Bright ideas to put a sparkle into your Christmas in Mallorca

The Christmas lights will be switched on in late November, and the streets will fill up with street vendors’ stalls, the scent of hot roasted chestnuts, and lots of people getting into the festive spirit.

If you’ve come to spend Christmas in Mallorca, prepare to discover the magic of tradition, fine food and the best parties. Here are our suggestions to get you out and about.

In December visit the Christmas markets in Mallorca, where you’ll discover the most original gifts, and the most delicious hand-made Christmas fare. Don’t miss the Palma markets held in the Plaça d’Espanya and the Plaça Major, and the craft stalls in the Ramblas.

We also encourage you to visit the traditional nativity scenes that numerous churches and town and city halls display for the public to visit over the festive period.

On Christmas Eve it’s the custom for all the family to gather for dinner together. Our Pabisa Bali, one of the hotels in Playa de Palma that’s open over Christmas, will be putting on a big buffet-dinner with cocktails, followed by with a big party with live music. On that night, if you’ve dined with us, you’ll find a very special gift when you get back to your room.

Then comes the eagerly-awaited 25th December, Christmas Day! A red-letter day that’s celebrated with a big lunch in which suckling pig, turkey and sopa rellena are the main dishes. And for dessert, there has to be turrón (nougat) and polvorons: have you tried them yet? On that evening we’ll be holding a tasting session to give everyone a chance to taste torró.

And if you’ve a mind to ring in the New Year in style, Mallorca’s the perfect place to come to. At the hotel we’ll be putting on the best gala dinner, to give you a fabulous start to 2015, and afterwards you’ll be spoilt for choice by all the parties being held over the city.

There’s one thing you mustn’t forget to do! Have twelve grapes with you, and as the clock’s chiming 00:00 on 1st January, eat one grape for each chime you hear. It will bring you luck for the rest of the year.

Photo: ultimahora.es