Christmas in Ibiza is kind of magic. From the end of November to early January, the island fills with light displays, open-air markets, live music, cultural events and spectacular Three Kings parades. If you visit in winter, you can enjoy a very different side of the island, with an atmosphere that is festive and relaxed at the same time.
This guide brings together the main activities that may interest foreign visitors around the island. The focus is on concerts, markets, family friendly entertainment, New Year’s Eve plans and the most attractive moments for sightseeing.
Ibiza Town: gastronomic market, magic festival and big New Year’s Eve in the capital
Ibiza Town has one of the most extensive Christmas programmes on the island. The main stages are Passeig de Vara de Rey, Parque Reina Sofía, the port area and the cultural centre Can Ventosa.
Gastronomic Christmas market in Vara de Rey
Throughout December and early January, Vara de Rey hosts a Mercado Gastronómico, with food and drink stalls open every day at lunchtime and in the evening, with shorter hours on 24 and 31 December.
In addition to local dishes and snacks, the market offers a continuous programme of live music. The programme includes:
- Jazz and soul sessions such as Miss Aránzazu & Omar Guzmán – A Very Jazzy Christmas, Roxela Trio, and Groove Garage
- Bands and cover groups such as Discover Christmas, Los del Varadero, Sunset Vives, Esta me la sé, Que te quiten lo bailao, Ibiza Comedy Band, Music 4 Life and others
- DJ sessions like DJ D-Ramones, Vila a 45 RPM with DJ Javi Box and night events linked to the gastronomy area
For visitors, this means that on almost any day in the Christmas period there is something happening in Vara de Rey at midday or in the evening.
Christmas City and family atmosphere in Parque Reina Sofía
Parque Reina Sofía becomes the ‘Ciudad Navideña‘, or Christmas City, with inflatable castles, creative workshops and other family activities almost every day during the holidays.
The area is ideal if you travel with children, but even adults who simply walk through the park will notice the lively ambiance and the views of the old town walls above.
Inclusive festivities
The programme emphasises inclusive, free activities for all ages, from the big Christmas marquee in Vara de Rey to the giant Christmas photocalls, mobile photocalls with balloons, itinerant Nadal Fest, Santa’s Band On The Road, Nadal a Pedal and live music in several areas of the city.
Magic festival and cultural events
A particularly interesting proposal for visitors is the Eivicadabra magic festival, with shows for different ages in the Christmas marquee and at Can Ventosa. The line-up includes magicians such as Jandro, Duo Rubi & Fer, Celia Muñoz, Duo Kybalion and others, with both free and ticketed performances.
Other cultural highlights include:
- The Eivissa Clàssica concert series, with classical guitar recitals at Can Ventosa
- A Gala Lírica de Fin de Año (operatic gala) at Can Ventosa
- A special concert for the International Day of World Heritage, with a chamber orchestra conducted by Lina Tur in Santa Cruz church
These events are very suitable if you enjoy culture and want a more tranquil plan for the evening.
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Three Kings
On 24 December (Christmas Eve) the town offers:
- A Santa Claus parade that arrives by boat in the port and continues through Bartomeu Roselló, Ignasi Wallis and Vara de Rey
- A noon session Vermut a 45 RPM and a terrace party with DJ music at Plaza del Parque
On New Year’s Eve, Ibiza Town becomes one of the main places on the island to say goodbye to the year. The programme includes:
- The traditional Subida a la Catedral run through the historic centre
- Afternoon music at Plaza del Parque
- The Gran Fiesta de Fin de Año con La Movida in Vara de Rey, with live bands, DJs, countdown and celebrations until three in the morning
The year starts with the First Swim of the Year at ses Figueretes beach, followed by hot chocolate for participants and spectators.
Finally, on 5 January, the Three Kings parade arrives by boat, crosses the city centre and ends in Vara de Rey, where the Kings receive the keys to the city. It is one of the most spectacular events of the winter and a very visual experience for visitors.
