As December hits us and the festive season launches into 4th gear, the time for eating, drinking and yes, shopping is once again upon us all, ladies and gentlemen.
And to assist us with the general merriment, Ibiza council have organised a special, international Christmas night market, centred around picturesque Plaza sa Drassaneta and Calle de la Virgen in Ibiza old town (Dalt Vila). Famous for its LGBT friendly ambience, Calle de la Virgen is stuffed full of quirky little bars, cool restaurants and unique, arty boutiques.
In collaboration with AMAE (Ibiza Society of Visual Arts), itself located in Plaza sa Drassaneta, this international Christmas market aims to give visitors a taste of typical festive fayre from all around Europe, whilst enjoying some local art and culture.
From the 4th - 8th, then the 19th - 31st of December from 8pm-3am, the streets of Dalt Vila will be transformed into not just a market, but an open air art exhibition too. As well as lots of international food and drink and a great atmosphere, expect to find many shops open till late offering some really special Christmas deals. The market will close on new year's eve with a no doubt flamboyant, colourful and rompingly good party centred around one of our favourite haunts on Calle de la Virgen, Bar 22. Expect Djs, dancing in the streets and naturally, a great atmosphere.
We've listed the participating bars and restaurants along with their international theme so you can see at a glance who's doing what. From German sausages to Austrian orange punch, there's sure to be something deliciously festive for everyone!
Bars
Bar La Virgen - Galician: Queimada Gallega - a mix of fruits and alcohol that is dramatically set alight in a traditional ritual before drinking.
Bar La Nada - German: Glühwein, hot wine punch, Schaschlik, Currywurst and Bratwurst served with bread plus Frikadelle, small meatballs with potato salad (Price: €1.50 - 5.50)
Bar Sunrise: Swedish: Glögg hot wine punch with spices, Pearkakor Christmas cookies and Lussekatter, saffron bread. Children can have their photo taken with Father Christmas who will give each child a small gift.
Bar León - German: Glühwein“ hot wine punch. Tombola on the 22nd December at 10pm. Free entry into a special Christmas lottery when you spend over €5 with prizes including: a smartphone, a shopping voucher at fashion clothing shop Ibiza45 (to the value of €50), a pair of bluetooth sound boxes and various drinks vouchers.
Mad Bar - Belgian: Liege Coffee“ with waffles (€2.50) and a ‘Latin rhythm party each Friday.
Bar JJ - French: Typical French Christmas goodies.
Bar Ohdiosa - Ibizan. Companatge cheeses, Sobrasadas, Butifarras, typical confectionary such as Flao, Orelletas, Bunuello, liquors and ordinary table wines, Hierbas Ibicencas. (Price: (€1.50 - 4.00).
Crazy Mozart Café Bar - Austrian: Orange Punch, Leberkäse - a popular meat loaf in Germany and Austria served with bread and typical sweets served during the christmas season in Austria. Also a special, non-alcoholic children's punch served at the very festively named Snowman Bar. (Price: €1.50 - 2.50).
Restaurants
Il Pavoni - Italian: Open every day during December, find special Christmas offers on focaccia, pizzas and more.
Restaurant Pomelo - Spanish: Tapas and finger foods to take away: hot chocolate, soups, empanadillas, croquettes and more (Price: €1.50 - 7.00)
Il Gato e Volpe - Italian and Spanish: Tasting menu €25, tapas, Paella, pasta, pintxos and drinks.
Sushiya Aoyama - Japanese: Tapas for €2 Temaki €5 and hot Sake.
And if you can still actually move after all that festive quaffing, then you'll find fashion clothing shops like BoomBap, Rituality, Jamel and Ibiza 45 open until late. But to be honest, we were already sold at the mere mention of Glühwein. Mmm, see you there!
WORDS | Jane Charilaou PHOTO | Spotlight
