is worth a visit; with grand Lego exhibits, lego building stations and a lego shop. The market is small and just off the motorway, but its cosy wooden huts, hot dogs, delicious smelling waffles and warming glühwein make for a easy-evening festive outing. Younger children can also enjoy cookie decorating, trampolining and toy pony rides. Santa is due to visit on Dec 6th. Admission is free, activities are paid. Discover more here.
More of our favourite festive markets to visit with the kids this year:
- – Alaro Market – Dec 7-8
- – Alcudia Market – Dec 7 & 14
- – Cala Figuera Market – Dec 14
- – Es Pil.lari Market – Dec 14-15
- – Lluc Monastery Market – Dec 7-8
- – MUCBO Soller Christmas Market – Dec 15, 10-17h with children’s activities and workshops
- – Pueblo Español, Palma – Nov 28-Dec 22, open Thurs – Sun, 12-23h. Entry is €10 (free for children under 12), includes a Glühwein or Hot Chocolate and fun in the fake snow. Note: Cobblestone paths may be tricky for pushchairs!
- – Rata Market, Palma – Dec 20-22, 10:30-20:30
Family Activities and Special Events
6. Christmas Park in Port Adriano
When: Dec 20 – Jan 7, 12-20h
With a 300 square metre skating rink (eco-ice), giant sleigh slide, festive food stalls, and visits from Santa himself, the Port Adriano Christmas Park is a perfect spot for active festive fun with the kids (min. age 4yrs+). More info here. Entry and activities are FREE!
7. Ice Park (Pista de Hielo), Palma
When: Nov 22 – Jan 7, 10-22h
A trip to the pop-up 260sqm ice rink at Parc de les Estacions is always a hit. Entry is €6-7 for 25 minutes, including skates. There is also a snow park for the little ones. Remember to bring gloves (available for €2 at the ticket office if needed) – the ice here is REAL! More info here. Combine with a trip to El Corte Inglés (Avenidas) to visit Santa and the impressive Nativity Scene.
8. Palma Christmas Train
When: December 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 + January 2, 3 and 4 – from 17h to 21h (departs every 25 minutes), last departure at 20:40h
Take a festive train ride through Palma’s twinkling streets. The Christmas themed train is a favourite with young children, and operates two routes with stops throughout the city including Parc de les Estacions, Plaça Major, Plaça Madrid, and many more. Departs from Plaza de la Reina or Plaza Abu Yahya. Tickets cost 3.50€
9. Nativity Scenes: Ruta de Belenes
Mallorca’s Beléns – mini nativity scenes – pop-up across the island in churches, shopping areas, and public spaces, each depicting the birth of Jesus with intricate – often handcrafted – figurines.
Don’t miss the Belenes at Plaça de Cort’s Town Hall, the Consell de Mallorca (Carrer de Palau Reial), C&A, the Barcelo Foundation (Carrer de Sant Jaume), El Corte Inglés (Avenidas), Santa Catalina Market, the Military History Centre (Carrer San Miquel) or the March Foundation’s ‘Belén Napolitano’ – a historic scene featuring 2,000 handmade pieces dating to the 18th century.
Kids will love searching for the lucky ‘Caganer’ (the hidden “pooping man” – a Catalonian tradition and symbol of luck!) in some of the nativity scenes. Why not build your own Belen at home? The Christmas & Kings Market in Palma is the perfect place to pick your own figurines.
10. Midnight Mass at Palma Cathedral
When: Dec 24, 23h
For night owls or families with older children, Christmas Eve at Palma Cathedral’s Midnight Mass is magical. The highlight is the haunting ‘Sibil·la’ chant, a medieval song performed by a prophetess accompanied by candle-carrying children. Arrive early, it’s a popular event.
11. The magic of the Ballet (or a fun family musical)
A trip to the theatre at Christmas is a beloved tradition for many families. With both performances of nostalgic ballet favourites The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, along with ‘Beauty & The Beast The Musical’, You’re spoiled for choice at Palma Auditorium this season. Book tickets here
12. Three Kings Parade ‘Los Tres Reyes’
The Christmas season concludes with the Three Kings Parade on January 5. The Kings arrive by boat at Palma’s Moll Vell (and various ports & towns on the island) at 18:00, leading to a grand parade up Passeig del Born to Plaça de Cort. Spectacular floats, performers, and sweets thrown to the crowds make it a highlight of the festivities for kids of all ages.
The next day, January 6 – Epiphany, is a public holiday. Children excitedly wake to find sweets and gifts from the Kings in their shoes, left out the night before for a magical morning surprise.
The program for Los Tres Reyes will be available in December.
Note that dates, times and entry prices are provided by the organisers on the date of publishing and could be subject to change.
