Spending the festive season in Bali can be absolutely awesome, but if you want to get the most out of your time on the island at this amazing point of the year, it’s best to come prepared.
So, we put together this simple guide to help get you in the Christmas spirit. We’ll talk you through how Bali works at Christmas, some of the best things to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and share some tips to answer your questions about this season at the end. Enjoy!
About The Holiday Season In Bali
Do They Celebrate Christmas In Bali?
The majority of Balinese people are Hindu, not Christian, and they don’t celebrate Christmas.
However, Indonesia is a mainly Muslim country with a constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. And there are millions of Christians in Indonesia, some of whom have made Bali their home.
For those Christians, Christmas Day is a public holiday, and these Christians and any visitors who come to the island are welcome to celebrate Christmas in any way they want to (as long as it doesn’t break the law). Christmas Eve is not a holiday in Bali.
The island’s restaurants, bars, resorts, beach clubs, stores, etc., often get into the holiday spirit, and you can find twinkling lights in windows, Christmas trees (which are extremely expensive in Bali) and even the odd Santa as you spend time on the island at this time of year.
There is no set way to enjoy Christmas in Bali, and the island follows no particular tradition in this respect. So, for those from countries where you tend to celebrate on Christmas Eve, there’s plenty for you to enjoy, and for those from countries where Christmas Day is the main event, there are plenty of options for you too.
FINNS Beach Club And Christmas In Bali
FINNS is the busiest party spot on the island, and on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the party will be in full swing.
While there’s no specific Christmas dinner on the menu, with over a dozen cuisines to choose from, we’re positive it will be one of the tastiest meals of your life while you enjoy a festive cocktail or two (or more) by our infinity pool.
Relax and enjoy the world-class entertainment, the live DJs and vocalists and, of course, the most epic sunset view on the island. And be prepared to dance, the dance floors at the world’s best beach club are absolutely heaving all Christmas long.
One thing to bear in mind: FINNS is an adults-only venue; our guests must be over 16 years old, even on Christmas Day.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: FINNS
What To Do On Christmas Eve In Bali?
There are plenty of Christmas Eve dinner options in Bali, and we think these are among the best of them:
Padi Restaurant: Christmas Eve Buffet
Padi at the posh AYANA Resort in Jimbaran Bay will be combining the raw spices of Indonesia with the Christmas Eve classics that we all know and love.
There will also be some Balinese dancing to help keep the party going. Children under 11 get in for a 50% discount, and the fixed price for this buffet dinner includes a welcome drink.
Where Is It? AYANA Resort and Spa, Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364
Online: AYANA
Donbiu: Italian Dolce Vita Christmas Eve Dinner
The Agnello Cotto Lentamente is worth the trip to Donbiu for Christmas Eve, alone. The herbs soak into the slow-cooked lamb and leave it so mouthwateringly tender that you just can’t beat it.
There’s a fixed price for entry, but no drinks option and no discount for the little ones.
Where Is It? Jl. Padma, Legian, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Online: Donbiu
Poppies Restaurant: A Rijstaffel Christmas Eve Dinner
If you’d like your Christmas Eve to be a taste of Bali, then Poppies is going with a rijstaffel (rice table) of Indonesian delicacies to delight your tongue. There will be plenty of babi guling at this dinner.
The cocktail bar at this restaurant is very much your old school tropical affair, and we’ve found it’s a great place to strike up a conversation with a new friend after you’ve enjoyed an excellent meal.
Where Is It? Jln Legian Jl. Poppies I No.16, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Online: Poppies
Kura Kura Restaurant: Succulent Carvery Dinner
This will be a very pleasant gastronomic feast that is ideal to enjoy with family and friends. Expect a wonderful selection of food, including a carvery, cheese counter, and so many desserts that you’re going to be very full by the time you leave.
There will also be an appearance from the Bali choral academy to sing a Christmas Children’s Carol, and we hear that Santa will also be making an appearance here. We like the drinks package because it includes free-flow champagne.
Where Is It? Seminyak, Jl. Kayu Aya, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: The Oberoi
Where To Go For Christmas Lunch In Bali?
A good Christmas lunch can’t be beaten, and these are the island’s best Christmas lunches:
Segaran Dining Terrace – A La Carte Delights
They are promising a lively Christmas lunch from a very special à la carte menu at Segaran Dining Terrace in the swish Jumeriah Bali resort.
