The best things to do in Mallorca in the winter

Gothic cathedral in sunlight near a waterfront with palm trees, blue sky, and a few people walking. A Spanish flag is visible. Tranquil mood.

In Mallorca, the sun doesn’t stop when Christmas comes. Enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights as you wander the streets of Palma from market to market, or participate in the ancient ritual of the Cant de la Sibil-la.

Sun, sea, and sand on a summer holiday are the first things that come to mind when thinking about Mallorca. But the Balearic island’s best-kept secrets are the winter festivals. With three hundred days of sunshine a year – and substantially fewer crowds – Spain during winter is a surprising delight, and Mallorca has the perfect climate to experience the true festive spirit of Christmas.

Christmas in Mallorca - magic in the capital city

Outdoor market scene with people browsing stalls. Baskets and gifts are displayed. Warm lighting and festive decorations create a cozy atmosphere.

Palma goes all-out for Christmas, making it one of the most special places in the world to visit this time of year. The season starts with the ritual lighting of the Christmas lights, an extravaganza that must be seen to be believed, with every plaza, avenue and road twinkling and sparkling with light. The Spanish “Belenes” tradition - beautifully decorated Nativity scenes - is taken very seriously here, with local businesses bringing out their traditional artisan life-sized figures for the holiday season. Some modern and some historical antiques, they are all linked together by the Nativity Scene Route. Guests wander from one to another throughout the city centre, stopping off en route for scenes of festive joy in the Christmas markets, and enjoying the seasonal gastronomic delicacies and traditional Christmas sweetmeats on offer.

Take a winter stroll through historic streets

People walk under trees adorned with white string lights in a lively evening street scene. The atmosphere is festive and inviting.

There are so many things to do in Mallorca in winter. Leave your residence and stroll gently through the streets of Palma, taking in the Christmas sights. Wander from the famous streets of La Rambla and Sant Miquel, lit up especially for Christmas, through to Plaza Cort and Plaza España, even stopping for a quick skate on the ice rink, surrounded by pines for a northern winter in the sun. Indeed, sunlight shines on the whole scene, making it extra pleasant to pause for a mulled wine in one of the many Christmas markets.

The main collection of markets unfold near Plaza Mayor, spilling over into nearby streets, with beautifully bedecked stalls selling festive souvenirs and miniature nativity figures. Head on to the winter wonderlands of Port Adriano or Puerto Portals, with snowy entertainment, live concerts, and engaging craft workshops. Or just wander around, for last-minute Christmas shopping, seeing where your feet take you, discovering numerous charming alleyways leading to the tiny markets that can be found in many of the smaller squares.

Where to eat in Mallorca: Festive treats at one of Europe’s oldest chocolatiers

People entering a building with "Ca'n Joan de s’Aigo" sign. Beige walls, glass doors, and a red bag. Sunny mood, reflection visible.

The iconic café of Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo in Palma was founded in 1700, selling ice and ice creams. It expanded to include other delicacies, and is renowned for its homemade hot chocolate, said to be the richest and best in the city. They also sell homemade horchata, a sweetened almond drink, and exquisite baked goods, including ensaïmadas Mallorquina, the unique pastry of the island. Ensaïmadas can be found all over the city, both sweet and savoury. They are a type of flaky brioche, with a delicate crunchy shell, stuffed with apricots, apples, pumpkin jam, or sobrasada, a spicy paprika pork sausage.

The other classic Spanish Christmas treat is of course turrón, of Arabic origin and traditionally made with almonds. Every artisan producer has their own closely guarded turrón recipes, getting more inventive every year, and Palma is no exception. To go back to the basics, visit the Santa Clara cloisters, where the nuns sell their homemade turrón during the festive season.

Outside of pastries and sweets, the top restaurants in Mallorca include Marc Fosh; DINS Santi Taura; Zaranda; and Adrián Quetglas, all of which have Michelin stars.

The cathedral and the Song of the Sibyl

Gothic cathedral spires under a dramatic sky with sun rays piercing through clouds, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere.

The stunning cathedral of Mallorca in Palma is one of the most emblematic buildings on the island. Built in the 13th-century, its central nave is almost fifty metres tall, making it one of the highest cathedrals in Europe. The breathtaking space is interspersed with awe-inspiring pillars of stone and fringed by beautiful stained glass windows in a sunburst of colours.

And on Christmas Eve, the cathedral becomes home to an incredible and historic spectacle during Misa del Gallo: midnight mass. The Cant de la Sibil-la – the Song of the Sibyl – is a traditional festive religious chant dating from medieval times, which is sung only once a year at this mass. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, many small Balearic churches will celebrate Cant de la Sibil-la, but it is only in the large cathedral that the solemn emotion and import of the song can be truly appreciated.

Fiesta San Sebastián

People in dark costumes with horns, holding a flaming torch. Colorful fireworks in the background create a dramatic, festive atmosphere.

The patron saint of Palma is Saint Sebastian. His festival is celebrated in January, so the decorations stay up, and the party continues into the new year. With music, street parades, live concerts, fireworks and communal barbecues, the whole town celebrates its saint’s day, welcoming visitors to celebrate right along with them.

Winter hikes in Mallorca

Person with red backpack stands on rocky cliff, gazing at green mountains under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Rugged and serene landscape.

When you’ve had your fill of winter culture and Christmas cheer, venture out of the city into the wild to enjoy some of the breathtaking natural scenery in a brisk yet sun-filled climate. Start at the Drach Caves, in Porto Cristo on the east coast, a stunning set of interlinked caves stretching for over a kilometre, stuffed with eerie stalactites and stalagmites, and home to one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Head on to one of the numerous coves, such as Cala Figuera, Cala Marmols, or Cova des Ponts with its stunning rock bridge.

The Soller Valley is a beautiful region covered with citrus groves, with walking paths connecting small hamlets and leading to the picturesque town of Soller. Or wind your way up the hills to the ancient fortress of Castell d’Alaró with its spectacular views across the island.

And for those looking for a true winter experience, the highest peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range even feature snowy hikes some winters, with an unsurpassed panorama of mountains cascading down to the sea. The signature mountain of the island, Puig de Galatzó in the southwest of the Tramuntana is shaped like the Matterhorn and is a winter hiking favourite.

Where to stay in Mallorca

Cozy hotel room with a neatly made bed, soft lighting, beige walls, and a framed picture. Modern furniture and fresh flowers add warmth.

When it comes to accommodation in Mallorca you are spoilt for choice. Palma is dotted with beautiful boutique hotels, such as Sant Francesc, in a 19th-century mansion; El LLorenç Parc de la Mar, on the beach in a quiet area of the city; Can Bordoy, in an historic 16th-century retreat; the five-star Palma Riad, styled after a traditional Moroccan courtyard; or the Puro Grand Hotel, a former palace, with all the trappings of luxury that implies.

Outside of Palma, there are many gorgeous countryside hotels or residences in quiet villages, such as Belmond La Residencia in Deia; Zafiro Palace in Andratx; Can Auli Luxury Retreat in Pollensa; Ca's Xorc rural hotel in Soller; and Hotel Valldemossa in the town of the same name.

Pack your bags…

Night view of a lit-up Gothic cathedral with pointed spires. People stroll and cars drive on a street lined with palm trees and lights.

Mallorca in winter is home to spectacular festivities, Christmas cheer and the perfect balmy climate to experience it all. A visit to Spain in December is always a joy, and with our Christmas in Mallorca travel guide, you’ve got everything you need to have a wonderful winter holiday. From the cities to the mountains; from the coast to the countryside, the best places to visit in Mallorca are even more welcoming in the winter.