10 Things to Do in Bali at Christmas

In Indonesia the majority of the population is Muslim and in Bali the dominant religion is Hinduism, so the island has no Western-style Christmas tradition, except for the customs ingrained by tourists and visitors. However, while December 24 is not on the calendar as a public holiday, you'll still find ways to get into the Christmas spirit in a number of places.

Some of the best things to do in Bali over Christmas include spending the night in Padang Padang, setting up a Christmas table in Seminyak's restaurants, going on a budget shopping tour, experiencing the festive day with foreigners on Gili Trawangan, watching the fireworks display in Canggu and attending mass at St Francis Xavier's Church in Kuta.

On the picturesque Padang Padang Beach, Christmas takes on a unique dimension in Bali. Although the locals do not celebrate Christmas in the traditional way, visitors have the opportunity to have a festive experience at this site, which became world famous when it was chosen as one of the locations for the filming of the movie Eat, Pray, Love.

On this beach, tourists can start the evening by taking part in an oceanside dinner at one of the seaside restaurants, which serve local alternatives and international dishes. The sea breeze and twinkling lights create a cosy and festive atmosphere, and after dinner, the beach resort transforms into a social space with live music, dancing and a variety of entertainment.

Despite cultural differences, the tourist community finds creative ways to share the Christmas spirit. From impromptu gift exchanges to group celebrations, the festive energy spreads among travellers looking to bring Christmas to the island. Padang Padang also becomes a multicultural meeting point during the festive night.

Thus, Christmas Night in Padang Padang becomes a unique experience where visitors can celebrate and connect with fellow travellers on one of Bali's best beaches, which has earned a reputation as the meeting point for Western tourists during December 24.

In Seminyak, one of the most famous sites of Balinese culture, restaurants offer an alternative for those looking to experience Christmas in a Western style. Setting a Christmas table at one of the many restaurants in the area has become a cosy tradition for visitors wishing to capture the festive spirit away from home. Restaurants carefully decorate their spaces with festive ornaments, lights and trees, creating a Christmas atmosphere.

Special Christmas menus offer options that fuse the local with the international, giving diners the opportunity to enjoy gourmet dishes in a tropical setting. From the classic turkey dinner to vegetarian alternatives, the chefs at Seminyak strive to cater to all tastes.

In addition, live music and special entertainment add a festive tinge that will transport visitors to the joy of Western Christmas celebrations.

Seminyak is also located very close to the popular Tanah Lot temple, so you can combine a visit to this site with dinner at restaurants in this district, giving you a traditional Balinese experience while reviving a traditional Western custom thousands of miles away.

Exploring Bali's markets during the Christmas season is a unique experience for shopaholics. Ubud Market, with its alleyways lined with colourful stalls, is a perfect starting point. From decorative items to traditional Balinese clothing, the festive atmosphere intertwines with the hustle and bustle of the market, creating an enchanting setting for finding special gifts.

However, the best part of Christmas shopping in Bali is that because Christmas is not a traditional holiday in this destination, prices are kept affordable without the typical seasonal mark-ups. So, if you're planning to visit the island in December you can shop for gifts at places like the Sukawati Art Market and Monkey Forest Road in Ubud at rock-bottom prices.

In addition to the markets, you can also find beachwear and other accessories in Ubud's street shops. On the other hand, many of the bars and restaurants here are often part of Bali's best food tours.

While Bali stays true to its cultural roots and doesn't celebrate Christmas in the traditional way, Gili Trawangan, Bali's island jewel, presents a fascinating cultural mix during the festive season. This little paradise, known for its crystal clear waters and laid-back atmosphere, becomes a meeting point for travellers from all over the world who want to share the Christmas spirit in a tropical setting.

During Christmas, the bars and restaurants along the beach are filled with festive music and picturesque lights. There you'll meet travellers from diverse cultures, all united by the desire to celebrate the holidays in a different way. From themed dinners to beach parties, the island offers a variety of options for those looking to join the people who choose Gili Trawangan to share the day.

The lack of local Christmas tradition doesn't stop foreigners from immersing themselves in the magic of the season. Impromptu gift exchanges and multicultural celebrations create a festive atmosphere that transcends cultural barriers and unites visitors in a unique and memorable experience that you can discover on one of the best full-day activities from Bali.

In the tranquil town of Canggu, Christmas night is lit up with a fireworks display that goes beyond the conventional celebration. Although the Balinese do not celebrate Christmas in the traditional way, the local custom of using fireworks as a spiritual tool creates a magical atmosphere full of positive energy. On the island, the belief has taken root that fireworks ward off negative spirits, making them an essential element for various celebrations throughout the year.

