From Mulled Wine to Turrón: The Firas de Nadal Bring Christmas Cheer Despite Mild Temperatures
Mallorca’s capital, Palma, is beautifully decorated for the holiday season
Christmas markets are booming on the island and are gaining popularity every year, meaning there’s always a new one to discover. They’re a great opportunity to sample traditional Mallorcan Christmas treats, with an impressive variety on offer. Apart from Spain’s most important Christmas sweet, Turrón – almond nougat in various forms – there are Polvorónes: dry and sweet Christmas cookies that crumble in your mouth (from polvo = dust). You’ll also find all kinds of Christmas biscuits called Crespells, sweet snowflake-shaped wafers known as Neules, and Coca de Patata – potato bread, now flavored with anise, among other delights. Naturally, gingerbread and mulled wine are also available, as Mallorcan Christmas markets are often a successful fusion of German and Spanish traditions, offering the best of both worlds. And if you’re still hunting for a gift, you’ll surely find something perfect here – with festive feelings included for free.
Where is which Christmas market?
Before the Christmas markets open, Palma’s elaborate and stunning Christmas lights are switched on November 23. The evening begins at 7:00 PM with a fascinating light show and impressive parades. The highlight is at 8:30 PM when the festive lights are officially illuminated – an unforgettable experience not to be missed.
On November 29, “Black Friday,” when shops tempt with massive discounts, Palma’s Christmas markets also open their stalls. Every year, the charming wooden booths on Plaça d’Espanya/Parc de ses Estacions, Plaça Mayor, the Rambla, Plaça Porta Pintada, and Via Roma create a festive atmosphere daily from 10 AM to 9 PM. Here, you’ll find everything from essential Nativity figurines to dazzling Christmas decorations and artisanal crafts like jewelry, ceramics, candles, and more – a classic selection of holiday décor and gifts. The festive lights brighten the city well into the New Year, and the central Christmas markets continue until January 6, the day of the Three Kings.
The Christmas Market on Plaza Mayor enchants with its traditional stalls and festive ambiance.
In recent years, the Christmas Market in Puerto Portals has become a well-established favorite, an international gathering spot for winter residents. The wooden stands – beautifully contrasting with the chrome-glittering yachts – offer Christmas treats from around the world, typical Spanish specialties, German gingerbread, Italian and Asian dishes, a diverse gastronomic offering, and unique gifts for him and her. The market runs from December 13 to January 6, open from 12:00 to 9:00 PM daily, with extended hours until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Another market that has attracted visitors from across the island for years takes place in Palma’s “Spanish Village.” At Pueblo Español, the festive atmosphere is enhanced by the unique architecture – scaled-down replicas of notable Spanish buildings – creating a cozy and elegant environment. Here, you can enjoy food, conversation, and high-quality artisanal crafts and holiday decorations. This market runs from November 28 to December 22, open from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Admission is €10 for adults, €2 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. The entry fee includes a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
The Inselradio Christmas Market invites everyone to its premises on Carrer Federico Garcia Lorca 2 in Palma for the second time, offering a vibrant program for the whole family. Alongside mulled wine, traditional sausages, and sweet treats, visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere.
The market is open on the following dates:
- Wednesday, December 4: 5:00–10:00 PM (grand opening at 6:00 PM)
- Thursday, December 5: 5:00–10:00 PM
- Friday, December 6: 5:00–10:00 PM
- Saturday, December 7: 5:00–10:00 PM
- Sunday, December 8: 4:00–8:00 PM
It’s a wonderful meeting place to enjoy the pre-Christmas season!
A much-loved Christmas market will also return to Alaró this year, taking place on the weekend of December 7 (10:30 AM to 10:30 PM) and December 8 (10:30 AM to 5:00 PM), featuring exquisite exhibitors, excellent wines, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Festive Spirit in the Villages
Mallorca’s villages also get into the Christmas spirit, hosting their own Firas de Nadal. These markets have a unique local charm. Here’s a brief overview of where and when you can enjoy mulled wine and Turrón under the Christmas stars:
- Mercat de Nadal in Santa Ponça: November 28–December 15, Mon–Fri 5:00–10:00 PM, Sat–Sun 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (Son Bugadelles)
- Mercat de Nadal in Monasteri de Lluc: December 14–15, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Mercadet de Nadal in Escorca: December 14–15, 10:30 AM–6:00 PM (Placeta del Jardinet)
- Mercadet de Nadal in Binissalem: December 7–8
- Mercado de Navidad in Santanyí: December 14
- Mercadet de Nadal in Manacor: December 14
- Mercadet de Nadal in Algaida: December 21
- Mercadet de Nadal in Pina: December 14
- Mercat de Nadal in Calvià: December 6–8
- Mercadet de Nadal in Sineu: December 8
- Mercat de Nadal in Muro: December 7–8 (around the Town Hall)
- Rata Market Nadal in Palma: Congress Palace in Palma, December 20–22, 10:30 AM–8:30 PM (free entry)
- Mercado de Navidad in Petra: December 14
- Mercado de Navidad in Porto Cristo: December 15
