10 Things to Do in Mallorca in December

Mallorca is an island that does not shy away from tourism. During the months of June, July and August, this Balearic island is flooded with visitors, both nationals and foreigners, which is not surprising due to the large number of things to see and do in Mallorca.

However, many think that the island ceases to exist from the month of September onwards. The reality is that the general opinion could not be more wrong. Mallorca in December is synonymous with plans, culture and fun, with a leisure offer that includes plans for all tastes: hiking routes, night sky watching or visits to vineyards.

One of the oldest traditions in Mallorca in December is the Canto de la Sibila, a Gregorian chant sung by the Sibyl, a young woman dressed in a white tunic for the occasion. During the chant, she walks around the church accompanied by two small children, all the while holding a sword.

This celebration takes place on the 24th of December and can be seen in practically all the churches in Mallorca. Since 2010, the Chant of the Sybil has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is a very curious event to see, and you will be able to teleport yourself back to the Middle Ages, the period in which this tradition was born.

Winter in Mallorca is not too extreme, so a walk is always a good plan. And if the setting is the Alfabia Gardens, one of the most important and beautiful botanical gardens in Mallorca and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plan is perfect.

When you book your ticket for the Alfabia Gardens you will be able to visit both the exterior, a haven of peace, beauty and tranquillity, and the interior of the building which, by the way, was once the residence of an Arab governor. That is why you will find natural motifs that evoke the Andalusian culture, but also Gothic and Baroque elements, incorporated in its last renovation in the 18th century.

Another very old Mallorcan tradition is the Festa de l'Estandard, which dates back to the 18th century. This festival celebrates the day on which King James I put an end to the Muslim domination of the island.

The festival begins in the Plaza de Cort, where the Royal Standard of the Conquest of Mallorca and the Cimera are placed. It then continues with a mass in the city's cathedral. Finally, the celebration returns to the Plaza de Cort for the reading of the poem 'La Colcada'.

The Festa d l'Entandard is held on the last day of the year: 31st December. It is one of the oldest celebrations in Europe and a must for history lovers.

Are you travelling with children? With this plan, you'll have won them over. If not, booking a ticket for the Aquarium Palma is an excellent option to delve into the marine world if you don't dare dive into the Mediterranean in December.

The Aquarium houses more than 8 different themed habitats, including the Mediterranean, the Tropical, the Jungle and the Medusarium, among others. Sharks, turtles, corals, colourful fish... along this route of more than a kilometre you will find a wide variety of aquatic species that will delight young and old alike.

Booking a seat on a tourist bus is always a good way to get to the main monuments and tourist attractions of a city, and if you can also use it as a means of transport to get on and off at any of the stops to visit or walk around the area, all the better.

You choose whether you want to go up to the first floor of the bus, or stay warm on the ground floor. In either case, the on-board audio commentary will teach you everything you need to know about the Mallorcan capital.

Make the most of your trip to Majorca in December to experience one of the most typical winter activities. Although the island is especially famous in summer for its beaches, in the cold months it also offers impressive landscapes.

Although there are occasions when snow covers the Pla or Palma de Mallorca, it is not very common. However, the Tramuntana mountain range is quite often covered in white.

I advise you to bring your camera and, of course, appropriate clothing for the occasion. Beyond that, all you have to do is look at the view and play with the snow.

If you're visiting Mallorca in the summer, eating too much may not agree with you. Winter, however, is the perfect time to nourish yourself with hearty meals. Balearic gastronomy is splendid and boasts dishes unique to the area, which cannot be seen beyond its borders.

For colder days, I recommend the following dishes:

• La calderera, a lobster soup that will warm you up in the most delicious way possible.
• Frit, made with the offal, which is the name given to certain parts of the animal, such as the liver.
• Dry soup, made with seasonal vegetables.

Finally, don't forget to try the arroz brut or dirty rice.

Although you can try the island's specialities on your own, if you want to delve deeper into its gastronomy, the best thing to do is to take a gastronomic tour of Mallorca or even learn how to make traditional dishes yourself in a cooking class where you will no doubt warm up and your mouth will be watering!

As you may already know, December is the winter solstice, an event that takes place at the same time all over the world, although, depending on the hemisphere, the seasonal change will be one or the other.

The solstice in itself is a celebration surrounded by myths and legends, which change depending on the city and country.

In Palma de Mallorca, the winter solstice offers a unique light show, which brings together many of its inhabitants. Every year, the public waits impatiently for the sun's rays to pass through the rose windows of the Cathedral, creating a spectacle of colour.

Take advantage of the absence of tourists in Mallorca in December to stroll through the streets of the old town. The historic centre of Palma de Mallorca is truly beautiful.

Despite being a city dedicated to tourism, it has managed to preserve its essence over the years, transmitting a Balearic-flavoured spirit that makes it unique.

I recommend that you take a good coat and comfortable walking shoes and stroll through the winding streets of Mallorca. In addition, in December the streets have a special charm, thanks to the Christmas lights.

The Cathedral and the Almudaina Royal Palace

Of the many monuments that Palma de Mallorca treasures, the most important is its cathedral, also known as La Seu. This construction dates back to the reign of James I, who, after surviving a shipwreck, promised to build a temple in honour of Saint Mary.

