The start of Ibiza’s Christmas season is marked by the moment the island lights up its streets, squares and markets. From the end of November to early December, each municipality celebrates its own switch-on event, creating a series of festive evenings filled with colour, music and the warm glow of illuminated streets. Whether you enjoy strolling under twinkling lights, browsing local markets or discovering neighbourhood celebrations, these dates offer a lively start to the winter season.
Ibiza in winter has a different rhythm. The streets are quieter, the evenings are crisp, and the island reveals a softer energy. When the lights switch on, that atmosphere transforms: squares glow, families gather outdoors, and market stalls fill the air with the scent of roasted treats and local crafts. It is a simple but striking reminder that Ibiza has a festive spirit all year long, not only in summer.
Ibiza Town: the first glow of the season
Ibiza Town begins its Christmas programme with the opening of its funfair, which operates every afternoon. From Monday to Thursday, it opens from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and it stays open until midnight on Fridays and weekends. The mix of music, colourful rides and the aroma of sweet snacks creates an inviting atmosphere for both adults and children.
The official Christmas light switch-on takes place on Saturday 29 November at 6:30 p.m., in Parque Reina Sofía. It is one of the most popular festive events on the island, with families gathering early to enjoy the countdown. The full Christmas programme—including markets, concerts and family performances—will be presented on Monday 24 November during a press conference at the Town Hall.
Walk through the streets afterwards and you will notice how balconies, trees and shopfronts shimmer with warm lights that reflect on the stone of the old town. It creates a welcoming environment for an evening stroll or a visit to the port.
Sant Joan and Sant Antoni
Both Sant Joan and Sant Antoni inaugurate their Christmas lights on 28 November, making them the earliest festive hotspots on the island.
Sant Joan: a local celebration with rural charm
Sant Joan opens the Christmas season in Sant Vicent de sa Cala, in the Camp d’Aprenentatge, with an event that feels intimate and community focused. Expect a chocolate tasting, children’s workshops, a photo booth and live music. The countryside setting adds a distinctive charm: the lights stand out against the surrounding hills, creating a simple but memorable festive atmosphere.
Sant Antoni: lights on the iconic Passeig de ses Fonts
Later that same day, at 6:30 p.m., Sant Antoni lights up the Passeig de ses Fonts, one of its most emblematic gathering spots. The fountain’s gentle background sound mixes with music, illuminated palm trees and the buzz of families enjoying the evening.
Sant Antoni’s Mercat de Nadal, open from 28 November to 6 January, adds another layer of festive activity. Stalls filled with crafts, holiday gifts and seasonal snacks transform the promenade into a lively winter market that visitors often return to more than once.
Sant Josep: a warm glow in the heart of the village
The municipality of Sant Josep switches on its Christmas lights on 4 December at 6 p.m., in the square by the village’s church. This event has a relaxed feel, with neighbours gathering around the lit-up church façade and narrow streets illuminated by strings of festive lights.
Its compact centre makes it easy to combine the switch-on with an afternoon visit to local cafés or artisan shops. As the lights come on, shadows soften, and the village takes on a cosy winter character that many visitors find unexpectedly charming.
Santa Eulària: the final switch-on and the start of the season
Santa Eulària completes the island’s festive calendar on 5 December at 6 p.m., with the inauguration set in Plaça d’Espanya. This is one of the island’s most family-friendly events, often featuring children’s activities, music and performances that attract both residents and seasonal visitors.
The glow of the lights spreads through nearby streets and along the promenade, where the sea breeze mixes with the soft sound of waves. Evening walks feel especially atmospheric during this time, with illuminated façades guiding the way through the town centre.
A complete light switch-on calendar for easy planning
Here are the confirmed dates at a glance:
- 28 November – Sant Joan (in Sant Vicent de sa Cala)
- 28 November – Sant Antoni, 6.30 p.m.
- 29 November – Ibiza Town, 6.30 p.m.
- 4 December – Sant Josep, 6 p.m.
- 5 December – Santa Eulària, 6 p.m.
If you are travelling between late November and early December, you can easily catch several events and enjoy the festive atmosphere across different parts of the island.
What to expect from Ibiza in the festive season
Although winter is quieter, the island offers a surprising mix of activities:
- Markets filled with crafts, food and gifts
- Concerts and performances in local squares
- Funfairs and family-friendly activities
- Decorated streets perfect for leisurely evening walks
- Local cafés and restaurants offering seasonal menus
The atmosphere is relaxed, and the illuminated streets add an extra layer of warmth to Ibiza’s winter charm.
Get ready for Ibiza’s Christmas glow
If you want your winter trip to include lively evenings, illuminated streets and local festive traditions, Ibiza’s Christmas light switch-ons are an ideal starting point. Plan your visit around the dates above, explore the markets and enjoy the island’s seasonal side.
Discover more winter events, activities and travel ideas in our Ibiza guide.