Expect an oceanfront view with cool sea breezes as you dine, and we hear that Santa will be coming by to join you and your little ones at this lovely place. The lunch also includes some live entertainment, but we’re not entirely certain what that will be, as yet.
Where Is It? Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort, Jl. Raya Uluwatu Street, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Online: Jumeriah
Koral Restaurant – Five & Six Course Menus
Where could be a more iconic place to eat in Bali than the ludicrously aquarium-themed restaurant at the Apurve Kempinski in Nusa Dua? We’d expect the food to be world-class and for you to enjoy the company of many fish as you feast here.
There are two menus to choose from, one with five courses and the other with six. The food is fixed price for this, but there is no drinks package, which might make this a bit expensive for those on a budget.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Online: Koral
Wicked Parrot – Live Music And Lots Of Cheer
Santa is guaranteed to put in a showing at the Wicked Parrott in Sanur, where there will also be a choral performance from the Bali Community Choir.
We’d note that the lunch here kicks off at 1 p.m., which makes it ideal for a family that likes a long lie-in during their holidays. There will also be live music during the meal and a very good a la carte menu to enjoy.;
Where Is It? Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.47, Sanur, Denpasar Sel., Bali 80361
Online: The Wicked Parrot
Blossom Steakhouse – With All You Can Eat Seafood
Blossom Steakhouse in the Icon Bali Mall will also be having a lovely festive Christmas lunch, and the whole family is welcome to come along and join in the festive celebration.
We suspect that their all-you-can-eat seafood is going to ensure that you end Christmas lunch feeling very full, indeed. You might want to book a Grab back to your resort, so you can sleep it off in style.
Where Is It? Icon Bali Mall, Jl. Danau Tamblingan GF-14, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228
Online: Blossom
Where To Go For A Christmas Day Brunch?
If you like all-inclusive occasions for a fixed price and often with an excellent drinks package available for a little more money, these brunches are a great call:
Watu Steakhouse – Happy Hen Eggs Christmas Roast Brunch
Watu Steakhouse is inside the island’s poshest wellness resort, the Six Senses in Uluwatu, and you know that the food here will be full of flavour, fresh, local and healthy.
They are offering roast dinners, Bebek Betutu Pie, Happy Hen Eggs, as well as some incredible desserts that are going to keep the whole family happy. We should also note that this is the only Christmas Day brunch on the island that is committed to being zero-waste.
Where Is It? Six Senses, Uluwatu, Bali Uluwatu, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Online: Six Senses
CIRE – Festive Delicacies And Lavish Brunch
CIRE is at the incredible Alila Villas complex in Uluwatu, and if you’re not staying here, this could be your chance to explore one of Bali’s best resort complexes.
They will be delivering a brunch stacked with festive and culinary delicacies, and there’s an excellent value drinks package that lets you enjoy unlimited mocktails, cocktails and wines! You can’t say fairer than that on Christmas Day.
Where Is It? Inside Alila Villas Uluwatu, Jl. Belimbing Sari Uluwatu, Banjar Tambiak, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362
Online: CIRE
Loloan Beach Bar & Grill – Refined Brunch With Wine And The Sound Of The Waves
Raffles is one of Bali’s newest luxury resorts, and it’s made some serious waves by being labelled one of the best hotels in Indonesia already by the Michelin Guide.
Their Loloan Beach Bar & Grill will be holding a very pleasant Christmas brunch on the ocean front with a curated wine list and some of the finest food on the island. It’s not cheap, but then, it’s Raffles, what did you expect?
Where Is It? Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera No.1A, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Raffles
Prego Di Natale Brunch – A Family-Friendly Occasion At The Westin
The Westin is one of the most popular family-friendly resorts in Nusa Dua, and Prego is one of the best value brunches in this fairly expensive resort town.
The good news is that not only are your family welcome at this brunch, but there will be some fun holiday games during the festive dining experience and maybe even a magic show with magic tricks! Best of all, little ones get in for half the already reasonable adult price!
Where Is It? Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua BTDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan, Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80363
Online: Marriott
Where To Go For Christmas Dinner In Bali?
If you prefer to eat in the evenings on Christmas Day, there are still plenty of awesome options available to you:
Il Restorante – Niko Romito: Seven Course Christmas Degustation Menu
This may be the most expensive Christmas dinner in Bali, but if you want to enjoy the tropical climate by the Indian Ocean in the ridiculously upmarket and ostentatious Bulgari Resort, that’s the price of admission (a cool 5 million IDR per head plus tax and service charge and not including drinks).
