Palma launches pre-Christmas discount weeks for residents — winter treats for locals

Palma gives residents an early Christmas treat

At the Plaça Major, even before the market really gets going, there is that special December morning in the air: coffee on the tables, the distant ringing of the cathedral and the scent of roasted almonds. From December 9 to 23, Palma is launching a short but tasteful discount campaign aimed specifically at the island's residents. Not a loud advertising blitz, but rather a friendly nudge to make the city a little brighter in the low season.

What the campaign offers

The range is practical: many hotels grant around 20 percent off, some ferry connections offer about 15 percent. In addition, there are reduced admissions to museums, discounted city tours, special menus in restaurants and lowered prices for leisure activities. For parents expecting relatives from the mainland or couples planning a quiet short break, this can quickly pay off.

Who is participating?

The city administration has promoted the scheme locally and contacted businesses directly: hotels, restaurateurs, a regional airline partner and the major ferry company that regularly sails to Mallorca are on board. In Santa Catalina and El Jonquet, small posters with the slogan "Palma per tu" — Palma for you — are hanging, and you can tell: many shops are taking the opportunity to treat regular customers.

How to get the discounts

Important: residency is usually checked. Have your empadronamiento (residence registration) or resident ID ready. Some offers come with conditions — minimum stays, restricted days (often Monday through Thursday) or limited quotas. Tip from the harbour office: call ahead or book online, especially for popular ferry departures or family-friendly hotels.

Book in advance or go spontaneous?

The low season often feels relaxed, but the attractive contingents are scarce. On a windy afternoon at the Passeig del Born I heard someone say: "Book when it fits." He was right. For short restaurant visits in Santa Catalina or a stop at the little bookshop on Calle Sant Miquel, spontaneity often pays off — many local businesses respond flexibly and surprise with short-notice offers.

Why Palma is running this campaign

The initiative is driven less by big politics than by simple pragmatism and a heart for everyday life: the city wants to avoid empty stretches, support businesses and show that Palma is worth living in even in December. For business owners it's a chance to win new customers and stretch the season. For us residents it means experiencing things usually reserved for tourists — with the sound of the sea in our ears and the smell of roasted chestnuts from the market.

An afternoon to copy

Suggestion: a walk along the Passeig del Born, a short museum visit to the Museu de Mallorca with reduced admission, then a coffee in a small place in Santa Catalina and finally dinner with a discounted menu near the Plaza de la Lonja. It sounds like little, but it feels like a small escape from the routine winter.

If you take part: read the participation conditions, have your ID ready and ask briefly about any restrictions for your desired date. And if you discover an especially good deal on the way — a nod to thoughtful hoteliers or chefs who surprisingly deliver great value — write to me. Good tips belong in the neighborhood.

As of: December 2025. Individual details may vary by provider.