Practical, affordable and reusable: Lidl's wooden Christmas tree now on Mallorca

A Christmas tree that fits the apartment — and the budget

The days are getting shorter, the streets of Palma smell of roasted chestnuts and the bakeries are hanging their fairy lights — time to think about the tree. This year the selection on Mallorca is a bit more varied: in several Lidl stores, including on Avinguda Joan Miró, there is a roughly 160-centimeter-high wooden Christmas tree that surprises with its simplicity.

What sets it apart

At first glance it is not a source of fragrance: instead of needles there is smoothly sanded wood and — indeed — 23 rotating branches. That makes the tree especially practical for narrow hallways and small apartments, like those often found in Palma's old town or holiday rentals by the beach. With about 85 centimeters in width there is enough room to move, lights won't press against the wallpaper and the cat has less chance to get tangled in it.

Assembly is as simple as a Mallorcan Sunday afternoon stroll: a central metal pole provides stability, the base is made of wood. Just slot it together, position the branches, add lights — done. The rotating arms allow for different silhouettes, from a compact cone to a wider shape for more ambitious decorators.

Material, sustainability and everyday practicality

According to the manufacturer the model is made from a mix of fir and pine wood from sustainable forestry. For those who miss the scent of real needles that's surely a small loss. But anyone on Mallorca with limited storage space or who wants to decorate a holiday apartment will appreciate the reusability: once purchased the tree can be used for several years — no annual disposal drama after the holidays anymore.

A small but important practical note: the wood is not treated to be fireproof. So it's better to avoid real candles and use LED strings instead. And if you miss the forest smell a little, you can add a few sprigs of rosemary or a bowl of pine cones — it smells Mediterranean and fits the island atmosphere.

Price, availability and shopping tips

The price is around 25 euros — not a supermarket steal in the narrow sense, but cheaper when you factor in the storage and care of a real tree. I saw the model in the branch on Avinguda Joan Miró in Palma; other Lidl stores on the island often carry it too. You can usually order online, but if you want to be sure it's better to drop by in time — especially on weekends when many locals and holidaymakers shop.

My tip from the market: measure briefly where the tree will stand before buying. A small towel protects the trunk from sawdust, and be careful when carrying it through narrow staircases — the branches can be rotated but are bulkier than they look.

Why this is good for Mallorca

On the island, space, flexibility and sustainability matter more than in some urban kitchen-living rooms. The wooden tree fits modern, often compact apartments in Palma's old town, holiday apartments on the coast and households tired of the annual needle mess in the living room. It saves space in the trash, makes transport easier and offers plenty of room for creative decorations: local ceramics, colorful glass beads from a craft market or small fishing nets for a tongue-in-cheek maritime touch.

Will you miss the scent of real needles? Some will, some won't. For many Mallorcans the new wooden tree is a practical alternative — sustainable enough for everyday life, friendly to the budget and pleasantly simple in appearance. And when the evenings get colder and the lights in the city shine brighter, you can have a cozy home with little effort.