The coming month on Ibiza promises a wealth of typical festive season activities for all the family. From the turning on of the Christmas lights to Yuletide banquets, live music, atmospheric markets, sports, charity and cultural events to parties, there’s no shortage of fun things to do and see in December.
Best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a sparkling New Year from Ibiza Spotlight!
MARVEL AT THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
All month long
The Christmas season's festivities kick off with the much-awaited lighting of the main towns’ Christmas trees and streetlights. The key dates to get down to the centre of town and hear the local Mayor’s annual benediction are:
- Ibiza Town Friday 2 December 18:30
- San Antonio Friday 2 December 18:30
- Santa Eulalia Saturday 3 December 18:00
BROWSE THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Las Dalias Christmas Market
3 – 31 December (closed on 25th)
There’s nowhere quite like Las Dalias Christmas Market for a festive atmosphere that brings together island residents and holidaymakers. This year, some 40 stalls are going to offer a tempting range of clothes, accessories and handcrafted goods that make ideal gifts. With its log fires, famed glühwein (mulled wine) and welcoming vibe, Las Dalias is a great spot to hang out with friends and family soaking up the Yuletide cheer.
Ibiza Town Christmas Market
Open every day from 3 Dec – 6 Jan
Held each year on Vara de Rey, in the centre of town, this handicrafts market has become one of the island’s most popular events over the festive season. Colourful and atmospheric, it’s a boon for those searching for that handmade Christmas or King’s Day present.
Christmas Market in San Antonio
2 – 31 December
Held annually on the main fountain promenade, San Antonio’s Christmas Market offers seasonal gifts and Christmas decorations along with food, drink, live music and entertainment for the little ones.
theHUB’s Winter Market
3 - 17 December
A veritable winter wonderland, theHUB’s Winter Market returns this year with a handicraft market, plenty of games and activities for the kids, bar85, pop-up food stalls, music, entertainment and more.
Entry fee: €5
Tickets include 1 hot drink on arrival, full access to the winter market, kidsZONE and a donation to Ibiza Orphanages.
Winter sporting events
Trail Ibiza
2 – 4 December
Held over three days, the Trail Ibiza Competition is a stage race for trail running enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Offering four different modalities, the event takes in the island’s beautiful interior as well as its coastline. Whether you opt for the 10 km races or the 72 km Ultra Marathon, it’s a great way to burn calories before the Christmas binge begins while enjoying Ibiza’s winter landscapes.
Cursa Patrimoni Eivissa 2022: Running event in Ibiza town
10 December 2022
On 10 December, Ibiza Town will play host to the annual Cursa Patrimoni Eivissa, a 10 km race that takes in many of the capital’s most emblematic sites. Head down with the family to show your support for this exciting race that marks the recognition of Ibiza Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nordic walking excursion - San Antonio
11 December
For those who like to exercise at a more sedate pace, San Antonio Town Council is organising a series of Nordic walking excursions this winter. December’s event takes place in Can Bonet. Nordic walking poles are provided.
Charitable events
Papanoelada Solidaria
Sunday 18 December
Ibiza and Formentera Motorbike Club's Christmas Charity Event.
Revving up the revelry in San Antonio, the island’s biker club is holding a charity event aiming to collect donations for the Caritas Food Bank as well as ASPANOB, Children against Cancer Association. Dress up in your best Xmas togs and ride your motorbike down to join in the fun.
Make sure to arrive at the fountains by 10 AM sharp for the traditional mug of hot chocolate!
Christmas Charity Party at Pacha
18 December
Conceived with Ibiza’s youngsters in mind, this fun event for all the family at the island's most famous nightclub Pacha Ibiza includes performances, face-painting, clowns, games, a raffle and special guests, not to mention Father Christmas himself!
All proceeds will go to APNEEF Ibiza y Formentera - the Association for people with special needs of Ibiza and Formentera.
Entry fee: 6,00€ (includes a soft drink)
Family events
Ibiza Town Funfair
All month
Every year the Christmas fun fair returns to the island to delight families, especially youngsters and teenagers, with thrills and laughter. This year promises lots of new attractions and rides are always cheaper on Wednesday nights. So, get down to the Can Misses area on the outskirts of Ibiza Town to check out the fun.
Ibiza Ice Rink
2 December to 6 January 2023
Ice skating in Ibiza? Sounds crazy, right? And yet dreams do come true... This year marks the return of the outdoor Ibiza ice rink in the Antoni Albert i Nieto Plaza in Ibiza Town. Although it's an artificial rink, skating is great fun for the little ones and brings genuine seasonal cheer to the island. Now, all we need is some snow... (Must bring gloves!)
Six Senses Ibiza Festive Season 2022 – 23
December 23 – January 1
Located amid stunning natural surroundings in Portinatx, in the north of the island, deluxe resort and spa Six Senses Ibiza is hosting all manner of classy events over the Christmas-New Year period. With fabulous feasts, kids’ activities, a full programme of spiritual rituals, a Christmas market, a fire ceremony and a truly cosmic New Year’s celebration held in the resort’s Beach Caves, it promises to be one of the island’s hotspots in coming weeks.
Throughout December
Residents of Ibiza and Formentera who fancy visiting either of the islands will be delighted to hear of the tempting discounts offered by the premier low-cost ferry company Aquabus. Check out www.aquabusferryboats.com for more details on these amazing deals.
December is a great month for cinemagoers on Ibiza. To begin with, theHUB Ibiza – in partnership with Cinema Paradiso - is running Christmas Movie Nights. Showing movies for both kids and adults, it hosts a series of three movie nights on 7, 14 and 21 December.
Price: € 12.50, includes your own beanbag & complimentary popcorn
Meanwhile, every Wednesday throughout the month Ibicine, the island’s film festival dedicated to short films, is holding a series of showings across the island. The films shown are among the entries for the sixth edition of the festival to be held in April 2023.
Cultural events
Now that the holiday season is upon us, there’s more opportunity to get out and enjoy the range of cultural activities Ibiza offers.
On 10 December, as part of its Feel The Thrill series, Ibiza’s leading theatre venue, Teatro Ibiza, hosts a live performance by the Alberto Burguez Blues Trio. Also taking place in December at Teatro Ibiza are its weekly stand-up comedy nights known as Cocktail De Risas Allstars. Entrance is free.
Another musical treat is provided by Finca La Plaza Restaurant in Santa Gertrudis, which will be running its Sunday Music & Roast events every Sunday. Featuring live music, exclusive cocktails, mouth-watering Sunday roasts and Mediterranean food - this family-friendly restaurant even has a kids’ corner for the little ones.
On the art front, multidisciplinary artist Mikki Funk is staging a selling exhibition entitled Futurespective 3000 at her studio in San Carlos. Viewings by appointment only.
Lastly, one for the ladies: Mira Ibiza, the bar by Smart Yachting in Marina Botafoch, continues its popular Ladies' Night every Thursday this month, with a live DJ and open bar for the ladies from 20:00 to 22:00! Reservation recommended.
For details of the amazing winter clubbing events coming up on Ibiza over the festive season, check out our Guide to New Year Parties here.
And don’t forget, to keep abreast of upcoming events on Ibiza, check out our regularly updated events calendar.
