It’s getting cold in Mallorca and Christmas is coming. The most magical time of the year when the whole of the island starts to glitter with decorations and coloured lights. The Christmas markets fill the streets with the aroma of chestnuts and hot chocolate giving visitors a unique experience which combines gastronomy, cultural activities and a range of products to light up the Christmas tree or the Nativity display in each home.
One of the outstanding markets on the island is the Christmas Market in Puerto Portals, classified as one of the five best Christmas markets in Europe according to the German newspaper Die Welt. This year the most magical market on the island will be open from December 13th to January 6th. Over forty wooden stands offer visitors a wide range of products such as decorations accesories, wooden toys and many more surprises. In addition, delicious culinary delights with tempting aromas filling the Marina boulevard and an extensive programme of acitivites for the whole family ranging from chidrens' workshops, an exhibition of Playmobils, a skating rink, concerts by Mallorcan groups and the famous Three Kings Parade.
The city of Palma also has its Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, the Ramblas and the Plaza de España. An outstanding feature is a traditional Mallorcan nativity scene with hand painted terracotta figures or the typical siurell also made of terracotta, handpainted and used as a whistle. The stands are open until January 6th, Monday to Sunday from 10.00 to 21.00.
People from Mallorca have another essential Christmas date, themarketheld in the Pueblo Español which is an open air exhibition showcasing the most emblematic areas of Spain through their most representative monuments. Streets and squares are decorated, therei s Christmas music and a magical atmosphere, a wide range of products for original and handmade presents and delicious food typical of this time of the year. This year the market will be on until December 22nd.
In the heart of the island, in Sineu, the Nadal fet a mà (handmade Christmas) project is held each year. The aim is to promote crafts and circular economy. One particularly interesting activity is a workshop for making toys from recycled materials. There is also live music and food.
Midnight Mass is held on Christmas Eve in Palma Cathedral where Mallorcans go to listen to the Sibi.la being sung. This has been declared Worldwide material Cultural Heritagebythe UNESCO in 2010.
A stroll along the brightly lit streets of Palma is a tradition in itself. Residents anxiously await the Christmas lights to be officially switched on. We suggest you follow the most popular route which begins in the Paseo del Borne and finishes in the Parc de la Mar, passing through the Plaza de Cort where the Town Hall issituated.
Viewing Nativity scenes in Palma is another popular plan at Christmas time in Mallorca.There are some really spectacular displays. The most representative are those situated in Cort and the Centre Cultural La Misericòrdia. They ususally represent the trades, customs and traditions of the island such as the Sibil.la, the preparation of natural pork products or the Cossiers age old dance.
To be able to get the outmost enjoyment from these picturesque markets and experience a magical Christmas, there is nothing better than to own a house in Palma. If you are interested, Pollentia Properties has a team of experts to help you find the home of your dreams in Mallorca.