When promoters were looking for the perfect place to host a Christmas Fair in Palma de Mallorca, the unique Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) was always going to be a frontrunner. This unique open air museum, village and shopping centre was an obvious choice for somewhere that could be transformed at Christmas into something very special.

The Poble Espanyol is located in Palma itself and was created in the 1960's as a renovation project that included a variety of smaller scale reproductions of some of Spain's most famous architecture. It also served as a base for local artists and craftsmen and women to demonstrate and exhibit their work. In 2003 the complex changed hands and the area has since become more of a commercial centre and a leisure district of the city, with an abundance of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. The area lies approximately 2 kilometers inland from the Palma seafront and is easiest to reach by bus or taxi.

This Christmas the "village" played host a to a special "Mercado de Navidad", or Christmas Market, which started on 4th December and ran until 8th December. Each day between midday and 10pm there was all kinds of stalls selling crafts and gift ideas as well as the usual selection food and beverage options.

In addition to plenty of British visitors, Mallorca is also a favourite destination for German tourists and the market this year will include typical German Christmas fare like gluhwein, and bratwurst, accompanied by some traditional German brass band.

Even though the market is already very popular, with over 10,000 people attending last year, organisers were expecting even bigger crowds this year as they had laid on even more attractions for children. The indoor Sala Magma, a huge function room that can accommodate audiences of up to 2,500 people, was transformed into a children's wonderland with football and golf games, the usual bouncy castles plus Father Christmas of course.

Also in Palma that week, the city's Christmas lights were turned on on Friday 4th December and Palma Airport's own Christmas Market opened daily from 11:30 am until 9pm between the 4th and 8th of December.