Things to do in Mallorca in December: ideas, weather, Christmas

Sommaire

What is there to do in Mallorca in December? Far more than you might imagine. Palma is decked out in its Christmas markets, the Serra de Tramuntana is bathed in soft, golden light, and artisans from the island’s interior open their workshops to those seeking a meaningful gift. Here are our ideas for making the most of the island during the festive season.

Mallorca in December: practical information

Average maximum temperatures around 16 °C, average minimum temperatures around 5 °C (AEMET averages, Palma Airport, 1981–2010) Around 6 days of rain per monthAround 150 hours per month, or an average of 5 hours a dayThe shortest days of the year – make the most of outdoor activities in the morning and early afternoonChristmas markets in Palma from late November to early January · 6 and 8 December are public holidays · Chant de la Sibil·la on the evening of 24 December · 25 and 26 December: public holidays · Festa de l’Estendard in Palma and New Year’s Eve on 31 December, with the twelve grapes at midnight · Arrival of the Three Kings on the evening of 5 January; 6 January: public holiday6 Classic Experiences and 6 Freedom Experiences, available from 1 November to 31 March2-, 3- or 4-night packages including accommodation and activities, from November to March

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Things to do in Mallorca in December: our ideas for the festive season

December holds a special place in the Mallorcan winter. The days are cool but often bright; the villages go about their business as usual, whilst Palma gradually gets into the festive spirit. It’s the perfect month for walking, strolling, meeting local craftspeople and sitting down for a meal without watching the clock.

If you’re planning a longer trip between November and March, our article on what the island has to offer throughout the winter season provides a good overview. And if you’re unsure about the previous month, you can also check out our tips for a trip in November. Here, we’re focusing on what makes December unique.

Strolling through Palma at Christmas market time

From late November until Epiphany in early January, Christmas markets spring up in the heart of Palma, particularly in Plaça Major, Plaça d’Espanya and La Rambla. With crafts, decorations and seasonal treats on offer, it’s the perfect time to take a stroll through the old town, stopping off here and there to warm up.

To really understand what you’re seeing, nothing beats a local’s perspective. Our Amigo will show you around Palma’s historic centre in a small group, from the old fishing districts to the cathedral, with a tasty stop at a traditional bar. If you’d rather explore on your own, you can also spend a day in Palma at your own pace, with tickets for the cathedral and a tapas break already booked.

See Palma transform as night falls

In December, night falls early, and that’s a blessing. The façades light up, the narrow streets take on a cosier feel, and the city takes on a whole new atmosphere. Two of our experiences have been designed with this time of day in mind: a rather unusual tour of the capital, which ends with a sound and light show in a historic church, and an evening of your own choosing, featuring an immersive show, cocktails and dinner.

Listen to Le Chant de la Sibil·la on the evening of 24 December

This is one of Mallorca’s most unique traditions. During Midnight Mass, in the island’s churches and at Palma Cathedral, a voice recites the prophecy of the Sibil·la, a chant of medieval origin listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. A rare moment, to be experienced with discretion. Check with your chosen parish for timings.

To find out more about the island’s festivals and customs, take a look at our article on Mallorcan traditions.

Walking in the Serra de Tramuntana

Without the summer heat, the Tramuntana is the perfect place for a walk. The low-angled light casts dramatic shadows across the dry-stone terraces, and the sea views become even more striking. On a guided hike tailored to your ability, an Amigo will choose the route to suit your preferences whether along the coast or in the mountains and a traditional lunch is included.

Do you prefer travelling by car and enjoying scenic stops along the way? Set off to explore the Tramuntana mountains at your own pace, from the botanical gardens in Sóller to the Son Marroig estate. To find the island’s most beautiful trails, take a look at our selection of walks in Mallorca.

Find a gift from interior design artisans

December is also the month for gifts. Rather than popping into a souvenir shop, why not meet the local artisans in the centre of the island? Hand-blown recycled glass, traditional ‘tela de llengües’ fabric, cutlery from a family business founded in 1890, olive oil: there’s a wealth of craftsmanship to discover with an Amigo, and some lovely ideas to take home.

Savour seasonal Mallorcan cuisine

The relatively chilly weather makes you fancy hearty meals and long lunches. It’s the perfect time for a day out visiting the local market, a vineyard and enjoying a traditional lunch all at your own pace in your own car. And if you’re wondering which local specialities to try, our guide to Mallorcan cuisine will give you some ideas.

Explore the villages, from north to south-east

In the north, a day out between Alcúdia and Pollença combines medieval ramparts, the Stairs of Calvary and a viewpoint overlooking the Tramuntana mountains, with a traditional lunch. In the south-east, you can explore Ses Salines and Santanyí at your own pace, with a pre-booked lunch followed by dessert and coffee in a village built of golden stone.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Palma: the banner and the twelve grapes

On 31 December, Palma celebrates the Festa de l’Estendard, which commemorates the entry of James I’s troops into the city on 31 December 1229. It is one of the oldest civic festivals in Europe, and a unique way to mark the last evening of the year.

When evening falls, it’s time for Nochevieja, New Year’s Eve, known as Cap d’Any in Catalan. Here, you don’t ring in the New Year without the twelve lucky grapes: at midnight, you swallow one with every chime of the bell, with family or friends. Missing any means you’ll be teased, whilst getting them all right ensures a happy new year. Just remember to have your twelve grapes ready before midnight!

Did you know? In Spain, presents are given on 6 January.
Christmas is celebrated on 24 and 25 December with the family, but the moment children look forward to most is Three Kings’ Day. Late in the afternoon on 5 January, in Palma, the Three Kings traditionally arrive by sea at Moll Vell, before parading through the city centre under the festive lights. The following day, 6 January, a public holiday, presents are unwrapped and everyone shares the roscón de Reyes, the ring-shaped brioche that hides a bean and a small figurine. If your trip extends into early January, this is an evening not to be missed.

Extend your stay by a few nights

If you’re coming for the festive season, you might as well stay in the right place. Our 2- to 4-night breaks, combining accommodation and experiences, include a carefully selected hotel, breakfasts, transfers or a hire car (depending on the package), and one to three experiences depending on the length of your stay. In the heart of Palma, the stay at the Hotel Artmadams includes unlimited access to the spa a real bonus in December. For walkers, the hiking break at Can Estades puts the Tramuntana mountains within easy reach.

All our seasonal activities are listed on two pages: guided winter excursions and self-guided day trips.

Highlights of December in Mallorca

Palma in its festive finery: Christmas markets from late November to early January, illuminated alleyways, and more intimate evenings.
Unique traditions: the Song of the Sibyl on 24 December, the Festa de l’Estendard and the twelve grapes on New Year’s Eve on 31 December, and the arrival of the Three Kings on 5 January in Palma.
The Tramuntana at just the right time: pleasant temperatures for walking and clearer views than in summer.
Meaningful gifts: glassware, textiles, knives and olive oil, sourced directly from local artisans.
Guided or independent: 6 Classic Experiences with an Amigo and 6 Freedom Experiences with a roadmap, from 1 November to 31 March.
A fully organised holiday: hotel, breakfasts, transfers or a car, and activities all included in a single package.

Included in our winter holidays

Accommodation in a double room at one of our six selected establishments
Breakfast every morning
Airport transfers or a hire car, depending on the holiday you choose
1 experience for 2 nights, 2 for 3 nights, 3 for 4 nights
On-site support during your stay

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