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December in Ibiza: What's On & Weather

Festive food & shopping and New Years Eve celebrations

featured in News & reviews Author Isha Sesay, Ibiza Reporter Updated

The island is overcome with festive cheer and twinkling lights illuminate the streets.

Ibiza is the perfect off-season destination in December, attracting visitors far and wide for its vast offer of activities and events. The month may not have the same exotic temperatures as the summer but what you do get is fewer tourists, idyllic walking-around-weather and plenty of culture to explore.

the cathedral in dalt vila ibiza town

What's the weather like in Ibiza in December?

In the middle of winter, Ibiza still sees relatively mild temperatures and a decent amount of sun, alongside some rainy dates. Temperatures reach highs of 17°C, which can feel relatively warm, but the average is around 13°C with evenings falling to lows of 9°C, so you'll want to be equipped with a coat to keep warm, including a waterproof for the average 13 rainy days during December. That said, on average 55% of days during the month are sunny and cloud-free. With the shortest days of the year, sunrise teeters around the 08.00 mark and sunset around 17.30. 

What's on in Ibiza Christmas & New Year

What's on in Ibiza in December?

Christmas Markets
At this time of year the island lights up with festivities, stalls and delicious comfort food. Here are a few not to miss:

  • Ibiza Town Christmas market runs throughout the month of December, with Father Christmas making an appearance with gifts for the children on the 24th December
  • Las Dalias market turns festive throughout December with stalls, workshops and live music
  • In San Antonio, you’ll find the usual craft stalls, as well as live music and festivities

New Years Eve celebrations
New Year’s Eve in Ibiza is as anticipated as its opening parties, and it never disappoints! After a busy summer of dancing, the clubs come back to life to ring in the new year for a few night’s festivities and it’s time to do it all over again. There are always some great options to ring in the new year - the clubs announce their big event plans on their social media platforms during this month, so keep your eyes peeled!

Church Nativity scenes
For a taste of traditional Christmas, nativity scenes take place in local churches around Ibiza Town and across the island, ranging from the quaint to the impressive.

Cursa Patrimoni 
The annual Cursa Patrimoni running races take place across Ibiza Town in December in celebration of the town’s history and the inclusion of Dalt Vila’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

What's on in Ibiza December 2019

Ibiza festive fairground in December

The annual festive fun fair comes to town in the month of December and lights up the fairground area of Can Misses on the edge of Ibiza town. Open all day and into the evening, it’s perfect for kids, families and the young at heart. The plethora of rides, games and food stalls entices large crowds from all around. The classics can all be found, including the dodgems, the viking boat, the merry-go-round, trampolines and game booths. Take a break from all the fun to fuel up on hot dogs, candyfloss, hot chocolate and churros.

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Christmas markets in December

The traditional Christmas Market on the picturesque square of Vara de Rey in Ibiza Town returns in December, enticing visitors with alluring scents, flavours and sensations, all wrapped up in an authentic festive atmosphere.Boutique stands sell everything from handicrafts to jewellery, street artists come out to delight visitors and food stalls of all kinds are dotted around to treat those hungry bellies. And of course, Father Christmas makes an appearance to treat the children on Christmas Eve. The market runs for the whole month throughout the daytime and the evening.

Christmas markets and traditional festivities are also held in other towns around the island, so you can take a tour to find all your Christmas gifts and enjoy the various entertainments.

At Las Dalias in San Carlos, you’ll find original gifts, clothing, crafts, tasting of local produce and various workshops, as well as live music and DJs.

In San Antonio you’ll also find a Christmas market full of stalls selling beautiful crafts and traditional sweets, among other traditional products and festive performances and activities are on offer.

What's on in Ibiza December

Sporting paradise in December

For those that would like to get in shape before the impending holiday feasts, December is a great time of year to don your running shoes and head to Ibiza, with temperatures still mild and enjoyable for sporting activities.

This month also sees the annual Cursa Patrimoni running races take place across Ibiza Town. Passing through the historical corners of Ibiza Town and the beautiful streets of Dalt Vila, the event is held in celebration of the town’s special history and heritage, and in particular Dalt Vila’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The event is free to enter and there are different events open to all ages and abilities, including special events for children. For the less sporty, it’s also a great event to watch and support, as it takes over town and brings with it a great atmosphere.

Archaeological Museum Ibiza old town

Galleries & Museums in December

With the weather a little cooler and wetter in December, it’s the ideal month for indoor activities, and what better time to visit some of Ibiza’s art galleries and museums.

In Ibiza Town the Museum of Contemporary Art has a wonderful collection of paintings and engravings dating from the 1960s to our days. Alternatively, you’ll find some excellent art galleries and exhibitions across Ibiza Town, and with the holidays fast approaching, they provide the perfect opportunity to gift family and friends with quality art and crafts.

For those keen to know more about the island's history, Ibiza Town has a good selection of museums, including an Archaeological Museum which showcases artefacts from the Neolithic age to the Islamic era, and the Madina Yabisa Interpretation Centre where you can experience how Dalt Vila looked under the Muslim rule in the Middle Ages.

Once you're done exploring the culture and history, be sure to visit Ibiza's excellent selection of excellent cafes and restaurants located in the old town.

More inspiration...

Keep your eyes peeled, as later this month we will be publishing a more detailed article about what's on during the Christmas and New Year period in Ibiza.