When you think of Mallorca, you probably picture sunshine, beaches and summer holidays. But have you ever considered visiting the island in winter? December and January have a charm of their own. Palma de Mallorca is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, the terraces are quieter, and you can take your time exploring the historic streets, festive Christmas markets and beautiful landmarks.
There is still plenty to see and do during the winter months. From Christmas markets and traditional Spanish celebrations to local food, historic sights and a memorable photoshoot in the heart of Palma.
Are you visiting Mallorca in December 2026 or January 2027? Here are my tips to help you make the most of your winter holiday!
1. Visit Palma de Mallorca's Christmas Market
A visit to Palma in December wouldn't be complete without exploring the city's traditional Christmas market, organised by Palma City Council and known as the Fira de Nadal i dels Reis.
From 21 November 2026, the city centre comes alive with festive stalls, Christmas decorations and unique gift ideas. The market runs until 6 January 2027 and is spread across several popular locations in the city centre.
You'll find Christmas stalls at Plaça Major, La Rambla, Plaça d'Espanya and around Via Roma, among other locations.
Discover the Christmas stalls in Palma's Old Town
As you wander around the Christmas market, you'll come across a variety of stalls selling:
Traditional Christmas decorations and nativity figures.
Handmade gifts and locally crafted products.
Jewellery, accessories and textiles.
Toys and little Christmas presents.
Spanish festive treats and local delicacies.
Plaça Major is particularly lovely for browsing the stalls and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere. Combine your visit with a stroll along La Rambla and Passeig del Born, where you can also admire the beautiful Christmas lights and festive decorations.
When can you visit Palma's Christmas Market?
Palma's municipal Christmas market runs from 21 November 2026 until 6 January 2027. That gives you more than six weeks to enjoy the festive atmosphere in the city.
Whether you're visiting Mallorca in late November, December or during the first few days of January, a visit to the Christmas market is well worth adding to your itinerary.
My tip: Visit towards the end of the afternoon. Browse the festive stalls and then enjoy a walk through the beautifully illuminated city centre. Plaça Major, La Rambla and Passeig del Born are particularly worth visiting during this time of year.
2. Admire the Christmas Lights in Palma
During the festive season, Palma transforms into a beautifully illuminated city. Streets and squares are decorated with Christmas lights, creating a magical atmosphere, especially after sunset.
An evening stroll through the city centre is a wonderful way to experience Palma at this time of year.
Here are a few places you shouldn't miss:
Passeig del Born: An elegant boulevard with beautiful Christmas lights, shops and inviting cafés.
La Rambla: A charming street known for its flower stalls and festive decorations.
Plaça Major: One of Palma's most famous squares, where you'll also find part of the Christmas market.
Palma's Old Town: Explore narrow streets, historic buildings and hidden little squares.
Take your time, wander through the city and enjoy the Mediterranean Christmas atmosphere. It's a very different kind of winter experience compared to northern Europe!
3. Enjoy a Magical Christmas Photoshoot in Palma
Would you love to take home more than just memories of your holiday in Mallorca? A professional Christmas photoshoot in Palma is a wonderful way to capture your time on the island.
As a photographer, I'll guide you to some of the most beautiful spots in the historic city centre. Think festive streets, charming architecture and stunning Christmas lights.
A Christmas photoshoot is perfect for:
Couples who want romantic photos together.
Families looking for beautiful holiday memories.
Extended families spending time together in Mallorca.
Anyone who would love some professional portraits.
You don't need to know how to pose. I'll guide you throughout the session and make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable, creating natural photographs that capture genuine moments.
Choose Your Christmas Photoshoot Package
Little Christmas Moment – 30 Minutes
A short and relaxed photoshoot to capture the magic of your winter holiday.
30-minute photoshoot.
8 professionally edited photographs.
Private online gallery to choose your favourite images.
Suitable for families of up to 4 people.
Price: €79.
Christmas Story – 60 Minutes
More time to explore different festive locations in Palma and capture your holiday story.
60-minute photoshoot.
20 professionally edited photographs.
Private online gallery to choose your favourite images.
Suitable for families of up to 4 people.
Price: €149.
Additional family members can join for €15 per person.
Your private online gallery will be ready within 48 hours. Once you've selected your favourite photographs, your edited high-resolution images will be delivered within 3 days.
Explore the Christmas Photoshoot Packages
Book Your Christmas Photoshoot
4. Explore Palma's Historic Old Town and La Seu Cathedral
No visit to Palma is complete without exploring its historic Old Town.
The impressive La Seu Cathedral is one of Mallorca's most famous landmarks. From Parc de la Mar, you can enjoy beautiful views of the cathedral and the historic city walls.
Afterwards, wander through the narrow streets and discover charming courtyards, little boutiques and inviting cafés.
Here are a few other places worth visiting:
Passeig del Born: An elegant boulevard lined with shops, cafés and beautiful architecture.
La Rambla: A charming street with flower stalls and outdoor cafés.
Santa Catalina: A lively neighbourhood filled with restaurants, cafés and a popular local food market.
Bellver Castle: A unique circular castle offering wonderful views across Palma and the bay.
Parc de la Mar: A lovely place to enjoy views of the cathedral and the waterfront.
Take your time and explore without following a strict itinerary. Winter is a wonderful time to experience Palma at a more relaxed pace.
5. Discover the Local Flavours of Mallorca
Winter is a lovely time to explore Mallorcan cuisine and discover some of the island's traditional specialities.
Find a cosy café and enjoy a hot chocolate with an ensaïmada, a traditional Mallorcan pastry. Local food markets are also well worth visiting if you enjoy discovering regional products.
Here are a few local treats to try during your stay:
Ensaïmada: The famous light and fluffy Mallorcan pastry.
