Bali may not be the first place that comes to mind when you are looking for somewhere to celebrate Christmas with your loved ones. The usual imagery of white snow, ice-cold weather and log fires aren’t exactly synonymous with the island.
That being said, Christmas can be an amazingly cool experience in the tropical weather!
Want to know more about celebrating Christmas in Bali? Keep on reading.
Do They Celebrate Christmas in Bali?
Short answer – no.
The majority of local Balinese are Hindus and don’t celebrate Christmas, but there is a big Christian community on the island.
Many Balinese Christians (and Muslims) take the chance as Christmas to take part in the traditional practice of Ngejot.
Ngejot involves cooking and sharing food with your neighbors as an expression of gratitude, to share happiness and build friendships.
Instead of a Christmas tree (pines aren’t easy to come by in the tropics), Balinese Christians decorate using penjor. They are long, curved bamboo decorations, fixed with a series of woven coconut leaves.
For the tourists who are coming to Bali for a Christmas, festive holiday, you will still find all the usual festive celebrations like a Xmas brunch, lunch and dinners, decorations and magic – but with a tropical twist.
Some places to stay may have special tropical Christmas packages and deals, that continue until New Year’s Eve! You’ll want to snatch those up early.
What is the Weather like in Bali at Christmas?
In December, and over the Christmas period, it is rainy season in Bali – which isn’t exactly ideal.
It’s not guaranteed to rain all day long, there will be some days where the sky is clear. But always be prepared for the heavens to open, even if just an hour of light drizzle.
Just in case, don’t forget to pack light and cool clothing.
The weather in Bali won’t interfere with your Christmas plans, unless you are going to be lounging on the beach.
Check the forecast a few days before the big day so you can adjust!
Where to Get Christmas Dinner in Bali
There are SO MANY restaurants, resorts and social clubs that serve up a good FAT Christmas dinner. There are also a lot of catering options that can be delivered right to your door.
Looking for a Christmas dinner in Bali with all the trimmings? Check out these spots!
Best Restaurants in Canggu for Christmas Dinner
Best Restaurants in Seminyak for Christmas Dinner
Seasalt
Batik
Merah Putih
Best Restaurants in Ubud for Christmas Dinner
Kebun Bistro
Cerita Manisan
Embers Restaurant
Best Restaurants in Uluwatu for Christmas Dinner
Mana Uluwatu Restaurant & Bar
360 Rooftop dining & lounge Restaurant
Sangkar Restaurant
Watu Steakhouse at Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali
Where to Stay for Christmas in Bali
Add a touch of luxury to your Bali Christmas by staying in a beautiful island resort or villa.
These are just 3 of our top picks of where to stay in Bali for an unforgettable Christmas!
A stay at Apurva Kempinski in Nusa Dua screams luxury. Apurva in Sanskrit means unique and magnificent, which perfectly describes the resort.
With a range of rooms, suites and villas, there is a perfect space to celebrate Christmas for every kind of traveling group.
Hartland Estate is a great place to spend the Christmas holidays. Featuring signature Ubud sights like lush treetops, vast forest views and clear skies, you can have a magical and private Christmas experience.
Spend Christmas day exploring the town on planned excursions through the resort.
Sohamsa Ocean Estate consists of two magnificent cliff top villas on the southernmost tip of the Bukit Peninsula peninsula. All rooms have the same view of the wide expanse of the ocean.
Have a magnificent Christmas dinner looking out over the vast azure horizon.
What to do on Christmas Day in Bali
Need some ideas for what to do on Christmas Day in Bali?
- Enjoy a Christmas brunch or dinner – whether it’s a traditional Balinese lunch, or a hearty family dinner at a fancy restaurant, Bali has every type of Christmas celebration. If you’re not with your family at Christmas, you can also celebrate by meeting new people at a communal gathering.
- Go on an adventure – there’s never a bad time to find your adventurous side and go on a road trip in Bali, including Christmas day! Head out to Tuka Village in North Kuta, where the majority of locals are Catholic. Christmas celebrations are quite different, with everyone traditionally dressed to go to church. This is where the first, and oldest, church in Bali is located.
- Get some sun – December in Bali is usually still the rainy season, with the high potential for rain during the day. If you get lucky and Christmas day is sunny, you can find rows of beach clubs with Christmas offers.
- Do something meaningful – in some areas, Catholics and Christians celebrate the day with ngejot – the tradition of sharing food with neighbors of other religions as a symbol of interfaith harmony.
- Relax and do nothing – every day always feels like a holiday in Bali. There’s nothing wrong with just staying in your villa, relaxing, and watching Christmas movies.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in the tropics is something entirely different from the usual Western Christmas many of us are used to.
Do something different, bring your own family traditions to the island, and have an UNFORGETTABLE Christmas in Bali.
Featured image: Christmas in Bali Beach
