Experience Christmas 2022 in the north of Mallorca

Wherever you decide to buy your Mallorca apartment/ flat, villa, country house or even if you prefer something more ambitious, take time out to visit one of the many Christmas markets taking place on the island, enjoy the atmosphere, the lights, the mulled wine and perhaps you will even find the perfect gift for someone special. To name a few there is the market at the Pueblo Español from the 2 – 7 December, Palma's traditional Christmas market on the Plaza Mayor, open until after the three kings, then there are the Plaza España and Rambla markets, filling the city with evening browsers and goodwill. You will also find markets in Puerto Portals and a lovely weekend Christmas market in Alaro, usually with live music as well as lots of handmade products and local specialities. In the north of Mallorca, the beautiful old town of Alcudia also has a small Christmas market and is where the children are delighted to see Father Christmas.

If you would like to do something special in the evening there is plenty going on at the Auditorium of Palma or the Teatro Principal and for sure there will be something going on more locally to you, keep an eye on what’s on at the Auditorium in Alcudia, the program is in Catalan but it is easy to see what is on offer. If your Mallorquin or Spanish is not yet good enough to enjoy the cinema or a play there will be literally dozens of concerts in all genres.

On 24 December (Christmas Eve), many Majorcan families take part in a midnight mass where the traditional Cant de la Sibilla is performed by a person dressed in traditional costume and carrying a sword. The Cant de la Sibilla is a medieval song prophesizing the arrival of the Saviour and the Last Judgement. The most popular midnight masses are held in the chapel of the monastery of Lluc, up in the Tramuntana mountains in the north of Mallorca and in Palma’s magnificent Cathedral. 

Christmas in the north of Mallorca is especially associated with eating good food with family and friends and includes the tradition of drinking hot chocolate and eating ensaimada or coca de patata, both a type of sweet bun after midnight mass. Other favourites are sopa rellena, a traditional soup with stuffed pasta, turron and marzipan, as well as suckling pig, roast turkey, lobster and prawns.

New Year's Eve in Mallorca is also celebrated with family and friends and the midnight hour is popularly celebrated on a town square or at home after a wonderful dinner. A widespread Spanish tradition is the eating of 12 grapes to bring luck and prosperity for the new year, one to each chime of a church bell marking midnight on the 31st December and welcoming in the new year. This is quite a challenge but a lot of fun. Another great celebration to attend once you are a home owner in Mallorca is the Cabalgata de Reyes late in the day on the 5th of January (procession of the three kings: - Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar). On this day, a fantastic, colourful parades of the three wise men, usually on horseback take place all over the island, the biggest being in Palma, but also very lively in Alcudia, Pollensa and most other towns and villages on the island. During this parade, the three kings ride horses through the streets throwing sweets to the crowd and preparations are made to deliver presents to the children at home. On 6 January, the actual day of the Three Wise Men, children receive their presents and eat Roscón de Reyes - a sweet crown shaped bread, baked especially for this day. Real estate agent Engel & Völkers Mallorca North highly recommends visiting the Christmas markets as well as watching the Three Kings Parade and tasting the traditional bakes.