Sobrassada: A traditional soft sausage seasoned with paprika.
Turrón: A popular Spanish sweet, especially enjoyed around Christmas.
Tapas: Small dishes perfect for sharing.
Local specialities: Discover the flavours of Mallorca at one of Palma's many restaurants.
Visit Mercat de l'Olivar or Mercat de Santa Catalina to experience the local atmosphere and discover the everyday flavours of the island.
6. Experience Mallorca's Traditional January Celebrations in 2027
January is also a wonderful time to visit Mallorca. Once Christmas is over, the island continues to celebrate several fascinating Spanish and Mallorcan traditions. The first three weeks of January are particularly interesting if you'd like to experience a little more of the local culture.
5 January 2027: The Three Kings Parade in Palma
On Tuesday, 5 January 2027, Spain celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings: Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar.
In Palma, the traditional Three Kings Parade, known as the Cabalgata de Reyes, is a wonderful event. The Three Kings traditionally arrive by boat at Palma's harbour before travelling through the city in a colourful festive procession.
Expect beautifully decorated floats, music, sweets and plenty of excited children lining the streets. It's a particularly lovely experience for families and a great way to discover an important Spanish Christmas tradition.
The parade takes place on Tuesday, 5 January. The exact starting time and route for 2027 have yet to be announced.
6 January 2027: Día de Reyes – Three Kings' Day
Wednesday, 6 January is a national public holiday throughout Spain: Día de Reyes.
For many Spanish families, this is one of the most important days of the Christmas season. Children receive presents from the Three Kings, and families come together to celebrate.
A traditional treat enjoyed on this day is the Roscón de Reyes, a delicious ring-shaped cake traditionally shared with family and friends. It's definitely worth trying at a local bakery in Palma!
Please note that 6 January is also the final day of Palma's municipal Christmas market.
16 and 17 January 2027: Sant Antoni in Mallorca
On Saturday, 16 January and Sunday, 17 January, Mallorca celebrates Sant Antoni, one of the island's best-known traditional winter festivals.
The celebrations are particularly lively in villages such as Sa Pobla, Artà and Manacor. On the evening of 16 January, large bonfires, known as foguerons, are lit. Locals gather around them to enjoy food, music and the festive atmosphere.
You'll often see dimonis (devil characters), traditional music and local food specialities.
On 17 January, the traditional beneïdes take place in various towns and villages. During these ceremonies, animals and pets are blessed.
If you'd like to experience authentic Mallorcan culture during your winter holiday, Sant Antoni is certainly worth discovering.
19 and 20 January 2027: Sant Sebastià in Palma
Palma also celebrates an important festival in January: Sant Sebastià, the city's patron saint.
The main celebrations take place around Tuesday, 19 January and Wednesday, 20 January 2027.
The evening of 19 January is known as the Revetla de Sant Sebastià. Bonfires are lit in several squares throughout Palma, bringing locals and visitors together for live music, performances and a lively atmosphere.
One of the highlights is gathering around the traditional bonfires to enjoy local food. The spectacular Correfoc is another memorable part of the festivities, with performers dressed as devils moving through the streets with fire and fireworks.
Wednesday, 20 January is the official local public holiday in Palma.
The exact locations, performances and times for the 2027 celebrations have yet to be announced. Check Palma's official event calendar closer to your visit for the latest information.
7. Enjoy a Winter Photoshoot in Mallorca
Christmas isn't the only time to enjoy a beautiful photoshoot in Palma. January is also a wonderful month to capture special memories during your stay in Mallorca.
Winter has its own unique atmosphere, with quieter streets, soft natural light and beautiful contrasts between historic architecture and the Mediterranean surroundings.
I offer several types of photoshoots:
Couple Photoshoot: Romantic photographs of the two of you together.
Family Photoshoot: Natural and heartfelt photographs with the whole family.
Maternity Photoshoot: A special way to capture the beautiful memories of your pregnancy.
Individual Portraits: Professional portraits and personal photographs.
Palma City Photoshoot: Discover some of Palma's most beautiful locations while capturing your holiday memories.
Whether you're visiting Mallorca for a few days or spending the winter on the island, a photoshoot is a lovely way to remember your time here.
I'll help you choose a beautiful location, guide you throughout the session and make sure you feel relaxed in front of the camera. The result? Natural photographs that capture the real you.
Explore All Photoshoot Packages
8. What Is the Weather Like in Mallorca in December and January?
Mallorca enjoys a relatively mild Mediterranean climate, even during the winter months. During the day, it can be pleasant enough to explore the island outdoors, but evenings and cloudy days can feel quite chilly.
The weather can be changeable, so it's a good idea to bring layers of clothing. A jacket or warm cardigan is certainly worth packing.
If you're planning a photoshoot, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast beforehand. On a beautiful winter's day, you can enjoy everything Palma has to offer outdoors.
Make the Most of Your Winter Holiday in Mallorca!
December and January might not be the first months that come to mind when planning a holiday in Mallorca, but winter is a wonderful time to discover a different side of the island.
Enjoy Palma's municipal Christmas market, admire the festive Christmas lights, sample local specialities and explore the historic Old Town. In January, you can also experience some of Mallorca's fascinating Spanish and local traditions.
And if you'd love to capture your holiday in a special way, why not book a professional photoshoot? Take home beautiful, natural photographs that will help you remember your time on the island for years to come.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, with your family, with friends or on your own, there's plenty to enjoy in Mallorca during the winter months.
Make your winter stay in Mallorca truly special!
I'd love to help you capture your holiday with a relaxed, natural photoshoot in Palma de Mallorca or at another beautiful location on the island.
