Every November, Palma flips the switch and suddenly the city feels like a winter wonderland. You can sense the excitement building all month, and when the official switch-on ceremony finally happens, thousands of locals and visitors crowd together for that first magical glow.
The Christmas lights in Palma will be switched on during a special ceremony on Saturday 22nd November 2025 at 7:00 PM in Plaça d’Espanya. This year’s event, called “Dance of Stars,” promises a 35-minute show packed with music, projections, and even snow effects—seriously, it’s a treat for families and anyone who loves a bit of seasonal magic.
But the lights are really just the start. Palma’s Christmas season is full of traditions, markets, and events that stretch well into the new year. If you want to make the most of your visit, you’ll want to know how to dodge the crowds and find the best of the city’s other festive attractions. Honestly, Palma might be one of Europe’s most charming Christmas spots—though, okay, that’s just my take.
Experience the Christmas Lights in Palma
Each November, thousands of lights turn Palma’s historic streets and squares into a festive playground. The display runs from late November through early January, and evening walks through the Old Town and main shopping areas feel downright magical.
When Does Palma Turn On The Christmas Lights
The big switch-on happens Saturday 22 November 2025 at 19:00 in Plaça d’Espanya. This year’s “Dance of Stars” show brings music, projections, and snow effects for a solid 35 minutes.
After last year’s crowd chaos at El Borne—over 20,000 people crammed in—they moved the ceremony to Plaça d’Espanya. It just works better for families and anyone who wants to actually see what’s going on.
If you want a good spot, show up between 18:15 and 18:45. The event’s totally free and the earlier time means it’s easy to bring kids along.
Once the lights are on, they stay up through early January. Most nights, you’ll see them from dusk until pretty late.
Main Streets and Squares Illuminated
La Rambla and Passeig del Born go all out with their decorations. These pedestrian stretches are where you’ll find some of the most elaborate light setups in Palma.
Plaça Major turns into a cozy Christmas market, with stalls and twinkling lights giving it a classic holiday vibe. People flock here in the evenings for shopping and a bit of festive wandering.
The Old Town streets near the Cathedral absolutely sparkle—thousands of lights strung between ancient buildings. Those narrow medieval lanes? Perfect for a few moody photos.
Avinguda Jaume III, the main shopping drag, gets decked out with elegant lights that fit right in with the high-end boutiques. The boulevard’s wide enough that you won’t get elbowed every two seconds, even when it’s busy.
Best Viewing Spots and Photography Tips
If you want the classic route, start at Plaça d’Espanya and head down La Rambla. You’ll hit the heart of the action in about 15 minutes.
Plaça Major is a photographer’s dream, especially during blue hour right after sunset. The enclosed square bounces light off the old buildings, and the photos pretty much take themselves.
The Cathedral area is hard to beat for dramatic backdrops. Try Parc de la Mar if you want wide shots of the Gothic façade all lit up.
To avoid the crowds, aim for before 18:00 or after 21:00. Bring a tripod if you’re serious about night shots, and don’t forget to use your camera’s night mode to catch all those colors.
Festive Traditions and Seasonal Activities in Palma
During Christmas, Palma turns into a festive playground. Think traditional dinners, real-deal markets, concerts, and a bunch of family-friendly attractions—there’s a lot to take in if you’re exploring the Balearic capital with kids or just love the season.
Best Restaurant To Enjoy Dinner During The Event
After the switch-on at Plaça d’Espanya, head towards Passeig de Mallorca, where you’ll find Thalia Restaurant — the perfect spot to continue the evening with dinner and cocktails.
Located in one of Palma’s most elegant avenues, Thalia offers an upscale Mediterranean dining experience, featuring seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, grilled meats and creative tapas ideal for sharing.
The restaurant is also known for its signature cocktails, crafted with precision and designed to match the atmosphere — refined, modern, and festive. It’s the ideal place to unwind, celebrate, and enjoy the glow of Palma’s Christmas lights.
With its stylish interior, relaxed ambiance and central location on Passeig de Mallorca, Thalia is the top restaurant choice for dinner after the event. Booking ahead is highly recommended for the switch-on weekend.
Christmas Markets and Unique Local Gifts
Palma’s Christmas markets are packed with Balearic crafts and treats. Parc de les Estacions, right across from Plaça d’Espanya, hosts stalls selling handmade gifts and local foods.
Look for nativity figures made by local artisans, including quirky Mallorcan characters like the caganer and regional shepherds. These details add a local twist to the usual Christmas scene.
