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The tradition for many homes in Spain is to have their own nativity scene with items passed on down through the years. A special Christmas blend of rich, vibrant ports, Dow’s Christmas Port is carefully matured in oak vats and produced in limited quantities. A fine tipple to round off your Christmas celebrations splendidly, especially if served with ripe Stilton.
You will see Christmas lights in all the resorts and main towns too albeit on a much smaller scale than in Palma. Comedy drama following the trials and tribulations of a socially challenged surgeon turned GP working in Cornwall. Stars Martin Clunes. Also features Caroline Catz, Ian McNeice, Joe Absolom, Selina Cadell, John Marquez and more. You will also find 3-Kings parades in Arenal, Puerto Portals, Palmanova, Port d’Andratx, Port de Soller, Puerto Pollensa, Alcudia, Cala Bona, Cala d’Or and throughout the centre of the island.Rosé port – Just like rosé wine, here you can expect to find notes of strawberries and raspberries, alongside a caramel sweetness. Cheese, chocolate, fruity puddings and sorbet are all excellent pairings – serve ice cold for maximum enjoyment.
The lights are only turned on again in the main squares for the San Sebastián Festival on the days around 19 January, when Palma springs into life again for days of celebration and music events to celebrate their patron Saint. In the past, tawny Port was largely drunk by the Portuguese whereas the British drank the vintage stuff. Now, however, tawny sales are booming over here. This 10 year old version from one of the great names the Douro never disappoints. It’s one to give to people who think they don’t like Port. Few can resist a chilled glass of Noval 10 Year Old. This is also the time when the Three Kings Christmas brings presents to children in Spain (in the same way as Santa Claus). To try to make up for James' disappointment at not meeting Santa, Louisa decides, with the help of the village, to arrange a lantern parade, led by Santa, something she has fond memories of from when she was a child in Portwenn. PC Joe Penhale is thrilled to be asked to don his Santa suit and lead the parade. Mallorca’s Christmas Lights are traditionally switched on the last weekend of November if you are planning ahead.
Public holidays in Mallorca are held on the 25 and 26 December. You will see shops and businesses close early on the 24 December to prepare for the evening’s celebrations. The arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated on the night of the 5 January to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, with the day after, the 6 January, celebrated as a public holiday. Crusted Port – A blend of outstanding young ports from two or three harvests, these are left to mature in the bottle, forming a “crust” (natural sediment) as they age. The most traditional place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mallorca is in Plaza de Cort in Palma in front of the Town Hall. Buses will also run a limited service. In fact, on any public holiday mentioned here, expect a reduced bus service and also more of a challenge to get a taxi. Where to see the Three Kings Parade in Mallorca?
Christmas in Mallorca is a season not to be missed, and an opportunity to see the island in an entirely new light. If the ice skating rink does open for 2023, then here is a TOP TIP for ice skating in Mallorca: don’t forget to bring some gloves or you won’t be allowed to skate. So consider visiting Palma de Mallorca over the Christmas season. Explore the Christmas markets, and see the lights. Do some Christmas shopping in milder temperatures, see in the New Year, and even on a sunny day, catch some rays on the beach. Portwenn is full of festive fun, until Doc Martin has the grotto closed down because he fears Santa has something contagious, upsetting the children, including his own son James. While awaiting the results of the tests to find out why Leonard is so itchy the Doc tells him he cannot be Santa until they have the diagnosis. It’s made by Niepoort, a house of Dutch ancestry which is still in family hands. 20 years is an average statement, it’s a blend of some younger and some much older wines which are made into a house style. The result is something intensely tangy and rich with finish that’s soaked in walnuts.Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port – Aged for 4-6 years, these ports have lots of character but are lighter than traditional vintages. Best with soft cheeses. You can read more about New Year’s Eve in Mallorca here. New Year’s Day in Mallorca – what’s it like? You will find more hotels open in Palma city over December and January than anywhere else on the island. The 24 December is the evening when families get together and sometimes presents are exchanged and where the festive meal is served.
However, in 2022, these events were restricted to residents. It remains to be seen if this will be the case in 2023. Traditionally the Three Kings bring children presents on the night of the 5 January, however, the rise of Santa Claus in popular culture means that many children in Spain will receive a small gift on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. But more on that later. While the sunbeds and umbrellas will have been cleared away, on a sunny day, it’s entirely possible to find a sheltered beach from the wind and sunbathe, or even swim.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Mallorca over Christmas is BEFORE Christmas itself, and then on the run-up to Three Kings’ Day on the 6th of January, as Palma is bustling and the atmosphere around the island is fantastic. Christmas in Mallorca – what’s it like? You will also see in the run-up to Christmas slabs of “ turrrones” which is a type of soft or hard nougat being sold throughout the supermarkets and in the markets. The great thing about Christmas is that no one – or at least practically no one – minds if you play it by the book. In fact, if anything, they tend to be mildly reproachful if you don’t. That’s why not having a bottle of port to drink with the stilton is as big a crime as forgetting the stuffing or, in my case, the bread sauce. But which one do you go for?
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