As in the rest of the world, Christmas in Ibiza this year will be a bit of a subdued affair. Nevertheless, the street illuminations are up and there are some nice events planned, especially for families with children. Here is a selection of our favourite ways to get into the festive season's spirit:
In Ibiza Town, open air events will be centred in Reina Sofía park every Saturday in December, with the promise of music, games, magic and circus, presented by the ever-popular clown Cachirulo and magician Albert, guaranteed to entertain the whole family. The events are planned so that many children can enjoy the magic of Christmas, but please remember entrance is restricted to those with prior reservation. Check out the highlights and download the full programme here.
As every year, the traditional Christmas market in Vara de Rey will be running until 6 January, selling a mix of hand-crafted decorations and seasonal treats.
This year's 3 King's procession will see our Oriental heroes leave their traditional mode of transport, a giant sleigh, at home and, instead, be seen whizzing around town in open top cars. This will give the kids the chance to glimpse them from their balconies as they cruise by in style.
Outdoor cinema specialists, Cinema Paradiso, are sunning a season of family-favourite Christmas films at The Hub at Ca Na Palava, throughout December. Ticket are priced at €12.50 and include a bean bag seat, a slice of pizza and a bucket of popcorn. Find the programme here.
The Hub also has some more nice seasonal events planned; Every Friday until Christmas they will have their own Winter Market, each time including special entertainment such as a Pub Quiz or A Melon Bomb Christmas Special. The events are helping to raise money for their favourite charities, so please support them if you can at this wonderful venue.
Delightful rural hotel Casa Maca always comes up with novel ways to celebrate the festive season and this year is no exception. The hotel is running two workshops, on 6 December to create a Christmas wreath from natural materials and the other (a Spotlight favourite…) on 13 December how to make your very own, Ibiza-style, mulled wine and cider.
Keeping the spirit alive for the little ones over in San Antonio, Santa's Grotto has been constructed in the fountain square, Passeig de Ses Fonts, where Santa will appear periodically to receive cards from children.
After Christmas, a large Oriental Palace will be constructed in its place for the children to witness the magical arrival or Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar, who will regale them with gifts and treats, in a secure way on 5 and 6 of January. Check out the full programme here.
Papa Noel (Father Christmas) will be visiting the kids of San José on 22 and 23 December, accompanied by his very own acrobatic show. On 23rd the spectacle continues with a show titled ‘The Magic of Christmas' in the Centro de Cultura Can Jeroni. It is essential to pre-book.
Browse the highlights in the village of San José and download the full programme including events in the different villages of the municipality here.
Over at Las Dalias in San Carlos the famous Hippy Market is happening not only on Saturdays but also on Sundays, furthermore the great Los Suruba DJ's and friends will be laying down the soundtrack every Sunday to accompany some special Vermouth quaffing sessions. Get on down for some locally produced aperitifs and some deep, psychedelic grooves. But don't forget to book your table in advance.
Winter sports
Cursa Popular de Sa Salsa is an annual running race from the village of San José, with categories ranging from 50m for babies to 10k for the adults. The race, on 20 December, is open to all comers and everyone is invited to sample the titular Christmas sauce.
Also on Saturday 20 December, Santa Eulalia Town Hall will be hosting a Gymkhana Christmas Race. The event is for pairs who compete in an orienteering style race using maps and resolving clues to the next checkpoint. Suitable for all ages, teams must consist of an adult and a child and the race lasts between 40 minutes and two hours.
Finally, for the crazy lovers of freezing water, there is the now traditional New Year's Day Dive at Salinas beach to look forward to. Plunging into the sea in front of the Malibu beach club, at midday, will be plenty of like-minded nutters. Sadly, due to the Covid-19 crisis, the generous people at Vino & Co won't be handing out the drinks to warm you up afterwards this year.
Details of all these events, and more, can be found on our Event Calendar. Check it out!
Merry Christmas, one and all!
