Christmas Lights and Children's Crafts: Palma Harbour Launches Its First Christmas Programme

Christmas Lights and Children's Crafts: Palma Harbour Launches Its First Christmas Programme

Lit pier, children crafting and a plunge into the New Year

At 7 p.m. tonight the new lights on Palma's old pier are flickering for the first time, as part of Palma starts Christmas program with over 300 events. The Balearic Port Authority has come up with something new for this season: a small but tasteful Christmas programme right by the water. Those expecting large shows will be surprised — it's more about atmosphere, family time and bringing the harbour back into the life of the city.

The scene is familiar: the wind carries the scent of salt over the Passeig Marítim, fishermen are still mending their nets, and seagulls quarrel over the last crumbs from the market. In this setting, stars and ornaments will shine along the pier from today, similar to the Lights on at the Palau del Consell: Palma begins the Christmas season — not glaring, but softly enough for the water to reflect them. For many residents this is a welcome sign that weekends are coming alive again, even though the tourist season is long over.

Directly after the lights are switched on, the programme offers something for the little visitors: a craft workshop using recycled materials. Simple decorations will be made from Tetra Paks, corks and old wrapping paper — a nice idea that connects two things gaining more importance in Mallorca right now: creativity and waste reduction, as noted in Palma in Its Christmas Dress: Lights, Sound and Little Winter Wonders. Parents can watch, children can stick and cut, and in the end everyone leaves with their own little piece of harbour-Christmas.

For those who prefer something sporty or are simply looking for an unusual New Year's greeting, another event is already on the calendar: on 1 January the Port Authority is organising a New Year's swim at Palma's city beach. A short, brisk dip in the sea — not a big regatta, but rather a shared moment to welcome the new year with a clear head. Participants should remember warm change clothing and maybe pack one more towel than usual.

Why is this good for Palma? Such activities bring people to the waterfront outside the high season; nearby cafés and small shops benefit, residents find their way back to the harbour more often, and children learn about sustainability in a playful way. A very local, reliable rhythm emerges: lights on, people out, a little community. That does the city good — especially in months when many corners would otherwise be quiet.

A small everyday scene: in the late afternoon an older woman sits on a bench near the Llotja, wrapped in a thick coat, watching teenagers with bags of craft supplies walk along the pier. A couple with dogs stops, a van with warm ensaimadas drives by. These are the images that show how a simple lighting project can do more than just look pretty — it changes walking routes and conversations for a few December evenings.

Practical information for visitors: those looking for a spot on the shore should arrive early; evenings are cooler, so good footwear and a jacket are recommended. Public transport and bicycles are advisable, as parking around the harbour can be limited. The craft area is aimed at families with young children, but it is recommended to bring your own craft materials or scissors in case something is missing.

A short outlook: if this premiere is well received, the programme could grow — more workshops, small concerts by local artists or a weekend market with regional products are conceivable, as seen across the city in Christmas season in Palma: Over 300 events bring festive spirit to the city. Such additions would further integrate the harbour into city life and at the same time give local producers a stage.

In short: it is not a huge spectacle, but a warm, unpretentious offering for Palma in the pre-Christmas season. Lights on the pier, children skillfully turning waste into little treasures, and a shared swim on New Year's morning — a simple but lovely invitation to rediscover the coast in winter.