Sant Antoni de Portmany: long running Christmas market and live music on the west coast
Sant Antoni transforms its waterfront into a large winter meeting point with a long-running Mercat de Nadal and a dense programme of concerts and activities.
Christmas Market on Passeig de ses Fonts
The Mercat de Nadal is located on Passeig de ses Fonts and runs from 1 December to 6 January, every day. It offers:
- Food and drink huts
- Craft and retail stalls
- A small fair with rides and games for children
- A full calendar of live concerts and shows for all ages
It is one of the best places on the island for a relaxed winter evening, with views of the harbour and many cafés and bars nearby.
Major concerts on the market stage
The official programme lists a large number of concerts that can appeal to foreign visitors, including:
- Soul Doctor, with powerful versions of soul, rock and funk hits.
- Joven Dolores, an energetic local band that fills the stage with rhythm and attitude.
- Rock nights with Mama Fratelli and Crossroad, specialising in versions of national and international classics from the 1970s and 1980s.
- La Calle, with fresh rock and their own songs mixed with personal versions of well known tracks.
- Reya Thomas & Friends, with a repertoire full of emotional melodies and a very close connection with the audience.
- Oh Yeah! Back to the Hits, with music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, house, disco, funk, dance and Latin sounds for the Night of the Kings.
- Flawless, who bring vocal harmonies, elegance and a strong stage presence to the market concert series.
- Pop performances such as Sofía Martín, who turns the stage into a party for all ages.
For music lovers, this means that almost every weekend and many weekdays include free or very accessible live music on the promenade.
Special themed events and dance
Sant Antoni also stands out for several themed events that give its winter season a very particular character:
- Fiesta Latina – K Rico Party: a full Latin music day with salsa and bachata classes, live band and DJ set, perfect for dancing outdoors on Passeig de ses Fonts.
- La Verbenita, an evening festival that follows the tradition of popular open-air dances.
- Ones de Llum, a unique experience that combines classical music with video mapping in the church of Can Bonet.
- Zambombada flamenca, with flamenco Christmas carols for all the family.
In addition, Sant Antoni hosts New Moves, one of the reference urban dance events in Ibiza, with advanced classes taught by well known choreographers, an open class for all levels and several days of coexistence around dance at the Ses Païsses sports centre.
Party nights and New Year’s celebrations
Visitors who look for nightlife will find very interesting options:
- Hippy House presents ‘The Ibiza Après Sky‘, a house music event with local and international artists that transforms Sant Antoni into a themed ski resort with decorations and activities, from late afternoon until one in the morning.
- Cap d’Any Connexió: Tòquio – Mercat, a New Year’s Eve event with music and karaoke in the market area.
The Three Kings arrive on 5 January with a large parade through the streets of the town and the stage at Passeig de ses Fonts, followed by a concert at the market, which makes that evening especially lively.
Santa Eulària des Riu: seaside Christmas lights and a central market
Santa Eulària des Riu offers one of the island’s most atmospheric Christmas programmes, centred around the seafront promenade and the pedestrian area of Passeig de s’Alamera. From 5 December to 6 January, the town becomes a lively winter destination with a daily Christmas market, family-friendly ambience, traditional music and theatre, and a large Three Kings parade on 5 January. The programme is extensive and constant, making Santa Eulària an ideal place for visitors who enjoy open-air events and a more relaxed festive setting than the busier towns of the island.
Christmas Market on Passeig de s’Alamera
The Christmas Market runs from 5 December to 6 January, opening in the afternoons on weekdays and both mornings and afternoons on weekends and public holidays. It features gift stalls, tastings and food stands, creating a warm and lively atmosphere by the sea.
The market’s hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 5:30–9:30 p.m.
- Weekends and holidays: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Festive atmosphere and daily activities
Although many activities target families, the programme creates a constant festive ambience in the centre of town. Visitors walking through the promenade during December will encounter:
- Street performers and music on selected days.
- Festive decorations across Plaça d’Espanya and the waterfront.
- Tasting events linked to the market.
- Christmas workshops and animation that add life to the area.