If you do go that way, expect to enjoy a culinary journey of exceptional ingredients and some of the most refined and inventive cooking techniques that can be found anywhere in the world.
Where Is It? Bvlgari Resort Bali, Jl. Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, Badung Regency, Bali 80364
Online: Bulgari
360 Rooftop Restaurant Uluwatu – Panoramic Views Over The Ocean
The Anantara resort in Pecatu is a lovely spot where upmarket holiday makers can enjoy some of the nicest hotel rooms on the island, and at Christmas, they and outside guests can gather at the 360 Rooftop Restaurant there to enjoy a family-style set menu.
The sunset views here are superb, and you will find that their cocktails are excellent too. They may also recommend selected wines to pair with your meal as you go.
Where Is It? Labuan Sait, Jl. Pemutih, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Uluwatu, Bali 80361
Online: Anantara
SUKU Restaurant – A Hearty Buffet Dinner
This property in the Conrad in Tanjung Benoa is going with a huge selection of seafood on ice, a proper turkey carving station and a number of grilling stations where you can ensure that your main course is cooked exactly the way that you like it.
There will also be a special performance of Christmas carols to enjoy at this excellent restaurant.
Where Is It? Jl. Pratama No.168, Tanjung, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363
Online: Hilton
Kwee Zeen – International And Asian Festive Classics
Kwee Zeen at the Sofitel is a very popular spot with families, and they will be serving up an open-air buffet complete with some seriously tasty treats.
Expect a live band, an on-site magician and a Christmas carols performance, too. One thing we’re very impressed with is how reasonably priced this dinner is, and if you’re looking for a family day out without breaking the bank for Christmas, this is the place to be.
Where Is It? 665H+7PP, Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Online: Sofitel
Cool Places To Stay At Christmas In Bali
Many of the hotels and resorts have festive packages for the season of Joy, and some of our favourites include:
Jumeriah Bali
If you’re in the mood to go large with your hotel choice this Christmas, then the views over the Indian Ocean from the villas at the super swish Jumeriah Bali resort are nothing to sneeze at.
The hotel is offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining packages that should help to make your Christmas in Bali even more special.
If you want the ultimate in luxury stays, try their four-bedroom Water Palace. It’s a very memorable place for a festive celebration on the island.
Where Is It? Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort, Jl. Raya Uluwatu Street, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Online: Jumeriah
Holiday Inn Resort Bali
They want to make sure that their guests know that Christmas doesn’t need snow to be super special at the Holiday Inn in Canggu, Bali.
This family-friendly resort is going all out to ensure your kids have an amazing time this Christmas. There will be appearances by Santa, Christmas meals, Christmas activities, and much more to enjoy, as well as free access to the pool and beach.
It’s also a nice hotel if you want to explore the local surf scene as part of your overall Bali holiday.
One thing you should know is that they have a Canggu Festive Escape package which includes free breakfasts, sunset cocktails and a festive dinner!
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong A No.93xx, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: IHG
Grand Hyatt Bali
This family resort in Nusa Dua will be offering themed dining events and much more throughout the festive season.
Things kick off in the Grand Hyatt on the 20th of December and don’t stop until the New Year!
All of their four restaurants will be working up special celebration menus, and there will be arts and crafts events for the kids, too!
One very interesting thing about this resort is that it offers all-inclusive packages, and these are available at a discount during the festive season.
Where Is It? Kawasan Wisata Nusa Dua ITDC, Benoa, South Kuta, Bali, 80363
Online: Hyatt
Hard Rock Hotel Bali
The Hard Rock Hotel Bali is one of the best places for a family Christmas if you love rock music and the thought of acting like celebrities for a bit.
They have festive meals on both Xmas Eve and on Xmas Day, and the drinks packages are incredibly good value when compared to most other hotels in Bali.
The celebration continues with their live band, which is one of the best rock cover bands we’ve heard in Southeast Asia and a whole lot of fun.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Kuta, Banjar Pande Mas, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Hard Rock
Other Things To Do At Christmas In Bali
Go To Church
While everyone should enjoy a Christmas Brunch, you might also want to get in touch with the religious side of this holiday, and if you do, then you’ll find plenty of churches here in Bali.
Not all services are in English at Balinese churches, but many are. It’s worth checking with the church before the Christmas service if you want to appreciate the sermon.
