Palmesan Christmas: Authentic Experiences Five Minutes from Es Princep
Christmas in Palma is a perfect blend of tradition, Mediterranean light, and vibrant culture. From late November onward, the Old Town regains a special glow that invites visitors to stroll slowly and discover the city from a different perspective. For guests at Es Princep, located beside the Baluard del Princep and the historic medieval walls, these experiences are only a few steps away: just walk out the hotel door to enter the heart of Palmesan Christmas.
Lights, Nativity Scenes and Atmosphere in the Old Town
The Christmas season officially begins with the switching on of Palma’s lights, one of the most anticipated events of the year. The central streets —Passeig del Born, Plaça de Cort, Jaume III, La Rambla and Via Roma— transform into a luminous spectacle that delights both locals and visitors. The City Council publishes the route and official calendar each year on its website:https://www.palma.cat
For those who enjoy deeply rooted traditions, the Palma Nativity Route is an unmissable classic. The municipal Nativity scene at the City Hall, located in the Cort building, opens from 22 November to 5 January. Every year it incorporates artisanal details that pay tribute to the crafts and scenes of the most authentic Mallorca.
Less than ten minutes from Es Princep, you will also find the Nativity scene at La Misericòrdia Cultural Centre, one of the most visited due to its scale and level of detail, as well as the crèches displayed in historic Old Town churches such as Sant Francesc, Santa Eulàlia and La Seu.
Christmas Markets, Local Products and Festive Shopping Routes
Christmas in Palma would not be the same without its markets, where artisans and local producers fill the squares with lights, gastronomy, and unique pieces. The Plaça Major Christmas Market, open from late November until 7 January, is one of the most emblematic: Nativity figurines, decorations, Mallorcan ceramics, traditional sweets, wooden toys and local products coexist in a festive atmosphere. It is easily accessible from the hotel via a pleasant ten-minute walk.
You can check schedules and activities in the Visit Palma guide:https://visitpalma.com/es/dir/palma-magica-y-dinamica-tambien-en-navidad/
Other notable markets include:
• Las Ramblas and Via Roma, offering local crafts and gastronomy.
• Plaça d’Espanya, ideal for family shopping.
• Poble Espanyol, which hosts a Central-European-style Christmas market every year (paid entry; dates vary):https://www.poble-espanyol.com
Es Princep becomes an ideal starting point for slow shopping routes through the most refined boutiques in the centre: local design shops in Born and Sant Nicolau, contemporary Mallorcan jewellery, sustainable fashion and gourmet products.
Living Tradition: The Canto de la Sibilla on Christmas Eve
One of the most singular cultural experiences of Christmas in Mallorca is the Canto de la Sibilla, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This medieval liturgical performance takes place on the night of 24 December in many churches across the island, but the most impressive rendition is held in the Cathedral of Mallorca (La Seu), about a 12-minute walk from Es Princep.
Experiencing this ceremony within the Gothic silence of the cathedral is a privilege sought by travellers year after year.
Christmas with Es Princep: Wellness, Gastronomy and Mediterranean Winter Views
After exploring the Old Town, the warmth of the hotel awaits you.
• Zaranda, led by Fernando Pérez Arellano, offers one of Palma’s most outstanding culinary experiences for those seeking an unforgettable Christmas dinner.
• And on our Rooftop, the hotel’s panoramic terrace, the views over the Bay of Palma take on an intimate, atmospheric character during winter, especially at sunset.
Es Princep is, in this way, the perfect place to enjoy a different kind of Christmas: close, historic and profoundly Mediterranean.
