Things to do in Ibiza over the Festive Season

The festive season is now upon us so it’s time to kick back, relax and indulge in some naughty and nice pursuits that only Ibiza can offer

San Antonio Christmas Market
The San An Xmas Market is back again after it’s surprise success in 2019. Live music on stage in front of the the wooden cabins serving food and drink, the wonderful Christmas tree and sparkly lights throughout the town square surrounded by palm trees, not forgetting Santa’s house and the brand new sledge run. There’s a full program of events in San Antonio but it’s the Xmas Market that brings the town alive from 5pm every day.

Ibiza Town Funfair
It’s not the holiday season without an old fashioned funfair and Ibiza Town’s offering near Can Misses ticks all the boxes and much more. From the dodgems to the haunted house to the gravity defying ‘Carcel’ there’s fun for all the family. Plenty of fast food is available and even faster ways to spend your money at the many booths and rides scattered about the busy fairground. The fair is open daily from 5-11 pm until 19 January (winning a large fluffy toy is compulsory).

Cava and Oysters at Hostal Parque
It’s a bit of a tradition so pull up a chair at the best viewpoint in Ibiza Town’s busiest square and order a glass of cava and a dozen oysters and enjoy the moment. Personally I like tabasco on my oysters and then let them slide down but everyone is different. As we get closer to Xmas the atmosphere starts to crackle with fun and excitement as Ibiza gets busier and busier. Better than summer? It’s a good debate but both are very different.

Shopping in Ibiza Town
Long gone are the days when Ibiza’s shops in winter didn’t have much to offer and over the holiday period the islands capital is buzzing with both residents and tourists finishing off their xmas shopping looking for gifts, ideas and couture clothing in the famous avenues and alleyways. From cheesy souvenirs to high end labels there’s plenty on offer so bring your credit card and finish off the evening having a look at the stalls on Vara de Rey and then some tapas and vino in one of the local bars.

New Years Eve at Lio
Okay, the drinks might be eye-wateringly expensive and whole concept scandalously indulgent but Lio is up there as one of the most amazing venues in the world nestled amongst the super yachts with the famous Ibiza Old Town is it’s backdrop. Dress code is ‘Elegant’ so dress to impress and throw away your inhibitions for what is sure to be an evening to remember. Tickets are 70 euros per person for entrance and a drink.

New Years Day Lunch on the Beach
2021 has been the year of gastronomic adventures on the White Isle so there’s no better way to start off the New Year with a long lazy NYD lunch in the sunshine. Make sure you book a table at one of the many beach restaurants (especially if the weather forecast is good) and organise a taxi so you can let your hair down and start the year as you mean to go on. This is what Ibiza is all about!

Es Vedra Walk
With time on your hands and the calorie intake rising it’s the perfect time of the year for the short hike to Es Vedra. Compared to summer there’s very few people about and the December and January skies always throw up some amazing colours especially at sunset. This is social media gold and sure to get your friends and family back home frothing at the mouth. It ain’t rocket science and a fantastic way to spend a few hours over the festive period.

Ibiza Town Kings Parade on 5 Jan
In Spain it’s tradition to give gifts on 6 January so the crowds will be out in big numbers to welcome the Royal Cavalcade on Wed 5 January from 6.30pm as the 3 Kings from the Orient come bearing presents plus boxes of sweets for the kids (and big kids). It’s a fitting end to the festive season calendar with an excited atmosphere and large numbers on the streets as the carriages file past. This is the real Spain and something that needs to be experienced at least once.

Finally……This is just a small selection, there’s so many things happening in Ibiza over the next few weeks, each town and village has a comprehensive list of events designed to keep all ages engaged so get involved wherever you can. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. The Big Man in red will be making several appearances plus plenty of things to do for the big kids once the little ones have gone to bed.

Have a great Ibiza festive season, thanks to everyone who read and commented on my Man in San An blog posts in 2021. Onwards and upwards to 2022!