The construction of the Cathedral of Mallorca began in 1229, although it was not completely finished until 1601. These almost 400 years of sweat and toil resulted in a work of art that has now been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.

Next to the Cathedral is the Royal Palace of the Almudaina, which is a reflection of the history of Mallorca, with remains of the different civilisations that have settled on the island. Moreover, its interior has been faithfully preserved, containing curious objects and places, such as the royal chambers or the private baths of the kings.

On the peak of the hill that was once called Puig Mezquita is Bellver Castle. It is undoubtedly one of the island's great attractions, but in summer it is usually full of tourists. To see it in peace and quiet, it is best to make the most of your stay in December.

In the middle of a pine forest and with the sea at its feet, Bellver Castle is one of the most dreamlike places in Mallorca. The construction dates back to the 18th century, during the reign of Jaime III. Today it belongs to the Palma de Mallorca Town Hall.

The castle's greatest treasures

Beyond the impressive views and its dreamlike surroundings, the castle is worth visiting for its interior.

One of my favourite areas of the entire fortress is the parade ground, where you will find a tombstone in honour of Alexandre Jaume i Rosello, who was the deputy who got the castle to become part of the municipal heritage of Palma de Mallorca.

You can tour the castle by yourself or hire a sightseeing tour. Perhaps this second option is the most recommendable, as you will discover all kinds of curious details about the fortress.

Make the most of your visit to Mallorca in December to enjoy the Christmas magic that fills the island at this time of year. One of the best things to do in Majorca during this month is to visit the Christmas markets that are scattered throughout the island. This activity is one of the best things to do on your winter trip to Mallorca.

In these markets you will find all kinds of items, from original decorations for the tree to unusual gifts for your loved ones. Of all the events of this kind, my favourite is the Feria de Nadal i Reis de Palma.

This is a collection of more than a hundred stalls scattered around the city's main streets and squares. The stalls have a wide variety of themes, from nativity scene figures to typical sweets of this time of year on the island.

Other Christmas markets in Mallorca

Another of the best Christmas markets is Rata Market, which is held in an old fire station in the Son Castelló industrial estate. The main feature of this market is crafts, although it also has a gastronomic area.

If you are looking for something different, I recommend the Pueblo Español Christmas market. This celebration consists of a representation of the country's most characteristic monuments. There are also activities for the youngest members of the family, such as craft workshops and visits with Santa Claus.

The icing on the cake is the Christmas Market in Puerto Portal, which has been voted one of the 5 best Christmas markets in Europe.

While in summer, the heat and humidity make it impossible to even think about going hiking in Mallorca, in winter it is one of the best plans I can suggest.

Excursions at this time of year do not attract so many tourists, so you can connect with nature in complete peace and quiet. And if that wasn't enough, December brings out the best side of the island.

There are many options for hiking routes to do in Mallorca at this time of year, including alternatives for beginners or experts, as well as for those who prefer the mountains or those who prefer the beach.

Best hiking routes in Mallorca

One of the most famous is the excursion to Cabrera. It is organised at weekends, although a minimum number of people must be registered for it to take place. The excursion starts in Colonia de Sant Jordi and takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Cabrera. Since you won't be able to swim at the beach in December, I recommend that you go up to the castle when you reach the island to enjoy the views.

Another easy and incredibly beautiful route is the Manacor-Artá Greenway, which follows the old railway line.

It is ideal for getting to know **Mallorca'**s natural heritage, from its carob tree plantations to its rosemary forests. The route passes through the municipalities of Manacor, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Son Servera and Artà.

What could be better than taking shelter from the cold and discovering the more lunatic side of the island during your trip to Mallorca in December?

Without a doubt, this is a plan that usually goes unnoticed by those who visit Mallorca. However, in winter you will not have the opportunity to make the most characteristic plans of the island, which require sun and warmth.

For this reason, travelling to Mallorca in December is the perfect excuse to go to the Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory of Mallorca.

Get to know the Planetarium of Mallorca in depth

It doesn't matter whether the day is clear or not. If it isn't, you won't miss out on seeing the incredible treasures that fly over the sky. On these occasions, the visits take place inside the Planetarium, which has fulldome technology to allow observation.

If, on the other hand, you are lucky enough to come on a clear day, you can look for yourself from one of the telescopes available to visitors.

On the other hand, this experience is also great for those travelling to Mallorca as a family and looking for things to do with children on the island. By going to the Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory of Mallorca, the little ones will learn through fun and curiosity.

What could be more Christmassy than ice skating? Your trip to Mallorca in December is the perfect opportunity to feel like a real star of an American film. Although Mallorca doesn't have many ice skating rinks, one is enough for you. Especially if that one is Ice Park.

Ice Park is located in Palma, in the Parc de Ses Estacions. It opens in November and has more than 400 square metres of ice. The facilities provide equipment for all ages, so you can do this activity if you are travelling with children.

In addition to Ice Park, some Christmas markets in Mallorca also have ice skating rinks, so I recommend that you check the calendars and activities of all those that interest you.