As more and more of our clients invest in homes to live in all year round, we’re increasingly being asked how we would recommend they enjoy Christmas and New Year in Ibiza.
Fortunately, there’s plenty to do on the island at this time of year. Also, the festive season runs roughly from the end of November, when street decorations go up all over the island, to January 6, when the Three Kings arrive. You have more than enough time to soak up the holiday spirit and have a good, long break.
One of the great things about Christmas and New Year in Ibiza is the fact that the days are most often bright and, when you find the right spot to bask in the sun, surprisingly warm.
During the daytime, there’s nothing better than sauntering around Ibiza Town and up into the Dalt Vila – the Old Town – hunting for unusual gifts. From stores stocking well-known international brands to small, funky, independent shops selling everything from designer clothing to art, you have much to choose from.
It’s also the ideal time to treat yourself to chocolate a la taza and churros in or outside one of the cosy cafés of the Old Town. My favourite is traditional, authentic Can Moreto, a true neighbourhood café.
If you’re hungry after chocolate a la taza and churros – I find they last me all day – the most popular restaurants of Ibiza Town will be open.
And when the sun goes down, and the lights begin to twinkle, and the towers of the Old Town are silhouetted against a blue sky empty apart from the moon and stars, you might feel as if you’re wandering through a Christmas card.
You could be forgiven for being somewhat surprised to discover that you can take the family ice skating in Ibiza Town over Christmas and New Year
But from now until January 6, the Day of the Three Kings, there’s ice skating in Plaza Antoni Albert i Nieto as part of a full programme of events organised by the Ajuntament d’Eivissa. Find out more here.
If you’ve never been to a funfair in Spain, you should definitely check out the annual Christmas fair. This year, the fair offers new attractions including the Titanic – a name that inspires confidence.
The smaller towns of Ibiza are also charming and well worth a visit around Christmas and New Year. For instance, there’s plenty to do in Santa Eulalia and the programme includes events in nearby Santa Gertrudis, San Carlos, Puig den Valls and Jesus – an appropriately named village close to Santa Eulalia.
San Antonio, party central for most of the year, offers a Christmas market throughout December at the Paseo de las Fuentes – aka Fountain Square.
You might also like to check out what’s happening at The Hub, the coworking space in Santa Eulalia. Throughout December, The Hub is showing Christmas movies for children and adults as well as holding Christmas markets.
All the Christmas events at The Hub are intended to support Ibiza’s families and children in need.
If you’re someone whose idea of festive fun includes going out and having a good dance, you’ll be delighted to know that some of Ibiza’s clubs throw parties around Christmas and New Year.
There are parties at Akasha, the club at the legendary Las Dalias, throughout December, including on New Year’s Eve. Las Dalias also holds a Christmas market every Saturday until December 31.
For the full-on clubbing experience, Amnesia has a party on December 30 and another on New Year’s Day. DC10 also has their Circo Loco party on New Year’s Day, which has always been massively popular with the Ibiza residents.
The great outdoors
However you choose to spend Christmas and New Year in Ibiza, it’s good to know you can always head for a beach or spend the day walking in the north part of the island.
For our hiking suggestions, read more here.
Apart from exploring the Ibiza countryside, now is also the ideal time to head for Formentera, perhaps with the family and your bicycles. It’s just 20 minutes or so from Ibiza by ferry. Ferries run all year round from the port in Ibiza Town.
Ask us
All the members of the Charles Marlow Ibiza team have lived on the island for some time now. We’ve found that the best way to find out what’s happening in Ibiza is to get out and about, into the villages and the bars, and to start talking to people.
Or you can get in touch with us. We’d be delighted to share details of our favourite things to do over Christmas and New Year in Ibiza.
We look forward to hearing from you.