Check Out The Xmas Shop In Ubud
There aren’t many places in Bali where it’s always Christmas, but this little store in Ubud is a place to find sustainable Christmas decorations.
Most of the products are locally made and crafted by hand; it’s a nice alternative to the industrially produced stuff that you find in many of the other stores at this time of year, too.
Where Is It? F6XV+9MG, Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: N/A
Christmas Tips For Bali
We’ve got some very simple tips to get the most out of Christmas in Bali:
- Book in advance – ideally, book as early as you can. The early bird tends to get the biggest discounts and a guarantee that they will stay and eat in the places they want the most.
- Feel free to be a grinch – not everywhere in Bali will go all in on the festive season, you can easily enjoy a place on the island where the holiday season is an afterthought and not the main event.
- Avoid the offshore islands – for all the Gili Islands and the Nusa Islands can be fun, in the rainy season, the boat journeys to these islands can be a real horror show, and on the worst days, the boats don’t run at all. We can see people running out of Christmas spirit pretty quickly if they get marooned offshore for days or even weeks.
- Think about where you want to be – Canggu is the perfect place to stay for most people, particularly if you’re coming to FINNS Beach Club. But Nusa Dua is often the best place for family activities in this season. Hotels with a kids club can be a real blessing for families at this time of year, too.
- Have fun – drink the house wine, enjoy live acoustic music, watch your kids eat free or for half price, get that beverage package with your Christmas Brunch, but also, remember that this is Bali, and to also show respect for the local culture while you indulge.
FAQs
Is Christmas Good In Bali?
Yes! Well, let’s qualify that, Bali is a great place to celebrate Christmas if you want to enjoy warm hospitality, excellent service, fun holiday games and tropical Santa along with delicious food and drinks.
However, how good any individual Christmas is is usually down to the people involved. We’ve found that if you join with family or friends for a Christmas Eve dinner, head out to Christmas brunch or to FINNS Beach Club for the big festive celebration and end the day full of holiday spirit, things tend to be absolutely fantastic when you celebrate Christmas in Bali.
Where Is The Best Place To Celebrate Christmas In Bali?
We’re a little biased, but we think the best place to spend Christmas in Bali is at FINNS Beach Club, and we know that thousands of other people agree with us. Christmas Day is one of the busiest days of the year at FINNS.
While the beach club doesn’t offer a Christmas Day Brunch, it helps to add holiday sparkle by offering the best party vibe in town and the finest live entertainment on the island. The sunset view over the Indian Ocean is mind-blowing, and everyone has an amazing time.
However, we should note that it’s not family-friendly fun; FINNS is one of the few spots in the Bali sun that is adults-only. Guests must be a minimum of 16 years old at FINNS Beach Club.
Is Everything Open On Christmas Day In Bali?
Almost everything is open on Christmas Day in Bali. Because this is a Hindu-majority island, you’ll find that the vast majority of businesses are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
However, Indonesia offers a very tolerant environment for people of all faiths, including Christians, and Christmas Day is a public holiday for the island’s Christian population. Many Christian-owned businesses may be closed for the day.
This won’t affect most visitors to the island because the majority of Christians in Bali live towards the Western side of the island, away from the main tourist areas.
Is It Advisable To Visit Bali In December?
Yes, it’s advisable to visit Bali in December. There are some minor downsides to coming at this time of year. The first is that it rains a bit more on average in December than most of the rest of the year, though there are still plenty of sunny days.
The second is that a lot of people come to Bali as part of their Christmas activities and for the awesome array of festive dining experiences. The period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day is Bali’s busiest, and that means you need to book early to get the hotel and festive feasting opportunities that you want, and you may need to pay a premium for it.
The flip side of this is that everywhere in Bali is buzzing during this period. If you enjoy fun-filled activities, live music, meeting new people, etc., then there’s no better time of year to visit Bali than in December.
Final Thoughts On The Festive Season In Bali
If you’re in the mood to get in the Christmas spirit with or without a festive cocktail and a lavish buffet, then Bali’s got something for you.
Whether you want to chill by the pool in the warm tropical climate or enjoy Balinese dance while eating garlic-roasted beef rump at a Christmas Brunch in Nuda Dua or party at the world’s best beach club, you’re bound to find something that makes your Christmas special.
If you’re lucky, you may even find that there’s a surprise visit from Santa while you and your loved ones enjoy the ultimate island festive season.
