HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT FESTIVE CITY BREAK IN PALMA

Those seeking a last-minute winter city break packed with culture should head to Palma for a charming festive experience. During the Christmas season, the cosmopolitan city twinkles with lights and visitors can immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit by taking part in local traditions and festive experiences. Read on for the Palma Tourism Board's suggestions on how to spend the ultimate festive break in the Balearic capital.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND LIGHTS

Key locations across Palma's centre are illuminated in the lead up to Christmas, including La Rambla, San Miguel, Plaza Cort and Plaza España. The latter even sets up an ice rink for skating amongst the decorations. Whilst admiring the themed lights, visitors can indulge in a hot chocolate and ensaimada pastry from one of Europe's oldest chocolatiers, the iconic Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo. Enjoying this tasty treat is a Mallorcan tradition for Christmas Eve.

The heart of Palma, comprising of Plaza Mayor and Pueblo Español, comes alive with the spirit of the season through vibrant Christmas markets surrounded by pine trees. Here, visitors can explore stands offering traditional crafts, festive treats, and unique gifts, capturing the essence both Mallorca's culture and the holiday season. Throughout the festive season, Palma is also full of Belenes – beautiful life-sized Nativity scenes. Some of the most impressive can be admired at the popular El Corte Ingles department store and in Plaza Cort.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

From international designer shops such as Louis Vuitton and Bvlgari to high-street favourites and independent local boutiques, Palma's diverse shopping scene makes it the perfect Christmas shopping location. Shoppers should be sure to head to Palma's Golden Mile, the Passeig des Born, which glows with twinkling Christmas lights during December. Along this avenue, visitors will find opulent treats for loved ones at the likes of Rialto Living, Hugo Boss and ROUGE Mallorca, as well as gifts at a more affordable price point at popular stores such as Zara and H&M.

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

For those staying over Christmas itself and keen to get involved in authentic local festivities, a visit to Palma Cathedral is a must on Christmas Eve. As the clock ticks towards midnight during the 'Misa del Gallo' mass, visitors and locals can enjoy the Cant de la Sibil-la, a traditional Balearic festive chant originating from the Middle Ages which has been recognised by UNESCO.

Thanks to the Christian celebration of Three Wise Men Day on 6th January, Christmas lasts until the New Year in Mallorca, meaning there's plenty of time for visitors to enjoy the festivities and decorations before they come down in the second week of January. An impressive family-friendly parade is held in Palma on 5th January, during which the three wise men hand out sweets to onlookers to commemorate the gifts offered to baby Jesus.

FESTIVE HOTEL STAYS

Many of Palma's hotels are open over Winter to allow visitors to take advantage of year-round mild temperatures, with several spreading holiday cheer by offering special packages. Guests at the adults-only Castillo Hotel Son Vida can enjoy cinnamon scented spa treatments, a Christmas Eve Cocktail and Gala Dinner, and a Christmas Day Jazz Brunch as part of the hotel's Christmas Festive Retreat. Meanwhile, the newly-opened Nobis Hotel Palma will ensure guests are in the Christmas spirit by offering delicious traditional lunches made using local Mallorcan produce.

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For more information about Palma as a tourist destination, please visit www.visitpalma.es

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