Christmas in the Sóller Valley: a magical time in the Tramuntana mountains
Christmas is one of the most special and magical times of the year all over the world. A time full of traditions, family, friends, illusion and unique landscapes, decorated with all kinds of Christmas lights and decorations, which transmit the spirit of these special days. But living these days in an already magical place like the Sóller Valley is, without a doubt, a unique experience for those who want to discover a relaxed, picturesque place surrounded by nature and peace. That is why today we are going to talk about the Christmas festivities in and around the Sóller Valley and how these fantastic dates are experienced in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range. Its traditions, its customs and its most magical places to enjoy these days of illusion and joy.
LA FIRA DE LA IL-LUSIÓ.
The Christmas festivities in the Sóller Valley begin at the beginning of December with the Fira de la Il-lusió (Illusion Fair). A 3-day fair in which different activities are held for all audiences and for social purposes. During these 3 days the Plaça Constitució is filled with Christmas craft stalls and all the local shops in the centre of the municipality offer unique discounts for Christmas shopping. In addition, every day hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts are offered for the benefit of the school trips for all the children of the different schools of the town. On the other hand, during these days, we can also find different concerts and children's games as well as the most special event of the fair for the little ones: Santa's magic forest! A spectacular assembly for children of all ages that will make them live the illusion of the holidays and where they can meet and give a postcard or a drawing to Santa Claus! Another very special element of this fair is that there is also a Christmas shop window competition in both Sóller and Port de Sóller, so you can enjoy a stroll around the municipality and discover magnificent Christmas compositions in the local shops. The Fira de la Il-lusió is always held around the 6th and 8th of December and is a highly recommended fair to start getting into the Christmas spirit!
CHRISTMAS EVE IN SÓLLER.
On the 24th of December different events take place all over the municipality. During the afternoon, Santa Claus flies over both the Port of Sóller and the centre of the municipality and delivers some presents in the area of Sa Torre, next to Platja d'En Repic. Here a carol concert is held and hot chocolate is offered to all those who attend. Late in the afternoon, the "Matines" take place in several of the churches in the municipality. The Matines mass or Missa del Gall, is a religious act in which the birth of Christ is commemorated. A very special celebration that experiences its most emotional moment with the famous Cant de la Sibil-la, a song of medieval origin that attracts many visitors and has a strong tradition on the island of Mallorca. In the Sóller Valley, this performance is usually carried out by someone from the municipality itself and is a very special and emotional moment of the Christmas festivities that we recommend you experience. The "Matines" in the Sóller Valley are usually held at 18.00h in the neighbouring municipality of Fornalutx, at 19.00h in the church of Es Convent and in the parish church of Sant Bartomeu, at 20.30h in the church of Sant Ramón in Puerto de Sóller and at 21.00h in the church of L'Horta. After the "Matines", it is a tradition to have dinner with the family, and for this reason most of the inhabitants of the Sóller Valley gather at home with their families to celebrate Christmas Eve. After dinner, it is customary to take a stroll through the centre of Sóller, where concerts are held with local groups for all tastes in the Plaça Constitució decorated with Christmas lights and a large tree in the Placita de s'Alamenda.
CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY OF SOLLER.
Christmas Day in the Sóller Valley begins as it does everywhere else in the world, with the children going to collect the presents that Santa Claus has brought. On this day it is traditional to eat "coques de Nadal" and so if you take a stroll through the centre you will see long queues at all the bakeries, although if you get the chance we recommend you queue up and try one! As on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day families usually eat together, either at home or in a restaurant in the town. However, if you are planning to eat in Sóller, we suggest you book well in advance for this day. Also, on Christmas Day the famous Missa de Nadal (Christmas Mass) is celebrated at 10.30 am in the Parròquia de Sant Bartomeu and at 12.00 pm in the Port of Sóller. Without a doubt a fantastic opportunity to experience the local tradition in the Tramuntana.
26TH DECEMBER. SECOND HOLIDAY.
December 26th is the perfect day to enjoy the Christmas spirit of the Sóller Valley and discover unique landscapes full of Christmas decorations. This day is perfect to visit our neighbouring towns such as Fornalutx, with its Christmas tree located in the town square, or Valldemossa to enjoy a hot chocolate with one of its famous "coques de patata". It must be said that finding a place to eat on this day is quite complicated, however, there is a perfect place to enjoy the second Christmas party and discover incredible views of the Bay of Puerto de Sóller while eating by the fireplace. We are talking about the Mirador de Ses Barques, one of the few restaurants open on this day in the area.
31ST DECEMBER. NEW YEAR'S EVE.
The 31st of December in the Sóller Valley begins with the popular "Cursa Sant Silvestre", a popular non-competitive race held at around 4 pm in the Port of Sóller, in which it is essential to wear Christmas decorations in order to take part. The race ends with hot chocolate for everyone. In the evening, after dinner, the locals gather in the Plaça Constitució to welcome in the new year. For this reason, from 11.30 p.m. onwards, New Year's concerts are held in the centre of the town. These concerts last until well into the early hours of the morning.
2ND AND 5TH JANUARY. THE MAGIC OF THE THREE KINGS.
The 2nd of January is one of the most special and magical days for the little ones, as at around 11 am, the pages of the Three Wise Men arrive by tram in the centre of Sóller and collect the children's letters to hand them over to Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar. On the 5th of January, the Gran Cabalgata de Reyes is held both in Sóller and in the Port of Sóller. A parade full of Christmas floats where the little ones can meet the Three Wise Men before receiving their presents on the morning of 6th January.
Christmas in the Sóller Valley is the perfect time to get to know the local people, their traditions, their customs and discover the true essence of this Tramuntana municipality at one of the least crowded and least touristy times of the year. Undoubtedly a perfect opportunity to experience first-hand a picturesque Christmas in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana. If you are staying at our hotel and would like more information about Christmas in Sóller, please do not hesitate to ask our reception team, who will be delighted to help you. Merry Christmas!