Food stalls serve up ensaïmadas (those spiral pastries), turrones (nougat), and other sweets. Many vendors will wrap your gifts with traditional materials if you ask.
The Plaça Major usually has extra market stalls in December. You’ll find handwoven textiles, pottery from local makers, and olive oil from Mallorcan producers—great gift ideas, honestly.
If you’ve got a car, Festival Park outside the city center has a bigger market with rides and more shopping options.
Cultural Events and Performances
There’s more to Palma at Christmas than just the lights. December brings the Song of the Sibyl (Cant de la Sibil·la) to several churches—a haunting tradition that UNESCO has recognised.
City Hall (Cort) sets up an elaborate nativity scene every year, and kids can drop letters to the Three Kings in a special mailbox inside.
Churches across Palma host concerts with carols and classical music. The Cathedral usually puts on special performances during Advent too.
The Three Kings Parade on January 5th is the grand finale. This procession winds through central Palma with thousands turning out for the spectacle—some traditions just never get old.
Street performers pop up along La Rambla and Passeig del Born all season, adding a bit of surprise entertainment to your evening walks under the lights.
Family-Friendly Attractions During Christmas
Palma really goes out of its way for families at Christmas. The 7pm switch-on time means even little kids can catch the magic before bedtime.
Parc de les Estacions sets up small rides and attractions during the holidays, right next to Plaça d’Espanya—super handy after the lighting ceremony.
The nativity scene at Cort draws kids in with its detailed figurines and Balearic settings. Some interactive elements let them get involved, too.
Walking tours of the Christmas lights are fun for all ages. The route from Plaça d’Espanya down La Rambla to Passeig del Born covers the best displays.
Plaça Major usually hosts kids’ activities and workshops on December weekends—face painting, crafts, storytelling, the works. It’s a full-on family experience alongside the market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Palma’s Christmas lights run from late November to early January, lighting up neighborhoods all over the city. You can join parades, ceremonies, and other festivities—the lights are free for everyone.
What are the dates for the Christmas lights display in Palma?
Palma typically kicks off the lights on 23rd November with the official ceremony. They stay on through the holidays until early January.
For 2025, the switch-on is set for 22nd November. Expect the displays to last through New Year’s.
Where are the best districts to view Christmas illuminations in Palma?
The old town’s the place to be, especially around Plaça de la Reina and Plaça de Cort. Carrer Jaume III puts up some massive 10-metre Christmas trees with tons of lights.
Parc de Ses Estacions has a towering 20-metre tree and a bigger market area. Passeig des Born and La Rambla are both prime spots for decorative installations.
Santa Catalina gets special star lights at its entrance, and Passeig Sagrera adds giant illuminated baubles to the festive mix.
How can one participate in the festive activities during the Christmas lights event in Palma?
Join one of the opening night parades starting at 7:00 PM. Three processions set off from Sa Feixina, Sant Miquel, and Carrer Riera.
Check out performances at Plaça del Mercat, Plaça de Cort, and Plaça de la Reina between 7:40 and 8:20 PM. The main countdown happens at 8:20 PM at both Plaça de la Reina and Plaça de Cort.
Don’t miss the traditional Cort Nativity Scene at Town Hall. Kids can post their letters to the Three Kings starting 22nd November.
What time do the Christmas lights typically turn on in Palma each evening?
The lights come on automatically every night during the season. Usually, they flicker on around dusk.
On switch-on night, they light up at 8:20 PM. After that, the system runs on a set schedule until early January.
Are there any special ceremonies or events associated with the lighting of the Christmas decorations in Palma?
The annual switch-on brings out themed parades with acrobats, jugglers, and performers. In 2024, they went with a futuristic vibe—think characters from other planets.
Performances take place all over the city center. You’ll see circus acts, aerial acrobatics, and light shows at different squares throughout the evening.
The ceremony mixes live music, dance, and art installations. At Plaça de Cort, sand drawing performances tell stories of human evolution during the festivities.
Is there an entrance fee to see the Christmas lights in Palma?
Nope, you don’t have to pay anything to see the Christmas lights in Palma. The city keeps all the illuminations open and free for everyone during the festive season.
The switch-on ceremony, along with the performances, is also free. Wander through the decorated streets, soak up the festivities—nobody’s going to charge you for that.
Sure, the Christmas markets nearby might ask for money if you want food or to buy something, but just walking around, taking in the vibes? That’s on the house.
