Countdown to Christmas in Ibiza

Even the most un-festive person will find it difficult to resist Christmas in Ibiza. Here’s a run down of the who, what and where of an island Christmas.

Gifts
Lots of our favourite stores are open all through the year. Check out Es Cucons in Santa Gertrudis, Sluiz and Co Coq for the most unique gifts and fun stocking fillers. Then of course there is Las Dalias’ famous Christmas market, from December 16 to January 5 held on Fridays through Tuesdays. Ibiza Town moves the Christmas Market to Plaza de Antoni i Nieto from December 1 until January 6. Perfect for finding that special Ibiza-inspired something.

Lighting up
Kids love to witness the lighting of the street lights and the enormous Christmas tree in Ibiza town followed by a whirl and twirl at the Christmas fun fair. The heavy construction work along Vara de Rey cannot stop the festivities, with the tree being relocated and the route of the Three Kings revised. This year the Christmas cheer fans out from the Plaza de Antoni i Nieto where there are storytelling sessions, folk dancing recitals and kids craft workshops. Check out the program online or in print for all the fine details. The lighting of Santa Eulalia’s tree attracts the whole town and the weeks leading up to Christmas and Three Kings day is choc full of activities for kids, teenagers and grownups including a chocolate festival, live music, markets and more.

Dining
Given the huge amount of expats and ‘orphans’ on the island, hosting a Christmas lunch in one of the island’s best restaurants sure beats doing all the washing up and family squabbles you may experience back home! Christmas on the beach is a luxury here, and places such as Sir Rocco Beach Club, Atzaró Beach, Cala Bonita, La Escollera and Yemanja all offer unique Christmas day set menus. Alternatively, hit the popular ‘Pete the English Butcher’ in San Antonio (you need to get your orders in early) for turkey and ham and do it yourself, with all the trimmings!

Party
Pacha Ibiza has always stayed open throughout the off-season and is famously known as the place to congregate with your island friends on Christmas Eve before heading off to your individual events the next day. With new flights coming in from many major European centres this winter, plenty more places are also keeping the home fires burning. Expect to see winter parties at Sankeys Ibiza, Underground, Avenue Ibiza, the new Cotton Lounge Club in Figueretes, Nassau Tanit Beach on Playa d’en Bossa and many more.

Three Kings
Christmas in Spain hasn’t really happened (for kids, anyway!) until the Three Kings show up on January 6. In Ibiza they often arrive by boat and make their way through the villages and towns on elaborately decorated floats throwing sweets and gifts to kids and grownups alike. The route (changed due to the aforementioned construction) for this year’s parade will be advised in the Ayuntamiento online guide to seasonal fiestas.