Live performances and cultural events
Santa Eulària offers cultural activity throughout the month, most of it located in the town centre or linked to the church square or cultural venues.
Highlights include:
- 7 December: a music event at 12:30 p.m. on Passeig d’es Riu adds activity to the riverside area.
- 13 December: multiple festive activities take place during the daytime, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere along the promenade.
- 14 December: further festive sessions in the central streets, with music and family-friendly performances.
- 21 December: events around Plaça d’Espanya including festive entertainment and a choral performance connected with the town’s holiday celebrations.
- 26–29 December: a sequence of concerts, children’s performances and cultural activities takes place in the cultural centre and in squares around the town, increasing footfall and atmosphere during the most festive week of the year.
While many of these events are designed for families, they collectively create a very lively open-air Christmas experience for tourists exploring the centre.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and End-of-Year Festivities
Santa Eulària’s central spaces remain active during the entire Christmas week. Notable visitor-friendly moments include:
- 24 December: Christmas market open in the morning and evening (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 5:30–9:30 p.m.).
- 25 December: the market opens only in the afternoon, offering a pleasant walk for visitors after Christmas lunch.
Between 26 and 31 December, several concerts, storytelling sessions and festive animations appear across the town, creating steady activity in the days leading up to the New Year.
- 31 December: the Christmas market opens all day (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 5:30–9:30 p.m.), making Passeig de s’Alamera one of the most festive places to stroll before heading to dinner or private celebrations.
New Year’s Day and Early January
The first days of January continue with market activity and a full schedule of performances.
- 1 January: the market opens from 5:30–9:30 p.m., offering a calm way to start the year with a sunset walk by the sea.
- 2–4 January: live performances, storytelling, children’s theatre and festive visits appear throughout the municipal area, particularly in central spaces such as Plaça d’Espanya. These activities help maintain a pleasant atmosphere during the post-holiday week.
The Three Kings in Santa Eulària
The Three Kings Parade, one of the most important celebrations of Spanish Christmas, takes place in Santa Eulària on 5 January at 5 p.m.. It includes:
- The arrival of the Kings.
- A parade through the main streets.
- Festive music and decorated floats.
- Visits to different points in the municipality including Santa Gertrudis, Puig d’en Valls and Jesús.
The parade in Santa Eulària town begins at 5 p.m. at Carrer Sant Jaume and continues through the centre, finishing at Plaça d’Espanya. It is one of the most visually attractive Christmas events in the municipality and a favourite among winter visitors.
Sant Josep de sa Talaia: concerts, folk music and 1980s hits
Sant Josep de sa Talaia has a more compact Christmas programme, but it includes several events that are attractive for visitors who stay near its villages or in the bay of Sant Antoni.
According to the City Council website:
- On 14 December, there is a Christmas concert at the Caló de s’Oli auditorium, a modern venue by the sea in the area of Cala de Bou.
- On 17 December, the instrumental ensembles of the Municipal Music School Can Blau give a Christmas concert in Sant Agustí church, which combines local musical talent with the atmosphere of a traditional rural church.
These events are ideal if you are staying in Sant Josep, Cala de Bou, Port des Torrent or nearby and want to add a cultural evening to your stay without leaving the area.
How to use this guide for your trip
- Combine municipalities: it is easy to travel between Ibiza Town, Sant Antoni and Santa Eulària by car, bus or taxi, so you can visit several markets and concerts during the same trip.
- Plan according to your style: Ibiza Town offers the most urban and intense programme, Sant Antoni focuses on concerts and party evenings by the harbour, Santa Eulària is more relaxed and family oriented, and Sant Josep provides smaller but interesting concerts and folk events.
- Check final times before going: as always with winter events, some activities may change time or day due to weather or organisational reasons, so it is sensible to confirm details on the official municipal websites close to the date.
Christmas in Ibiza is an excellent excuse to discover the island without summer crowds. With this complete overview of markets, concerts, light displays and festivities across all four municipalities, you can organise a winter trip that combines culture, gastronomy, music and Mediterranean atmosphere from the beginning of December until the arrival of the Three Kings in January.
