Hard to believe it's December once again. Where does time go? Before leaving 2019 behind though, Ibiza has plenty to offer to low-season holidaymakers and residents alike.
Starting with the lighting of Ibiza Town's Christmas tree and street lights this Friday 29 November at 18:30 in Vara de Rey, the island will be dressed in festive colours, twinkling lights and seasonal activities galore.
Here is a bagful of ways to enjoy the island before waving goodbye to 2019 and the decade. For you night owls, head on over to our Guide to Ibiza parties for the full lowdown.
Best wishes for a very merry Christmas and a sparkling New Year from Ibiza Spotlight!
wonder at the Christmas lights
All month long
One of the best parts of this time of year is how charming our everyday surroundings become adorned in lights. This year Ibiza will have 31 roads bedecked. For the little ones, Santa Claus will be in with the elves from 14 to 24 December. The sparkling version of the island stays on until the epiphany on 6 January, so you have plenty of chances to bask in the holiday spirit. See the full programme for all the details.
browse the Christmas markets
All month long
Get ready for those Christmas markets. After the lights go on, pop up markets and special editions of the classic ones abound. Las Dalias will be open every day from mid-December and hold special events. Besides San Juan and San Jordi, every town on the island will also have its own, including Vara de Rey. Plus, on 14 December, head to Casa Maca for the one-off Mercado de Navidad from 13:00.
Rock the end of the week
Fridays to Sundays
Cañas'n'Roll, that bar-hopping, tapas-munching annual event comes back to the streets of San José and around Fridays to Sundays up to 21 December. Beer, tapas, special food menus, cinema and one of the best selections of local bands will have you rocking your weekend and beating the winter blues.
HELP GROW ORGANIC VEGGIES
All month long
Longing to reconnect with nature? The largest organic farm on the island, Terra Masia welcomes anyone to help care for their bountiful produce. Simply show up between 8:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday, lend a hand and take home some of their delicious veggies free of charge as a thank you for your time. You can also buy them from their market. With chickens, pigs and sheep also on-site, it's a proper return to the simpler life.
Catch a classic at the Cinefòrum
3 and 10 December
Here's your chance to re-visit some classic movies withy the Cinefòrum at the University of Balearic Islands. On 3 December, one of Ingmar Bergman's most influential movies will be playing Summer with Monika. The following week, it's the Argentinian film En cuerpo y alma. The events start and 18:30 and are free.
Go local at the "Fiesta Padronale" (Patron festival)
6 to 8 December
It doesn't get more local than the Mercado de Forada. The first one in December, though, takes it a step further, starting with a day dedicated to solidarity on Friday 6 December. The next day sees the return of the fourth edition of the Allioli Festival. Local oils will be provided by the island of Ibiza and used by the aspiring winners to whip together the best alioli ever. Oh yum!
race around Ibiza old town
Saturday 7 December
How about a race around the charming roads of Dalt Vila, the port and the promenade to get us ready for Christmas? This month sees Ibiza as the protagonist of this series of runs that tours around Spain's most picturesque UNESCO sites. Yes, please. Head on over to the X Cursa Popular Eivissa Patrimoni de la Humanitat 2019 to get more information and register for the event.
Check out the Christmas concert
Saturday 14 December
What better way to get in the mood for the season with some tunes. Ibiza's very own Banda Sinfònica Ciutat d'Eivissa (concert band) will be putting on a Christmas concert at Can Ventosa in Ibiza Town. With 60 talented musicians, it all kicks off at 19:00.
have a Christmas feast
24 and 25 December
Tired of cooking at home? Then head on over to one of the restaurants. Take Sluiz, for example, with live music, dress-ups, a theatrical red carpet, photoshoot and more, the Sluiz Restaurant Christmas dinner will take care of everything. All you have to do is kick back and enjoy. For more options, check out our guide to holiday feasts.
join a Sacred Circle
26 December
Celebrate the new moon right after Christmas by setting your intentions at Hostal La Torre with this Yoga-Mantra Sacred Circle with KATA Chanting, meditation and all kinds of healing will re-energise and harmonise you just in time for the new year. It all starts at 10:30, but make sure to book your spot in advance as spaces are limited.
Wave goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020
31 December
As always, the party island par excellence has a plethora of parties on offer to greet 2020. This year Lío, HEART Ibiza, Underground and, of course, the infamous DC10, to name a few, will all have plenty in store. Look out for our guide to New Year's Eve parties on Ibiza coming soon.
And that's 2019 for you. Bring it on 2020!
Note:
Of course we are continuously updating our event calendar, so head here for more events taking place on Ibiza.
