Nativity Scene Route in Mallorca: A Christmas Tradition of History, Art and Emotion
Taking a nativity scene route in Mallorca is one of the most authentic and special plans to enjoy Christmas on the island. This tradition, deeply rooted in Mallorcan culture, turns churches, institutions, cultural centers, and commercial spaces into real depictions of the birth of Jesus. The nativity scenes remain on display until after Epiphany, and following tradition, the figure of the Baby is placed in the crib after Midnight Mass, while the Three Wise Men gradually move toward the manger as 6 January approaches.
Additionally, there is a curious 18th-century custom that has come back to life: the hidden friar in the nativity scene. A figure camouflaged among the scenes that visitors, especially children, must find. The Associació de Betlemistes de Mallorca has been working for years to recover this tradition in many of the nativity scenes that can now be visited in Palma.
Must-See Nativity Scenes in Palma de Mallorca
Belén de Cort
Located in Palma City Hall, in the iconic Plaça de Cort, it is one of the most visited nativity scenes on the island. It is observed through a large screen and recreates urban, maritime, and rural scenes with more than 170 handmade ceramic figures. Its level of detail and scale make it a mandatory stop on any Christmas route in Palma.
Consell de Mallorca Nativity Scene – La Misericòrdia
Just a few minutes on foot is the nativity scene of the Consell de Mallorca, at the Centre Cultural La Misericòrdia. Created together with the Associació de Betlemistes, it presents everyday Mallorcan scenes with hand-painted clay figures. Its close and artisanal style perfectly reflects the popular essence of local Christmas traditions.
La Misericòrdia Living Nativity Scene
When this format is active, the space transforms into a true biblical village with actors, animals, and traditional trades such as seamstresses, shepherds, or butchers. The recreation is accompanied by music, choirs, and the ancestral Sibil·la chant, one of the most powerful symbols of Balearic Christmas.
Hebrew Nativity Scene at Sant Antoniet
In the cloister of Sant Antoniet Church, on the central Calle de Sant Miquel, one of the most impressive monumental nativity scenes in the city is displayed. In Hebrew style with a Mallorcan landscape, it includes rivers, lakes, caves, and over 25 meters of recorrido. Its monumental scale makes it one of the most photographed every Christmas.
Neapolitan Nativity Scene – Bartomeu March Foundation
This extraordinary 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene, with over a thousand handmade figures, is exhibited at the foundation’s headquarters on Calle Palau Reial. Market scenes, costumes, the processions of the Three Wise Men, and architectural landscapes recreate with exceptional richness the classic European nativity tradition.
Nativity Scenes in Shopping Centers and Foundations
During Christmas, nativity scenes also occupy commercial and cultural spaces. The El Corte Inglés Nativity on Avinguda Alexandre Rosselló stands out for its large size and the possibility of viewing it from different perspectives. Nearby, the Barceló Foundation and the Centre de Cultura Sa Nostra present nativity scenes with a marked Mallorcan style, showing rural and coastal scenes of the island.
Another historically valuable site is the Belén de la Sang, considered one of the oldest nativity scenes in Spain, with a tradition dating back to the 15th century, although in recent years it has remained closed for restoration work.
Convent Nativity Scenes and Gastronomic Traditions
Palma’s convents keep the tradition of nativity scenes alive in their chapels during Christmas. Highlights include those of Santa Magdalena, Santa Clara, and the Neapolitan nativity scene of the Caputxines, dated 1710 and considered a Cultural Heritage Site. Visiting these spaces also allows you to purchase artisanal convent sweets, a delicious way to take a piece of Mallorcan Christmas home in the form of neules, nougat, or traditional desserts.
Other Nativity Scenes Around Palma
The route is completed with nativity scenes located in banks, municipal markets such as Santa Catalina, parishes in historic neighborhoods like Son Ferriol, El Viver, or Santa Catalina Thomàs, and in cultural spaces linked to military heritage. Together, they form a route that transforms Palma into a true nativity city during the holidays.
Christmas at Hidden Hotels: Tradition, Gastronomy and Relaxation in the Heart of Palma
For those wishing to complete their nativity route in Mallorca with a relaxing and gastronomic experience in the historic center of Palma, Hidden Hotels offers two unique jewels: Posada Terra Santa and Samaritana Suites, both located just minutes on foot from many of the most emblematic nativity scenes in the city.
During Christmas at Posada Terra Santa, the boutique hotel transforms into a scene of light, history, and emotion, where the calm of its stone walls blends with the magic of candles and Palma’s festive atmosphere. At its restaurant, La Despensa del Barón, a gastronomic proposal highlights Mediterranean flavors, local products, and an elegant interpretation of Christmas cuisine. Guests can enjoy the exclusive Christmas Menu and New Year's Eve Menu, designed for celebrating the holidays around an intimate table, among historic arches and local wines.
Just a few steps away, Samaritana Suites offers a refuge of sophisticated calm in the heart of the old town, ideal for those seeking to experience Christmas in Palma from an elegant, discreet, and character-filled environment. Two unique hotels to rest after a day exploring nativity scenes, illuminated squares, and historic streets of the city.
Book your stay now and enjoy a Christmas holiday in Mallorca, combining comfort, style, and tradition while discovering the magic of the city during this special season.
