With the exception of a Christmas market or two, December on Ibiza used to be a somewhat sombre affair. But that’s no longer the case as the island’s venues - of which more and more stay open year-round - become ever more creative in coming up with fun activities just made to get you out of the house and socialising.
For this reason, December 2023 is shaping up to be an action-packed month. Itching to dance, try your luck at bingo, sample some fine fare or simply meet up with kindred spirits? Read our guide to what’s going on culturally this month on the white island.
Ibiza Town
Having a drink and socialising with friends is one of the best ways to unwind after work and that’s where island institution par excellence Café Montesol comes into its own. Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, the legendary Ibiza locale presents Los Afterworks de Café Montesol, a chance to enjoy delicious concoctions, mouthwatering tapas and a live DJ performance every Thursday until 11 January 2024 from 19:00 to 22:00.
Unconventional bingo seems to be the flavour of the month on Ibiza this December. Jara Restaurant, situated at the ground floor entrance of the five-star, adult-only hotel The Standard Ibiza, presents its own variety, "Not Your Standard Bingo '' every Wednesday from 21:00. Join others in the chance to win prizes, sup on fine cocktails and enjoy the tasty cuisine.
Just across the port, meanwhile, five-star hotel Ocean Drive Ibiza is proud to announce the return of its hugely popular Burger meets Gin event every Friday throughout December from 20:00 to 00:30.The best in burgers, gin & tonic, to-die-for views from the stunning Sky Bar and kicking music sessions: nobody does winter fun quite like Ocean Drive Ibiza!
Nearby, year-round Marina Botafoch hotspot Mira Ibiza keeps the island dancing from Thursday to Sunday with DJ Salva Martin and his guests. Open from 19:00 until 03:00, an open bar awaits the ladies on Thursdays between 20:00 and 22:00 during signature event ‘Mira Las Chicas’, with sizzling beats from the Spicy Grooves crew. On Fridays, new event series ‘Juke Box’ combines the best old school tunes with a juicy burger + drink deal for 20 Euros, while on Saturdays you are invited to ‘Dine & Dance’.
Playa d'en Bossa
Located in the heart of Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza newcomers, Zazú Ibiza, continue their pioneering first season on the island with ABUNDANCE, a tantalising series of live shows, and parties featuring scrumptious food taking place Thursdays through Sundays up until 5 January 2024. As if that weren’t enough to tempt you, they’re offering 20% off for residents and, for groups, there are special menus designed to allow you to sample the best of their cuisine.
Another Playa d'en Bossa institution, Tuk Tuk, has come up with a cool concept for the weekends. Fridays it offers its signature rice dish 'arroz negro', Saturdays "La Sal Market" is a melting pot of live music, shopping, and culinary delights and Sundays are firey as the 'Domingo de Fuego' offers a delicious range of barbecued meat, vegetables and a drink, all for 18 euros. Now that promises to be the perfect end to the weekend.
Not a stone’s throw away, grill specialists Cas Costas - located at Km.3 on the Ibiza Town to San José Road - are hosting live music nights from 20:00 every Thursday until 28 December. Enjoy superbly grilled meats, fish and other dishes along with live performances by talented artists.
San Antonio
Thanks to its imperious setting high above the sea on the west coast of Ibiza, Hostal La Torre offers a December double whammy like no other: top-notch DJ sessions every day along with great food and fine cocktails, accompanied by the white island’s best winter sunsets. A winner!
In the country
Between the villages of San Rafael and Santa Gertrudis multi-modal hub The House of WOW continues to push the envelope with DISCO BINGO, Ibiza’s wackiest bingo party. Running every Friday from 1 December 2023 through to 29 December 2023, this fun social event sees DJ Ida play an eclectic mix of tunes in a music-themed version of bingo as you’ve never played it before. Don’t miss the Happy Hour on cocktails from 16:00 to 18:00 beforehand.
Every Sunday, the WOW team fire up the ovens and turns out a hearty Roast Dinner for up to 250 hungry diners, all backed up by a soundtrack from DJ Jo Mills and friends. This is one of the busiest events on Ibiza right now, so be sure to get your booking in early.
Meanwhile, lovers of all things Latin will be delighted to hear that The House of Wow is running Cuban nights & dance classes every Thursday through to 28 December. With live music & DJ set by Eribertho Cruz & DJ Fran, this is a chance to swing those hips, meet fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a nice, cool mojito!
Winter nights may be a bit chilly on Ibiza. So what could be better than joining in Calentura, a celebration of Latin music in all its glorious forms held at L'Amorigen on the bay of Cala Nova from 20:00 to midnight every Thursday until 28 December? With sounds as diverse as Brazilian Funk, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, and Afrobeats, there’s bound to be something for everyone at this unique beachside venue.
After a brief hiatus, the evergreen Japanese fusion food restaurant Nagai, near Santa Gertrudis on the road to San Juan, reopens with a completely refurbished interior for its winter programme. Always offering regular live music and other events to accompany the fine cuisine, check their Instagram account for the latest updates. Also, they always make a big deal out of Christmas and New Year, so we will be keeping you informed of their plans soon.
Further afield, several other events around the island also offer the opportunity to mingle and make merry this December.
Forada Market, an interactive market for the sale and exchange of local & ecological produce, takes place every Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00 until 30 December 2023. This eclectic weekly fair features locally grown fruit and vegetables, homemade pastries, and an array of artwork and handicrafts, not to mention homemade hierbas, that quintessential island tipple. Performances and live music add to the fun.
Please remember to check out our events calendar every month to keep up with all that’s happening on Ibiza.