Canggu, then, becomes a night-time canvas where darkness is dispelled by the flickering light of fireworks that adorn the sky. This practice, far from being exclusive to specific events, has become an everyday way of expressing joy and chasing away bad energies. Locals and visitors alike are treated to a unique visual spectacle and a symbolic act of purification and protection.

Despite the absence of a conventional Christmas festival, the fireworks in Canggu offer an unforgettable experience that reflects the spirituality rooted in Balinese culture. In addition, you can also choose from some of the beach resorts in Batu Bolong, Bali's favourite surfer's beach, to experience Christmas Eve. Some of the most famous are Monsieur Spoon and Betelnut Café.

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali and is transformed into a must-see scene on Christmas Eve, even though Christmas is not a traditional local holiday. The decorations and festivities, promoted mainly by tourists, make Ubud one of the island's epicentres and a must-see for visitors who can't find other places to celebrate the day.

Local temples, such as pura Saraswati, which is one of the best temples in Bali, offer special ceremonies and festive activities. Participating in these celebrations will immerse you in Bali's unique spirituality and allow you to witness the locals' efforts to merge their culture with the Christmas spirit. In addition, you can also explore the Ubud market, a local site as traditional as the rice terraces and waterfalls that surround the area.

For a special culinary experience, restaurants and warungs in Ubud offer festive dinners with elaborate menus that fuse local flavours with international approaches. Here, then, you can enjoy dining under the stars or in a decorated setting accompanied by live music and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates the joy of the season.

Christmas celebrations in Bali take on a special flavour with dinner parties that offer not only culinary delights, but also live entertainment for the whole family. Places like Ayana Resort in Jimbaran and Samabe Bali Suites & Villas in Nusa Dua are ideal destinations to experience the festive season with Christmas serenades, traditional shows and activities specially designed for the little ones.

At Ayana Resort, the traditional Christmas Buffet is accompanied by a festive atmosphere and live music to create an unforgettable setting. While enjoying a variety of dishes, children can participate in special activities such as biscuit decorating and a midnight visit from Father Christmas. On the other hand, at Samabe Bali Suites & Villas, Christmas Eve dinner includes Balinese cultural dances such as Legong and Christmas music.

These venues not only offer an exceptional culinary experience, but also strive to provide entertainment that engages the whole family, making it an ideal plan if you plan to visit Bali with children or want an experience that is suitable for everyone.

Spending Christmas at a beach club in Bali adds a relaxed, tropical tinge to the festivities. At places like Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak and Finns Beach Club in Canggu, you'll find options to celebrate the Christmas season in style without missing out on Western customs.

At Potato Head Beach Club you can enjoy Christmas with ocean views, tropical drinks and live music. This iconic beach club hosts special events and offers exceptional culinary experiences for those looking for a relaxed and vibrant celebration.

Finns Beach Club in Canggu, on the other hand, offers Christmas parties that include international DJs and plenty of dining options. Choices for an oceanfront Christmas dinner are plentiful, from festive buffets to intimate candlelit dinners.

In addition, at midnight during the Christmas festivities, these places often put on a fireworks display for visitors that is often a highlight and can bring diners at least a little closer to the festivities that are characteristic of the West during the 24 December celebrations.

Amidst the bustling surroundings of Kuta, St. Francis Xavier Church stands as one of the few Christian churches in Bali, providing a distinct space for the Catholic community on the island. During the Christmas season, this church becomes a gathering place for the faithful who wish to celebrate the holiday in a traditional Catholic setting.

Located in the heart of Kuta, a popular spot that is often included in the best tours of Bali, this church welcomes locals and visitors and takes on a special significance during Christmas, when the building is adorned with festive decorations, offering a themed atmosphere for those seeking a traditional Christmas experience away from home.

St. Francis Xavier Church, therefore, becomes a haven where Catholics in Bali can gather to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas in community. The mass offers not only moments of prayer and reflection, but also the opportunity to connect with other faithful in a corner of the island where Christian traditions find their place in the cultural diversity of Bali, a traditional Hindu setting in Indonesia.

In the idyllic setting of the island, Woods Bali presents itself as a corner that offers a unique Western Christmas experience. Every December 24, this restaurant often joins in the traditional Christmas celebrations, promoting festivities with typical Western menus ranging from turkey to delicious desserts that evoke the spirit of the season.

In addition, the magic of Christmas comes alive at Woods Bali with fireworks displays that light up the night and create a festive atmosphere. The venue's open terrace offers expansive views to enjoy this luminous spectacle. On the other hand, if you plan to visit Woods Bali with children, the presence of Father Christmas at midnight will add a tinge of enchantment and excitement to the experience for the little ones.

Meticulous attention to detail and creative decorations transform Woods Bali into an enchanting Christmas setting. Thus, experiencing a Western Christmas in Bali becomes a complete experience that fuses local warmth with the festive essence of typical celebrations.