The holidays are fast approaching, the Christmas lights are sparkling across the city of Palma, and there is an undeniable buzz in the air. Are you starting to feel festive but need some good gift ideas? This year, and every year, we believe that it is important to shop local by supporting local artists, artisans, and small businesses. That’s why we have put together this guide to the best Christmas markets in Mallorca. Discover handmade, traditional crafts and unique pieces that will bring the spirit of the Mediterranean to any home.
Let’s start in Palma de Mallorca, which is an excellent destination for retail therapy and arguably one of the best places to live on the island. A picturesque city next to the sea with historical landmarks like the Gothic Cathedral, Palma is a vibrant metropolis all year round. The charming Old Town is a labyrinth of atmospheric streets with pretty squares, lively cafés and restaurants. Grand townhouses with hidden courtyards are symbolic of the city’s affluent past and present. Discover exclusive boutiques and independent shops aplenty, as well as several of the Christmas markets in and around town.
Plaza Mayor Market - Palma
In the city centre, Plaza Mayor hosts an annual market until 6 January. The historical square is filled with restaurants, street performers and visitors soaking up the festive cheer. Browse the stalls selling traditional Christmas decorations and gifts, including beléns, the handmade nativity scenes that are an integral part of every Spanish Christmas. For handmade jewellery and ceramics or any other original gifts for friends and family, Plaza Mayor is ideal. After exploring the stalls, take a stroll down Calle San Miguel to admire the lights and then enjoy a churro and hot chocolate in Plaza Espanya, where there are more stalls selling Christmassy foods and gifts. Check out La Rambla-Via Roma, Plaça del Mercat and Pueblo Español for more festive shopping opportunities.
Pueblo Español - Palma
A fifteen-minute walk from Santa Catalina, Pueblo Español hosts an annual Christmas market until January 2023. For those who haven’t visited, this unique village represents some of the most emblematic buildings and monuments in Spain and the reconstructed streets and squares are the perfect setting for this festive event. Open every day from noon to 11.30pm, the festive open-air mercado features 80 stalls selling handcrafted gifts and decorations, plus food, drinks, and live music. The entry fee is 7€, which includes a glass of warm mulled wine.
Rata Market - Palma
Rata Corner is an independent bookshop in Palma that offers an eclectic selection of non-fiction, fiction, magazines, fanzines and much more. Each year, the store holds an annual Christmas market called Rata Market that falls on the 10th and 11th of December this year, hosted in a more spacious and central location - Palacio de Congresos in Palma. A great day out with activities for kids, this is an ideal place to pick up local and sustainable gifts with over 50 stalls selling crafts, arts and designs by Mallorcan artists and artisans. You can also expect independent food trucks serving delicious food and drinks.
Christmas Market in Puerto Portals
A short drive southwest of Palma, Portals Nous is an exclusive residential area nestled in lush green hills ideally located next to the sea. Sprawling villas with manicured gardens and huge swimming pools are dotted around the neighbourhood, a cosmopolitan mix of well-heeled residents. Puerto Portals, the port and luxury marina, is the perfect spot for yacht lovers who love the finer things in life. Swish restaurants and bars aplenty, Puerto Portals is a glamorous hotspot and come December, the port holds a Christmas Market in typically elegant Portals style. From 16th of December until the 6th of January, this family market embraces the festive season with 40 wooden stalls offering all kinds of gifts alongside roasted chestnuts and Glühwein - a spiced German mulled wine. Twinkling lights and decorations conjure up a magical atmosphere with activities like carol singing and handicraft workshops for children, plus an ice rink for the perfect photo opportunity.
Christmas Market in Alaró
Head for the mountain village of Alaró on the 10th and 11th of December for the annual market, holiday shopping and carousing. At the foot of the Tramuntana mountains in Plaza de la Vila in the heart of the town, feast your eyes on over 60 stalls of artisanal goods, independent designers, antiques, toys, and arts and crafts. Enjoy delicious snacks from the food trucks washed down by drinks from various bars. Live music and children’s activities will keep every family member entertained.
We wish you a wonderful December and festive greetings for the upcoming holidays. If you are interested in buying real estate in Mallorca, please feel free to contact us.
Happy holidays!
