The Christmas Market in Santa Ponsa

So the Germans have brought a piece of their "Gemütlichkeit" to Santa Ponsa, in Calvia, in the form of their typical Christmas market, or Weihnachtsmarkt. Now in its fourth year, the Christmas Market on the fairground by the windmill of Santa Ponsa has all the bells and whistles, if Santa will excuse the pun, to give you the feeling that you are in Mini-Alemania.

The grounds transform into an avenue of wooden huts sporting Lebkuchen, gingerbread usually in the shape of hearts and decorated with icing sugar, cups of mulled wine and real pine trees to take home, decorate and, most importantly, put presents underneath. Grilled chicken and beer and many other delicacies, liquid and solid, can be consumed on the benches in front of the stage, which entertains with magicians, clowns, live musicians, DJs and discos throughout the event. It spans from the end of November right through to January, ending a couple of days after the Spanish all important Three Kings Day on the 6th of January.

An exhibition hall is put up which houses further stalls, inviting visitors to Christmas shop for their loved ones, young and old. Raffles, jewellery, scarves, biscuits, candles, hand crafted items, clothes, traditional Spanish wares and books are just some of the goods on sale. Pine wreaths with four candles can be bought here, following the tradition that on each Sunday prior to Christmas, one more candle is lit.

Kids have plenty to entertain them, including an impressive Lego train set, and can be left playing with the Lego under supervision while mum and dad pop into the Christmas tree shaped bar for a quick one.

And that's just the evenings; during the day, trampolines and bumper cars ensure even more fun for the little ones. On Saturdays before Christmas, a popular kids' flea market ensures that no one has to go home without a novel, albeit second hand, toy or book.

Parking is no problem and entrance to the market is free. Opening times are from 5pm to 10pm Mondays to Thursdays, from 2pm to 10pm on Fridays and on weekends from 10am to 10pm. On the 24th and 25th of December the market is closed as well as on the 1st of January. For more details visit the official website.