If you’re spending Christmas in Bali, get ready for a unique and tropical holiday experience! Whether you’re wondering what to do in Bali on Christmas Day or looking for the best activities throughout the festive season, Bali offers a blend of beachside relaxation, cultural immersion, and festive fun. Here’s a guide to the top things to do in Bali at Christmas to make your holiday unforgettable.
Also read: Christmas in Bali 2024: A Complete Guide for Tourists
Explore Christmas Markets in Ubud and Seminyak
Kick off the holiday season by visiting local Christmas markets in Ubud and Seminyak. These markets are perfect for picking up unique gifts, decorations, and handmade crafts. You’ll find a mix of Balinese artisanal items and festive goodies, from hand-carved ornaments to holiday treats.
Join Resort Festivities
Many resorts across Bali host Christmas-themed events, offering a perfect blend of luxury and holiday spirit. You can participate in Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, enjoy themed dinners, or even attend Christmas cocktail parties at beach clubs and resorts. Popular destinations like The Mulia in Nusa Dua and Alila Seminyak are known for organizing special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day events.
Dine on the Beachfront in Seminyak and Jimbaran
Celebrate Christmas in style with a beachfront dinner at some of Bali’s best coastal restaurants. Areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Jimbaran Bay offer a stunning setting for a festive meal. Indulge in holiday menus featuring seafood, traditional Christmas roasts, and sweet treats while watching the sunset.
Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day
Give yourself the gift of relaxation with a Christmas-themed spa retreat. Bali is famous for its luxurious wellness centers, and many offer special holiday packages. Unwind with a Balinese massage or a rejuvenating body scrub at resorts like Viceroy Bali or Ayana Resort.
Attend Christmas Mass
For those seeking a traditional celebration, many Catholic and Protestant churches in Bali offer Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Whether you’re in Ubud or Denpasar, you can attend a mass and experience Bali’s unique blend of religious traditions and local culture.
Sunset Cocktails at Popular Beach Clubs
Enjoy festive cocktails while watching the sunset at some of Bali’s trendiest spots. Beach clubs like Ku De Ta, Potato Head Beach Club, and Finns are perfect places to relax on Christmas Day with a cocktail in hand, as the sky turns brilliant shades of pink and orange.
Day Trip to West Nusa Tenggara or Nusa Dua’s White Sand Beaches
Although you won’t find snow in Bali, you can still have a ‘white’ Christmas by visiting the pristine white sand beaches of West Nusa Tenggara or Nusa Dua. Easily accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, the island of West Nusa Tenggara offers turquoise waters, amazing diving spots, and beautiful white sand beaches. If you prefer to stay on the mainland, Nusa Dua’s beaches are equally stunning and less crowded.
Christmas Shopping in Bali’s Markets and Boutiques
Looking to grab some last-minute gifts? Bali’s shopping scene offers everything from traditional markets to trendy boutiques. Ubud’s markets are filled with unique crafts, while Canggu is known for its surf shops and cool boutiques. If you’re in Kuta or Denpasar, head to the larger department stores and factory outlets for some great deals.
Also read: Where to Spend Christmas in Bali: 6 Best Places for a Magical Holiday
Seafood Feast on Christmas Eve in Jimbaran Bay
If you’re used to celebrating Christmas Eve with a seafood feast, you’re in luck! Jimbaran Bay is famous for its seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy the freshest catches while watching the sunset. It’s a great way to continue the tradition of a seafood celebration in a tropical setting.
Visit a Bali Beach Club for Christmas Events
Christmas is one of the best times to visit Bali’s beach clubs. Sundays Beach Club in Uluwatu hosts a “Christmas on the Beach” event, featuring a festive menu with delicious food and bonfires. Ubud’s Folk Pool and Gardens also gets into the Christmas spirit with BBQ feasts and cocktails on December 25th.
Enjoy Traditional Christmas Dinners
Many restaurants in Bali serve traditional Christmas roasts, so you don’t have to miss out on your favorite holiday meal. Head to Apéritif Restaurant for an elegant Christmas-inspired degustation dinner, or visit Jemme in Seminyak, known for its festive roasts. For a more casual option, Roasted in Canggu offers hearty meals that can be enjoyed at the restaurant or taken to-go for a beach picnic.
Watch Fireworks on Christmas Eve and Day
In Bali, fireworks are a festive staple believed to ward off evil spirits. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the skies above Bali’s beaches light up with colorful displays. Head to a western-facing beach like Kuta or Seminyak to enjoy the fireworks show set against a stunning sunset backdrop.
Relax at Your Resort
If you prefer a quieter Christmas, many hotels and resorts in Bali offer special packages that let you enjoy the festivities without leaving the comfort of your accommodation. With events like Christmas-themed brunches, spa packages, and beachfront dinners, your resort might be the best place to unwind and soak in the holiday cheer.
Also read: 4 Must-Visit Churches in Bali for a Unique Christmas Celebration
As you plan your tropical Christmas holiday, remember that Bali requires legal compliance for entry. Check out the full details in our guide on Bali Entry Requirements 2025 and Bali Customs Declaration Guide.
For visa purposes, you can enter using the Bali visa on arrival which is valid for a 30-day stay. Meanwhile, if you want to stay longer, you can extend the Bali visa on arrival or apply for a Bali tourist visa.
For a simpler visa application, you can rely on InvestinAsia’s Bali Visa service. Our professional team is ready to help you through the process to the end.
Contact us today for a FREE Consultation and special package!
Also check our complete guide for Bali Visa Extension 2024.
Ensure you have all the necessary documentation to enjoy your holiday worry-free!
Whether you’re looking for a festive celebration or a peaceful beach escape, Bali has something for everyone this Christmas season. From sunset cocktails to cultural experiences, your tropical holiday will be one to remember.
references:
- whatsnewindonesia.com
- viceroybali.com
