As a holiday island that relies on tourism for much of its commercial activity, the authorities in Mallorca have a responsibility to their business community to provide a continuing stream of events and attractions that help bring visitors to the island all year round. Mallorca has slowly developed a tried and tested seasonal shift that sees the springtime favouring the activities of cyclists and athletes, who come to the island for warm weather training. Then the long summer panders to the millions of sun and beach lovers who enjoy the island's many perfect resorts. Autumn sees a switch to sailing and also culture that brings art and music festivals to the island. At the end of the year Christmas provides a perfect bridge to the golfing season that takes over in the New Year.

All across the island the towns and villages hold their own festive celebrations, that usually feature a decorated and intricate Nativity Scene. Some towns, like Inca, hold huge markets, while the capital of Palma has a continuous stream of Christmas events, fairs and concerts for everyone to enjoy.

It is the series of concerts that will be of interest to those who enjoy the sound of festive music at this time of year. The Teatro Principal in Palma is the venue for a free choral concert on the evening of 21st December. The female voices of the Georgie Insull Singers performed across the island all year round and at Christmas sang at a sell-out concert on Friday 11th December at the Anglican Church in Palma. The concert started at 8pm and for the entrance fee of 10 Euros you were also be able to enjoy wine and mince pies.

Perhaps the biggest concert of this years festive season was the annual International Carol Service at Palma's main La Seu Cathedral on Sunday 6th December at 5pm. The La Seu is a massive building and can welcome thousands of people. One feature of the concert that everyone remembers is the performance of the traditional Cant de la Sibil-la, an atmospheric and haunting piece of music that has featured in the concert for hundreds of years. This was another free concert, although the church welcomed any donations from those attending.

Eventually Christmas gives way to New Year and again Palma hosts a huge celebration to commemorate the conquest of the city by King Jaume back in 1229. Horse riding displays take place at the Paca de Cort in Palma during the morning of 31st December, but the horses are safely tucked up their stables before the sights and sounds of the nighttime firework displays take over later in the day.

Flights to Mallorca are offered by flythomascook.com all year round.