How to Experience Palma’s Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025
When Palma’s Christmas Lights Come to Life
Palma’s Christmas season really begins on Saturday 22 November 2025, when the city lights up for the first time. The main switch-on happens in Plaça d’Espanya, right in the centre of Palma above the Intermodal station.
From 19:00, a 35-minute show called “Dance of Stars” will take over the square, with music, projections, snow effects and two characters – Lia and Beba – dancing around a glittering diamond before the countdown that turns on the Christmas lights across the city. The earlier evening schedule is designed to work well for families with younger children, but it’s just as special if you’re here as a couple or with friends.
🎟️ Event Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Saturday 22 November 2025 |
| Time | Show from 19:00 (about 35 minutes) |
| Location | Plaça d’Espanya, central Palma |
| Theme | “Dance of Stars” with Lia & Beba |
| Cost | Free |
| Best arrival time | 18:15–18:45, especially with children |
| Good for | Families, couples, small groups |
If you’re staying in or near Palma’s Old Town, you can walk to Plaça d’Espanya in around 10–15 minutes, making this an easy evening plan without needing a car.
✨ What to Expect on the Night
The “Dance of Stars” show is designed as a small performance rather than just a speech and a button press. You can expect:
- A glittering diamond structure in the centre of the square
- Light and LED projections on nearby façades
- Snow effects to create a winter feel
- A short story built around Lia and Beba
- A musical build-up to the final Christmas countdown
Once the lights come on, the mood in the city shifts: people drift down La Rambla and Passeig del Born, stop for hot chocolate or a glass of wine, and start to think about plans for the weeks ahead – from Christmas markets to the Three Kings parade in January.
👨👩👧 Simple Plan for Families and Friends
You don’t need a detailed itinerary. A straightforward evening works best:
1. Arrive in central Palma (around 18:00–18:30)
- From the Cathedral or Parc de la Mar, walk up via Plaça Major and La Rambla (about 10–12 minutes).
- From Santa Catalina or Son Armadams, allow 15–20 minutes on foot or take a short bus or taxi ride.
2. Find a comfortable spot (18:30–19:00)
- Stand slightly to the sides of the square rather than directly in the densest crowd.
- Keep younger children on the inside of your group; if you have a buggy, avoid narrow exit points near the station entrances.
3. Enjoy the show (19:00–19:35)
- Watch the performers, lights and snow effects as the story builds.
- Take a few photos, but also give yourself time just to look around – the atmosphere is a big part of the experience.
4. Stroll under the lights (from 19:45)
- Walk down La Rambla and towards Passeig del Born to see more of the decorations.
- Round off the evening with a drink or light meal – winter is a good time to try a cosy spot you might already have marked from guides like Best Cafes in Palma or Family Friendly Restaurants Palma.
What to bring
- Light jacket or layers – November evenings can feel cool if you’re standing still.
- A small snack and water for children.
- Comfortable shoes for walking and standing.
🗺️ Getting to Plaça d’Espanya
On foot from central Palma
- From the Cathedral / Parc de la Mar: about 10–12 minutes via Plaça Major and La Rambla.
- From most Old Town hotels: usually under 15 minutes, following the same route.
By public transport
- All main buses and trains from around Mallorca arrive at Estació Intermodal, directly under Plaça d’Espanya.
- If you’re staying in a resort such as Palmanova, Santa Ponsa or Playa de Palma, it’s easy to make a half-day city trip, then stay on for the switch-on before heading back.
By car
- Parking right next to the square will be limited and busy. It’s usually easier to park slightly outside the very centre and walk in.
🎄 More Christmas Traditions in Palma
The lights switch-on is just the start of Palma’s festive season. If you’re in the city for a few days, it’s worth adding:
- Nativity scene at Cort – a traditional Belén inside City Hall, with a special letterbox where children can post letters to the Three Kings.
- Christmas stalls in Parc de les Estacions – just across from Plaça d’Espanya, often with food stalls and small rides for children.
- Festival Park Christmas Market – an outlet-style centre outside Palma that usually runs its own Christmas market and lights; a simple evening trip if you have a car or use public transport.
- Three Kings parade in January – one of the highlights of winter in Palma and an atmospheric way to end the Christmas period.
If you are staying longer, seasonal guides like Palma de Mallorca in November, Palma de Mallorca in December and Palma de Mallorca in January are useful companions when you plan the rest of your winter stay.
❓ Quick FAQ
Do I need a ticket?
No, the switch-on is a free, open-air event in Plaça d’Espanya. Just arrive in good time if you want a central view of the show.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes. The 19:00 start time, central location and short running time make it very manageable, especially if you stand slightly away from the densest part of the crowd.
What if I’m staying outside Palma?
Use Palma as your hub: come in by bus or train to Intermodal, enjoy the switch-on, then walk under the lights before heading back. A broader seasonal overview is available in Palma de Mallorca in November and Palma de Mallorca in December.
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