Christmas in Bali 2025: What to Do and Where to Go
Spending Christmas in Bali looks nothing like it does back home. There is no cold weather, no heavy meals, and no pressure to celebrate a certain way.
You will find festive cafes, sunny beach days, and the freedom to do what feels right.
I have spent Christmas here many times and I honestly love it. I usually spend the day itself at the beach with friends, but during the holiday period, I like to try different things.
From festive cafes and spa days to cooking classes, yoga, and coworking lunches, there is always something happening. In this guide to Christmas in Bali, I have listed the best ways to enjoy the season. It is still a special time of year, just in a different way.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Is Christmas In Bali Celebrated?
Let’s start from the very top. While Christmas might be a huge deal back home, it’s worth noting that Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated by the Balinese people.
Bali is predominantly Hindu, and their major festivals are centred around its own calendar and customs. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t find any festive cheer!
Thanks to the island’s thriving expat community and the influx of holiday tourists, many restaurants, resorts, and shops get into the Christmas spirit.
So you’ll still see a few twinkling lights, decorated trees, and even the occasional Santa. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture whilst enjoying your festive holiday.
Where To Stay In Bali For Christmas
Planning to be in Bali over Christmas? These are some great options if you want a comfortable base during the holidays:
👉 Munduk Moding Plantation – Cosy and festive with mountain views
👉 The Udaya Resort and Spa in Ubud – Good if you want to stay near yoga studios and spas
👉 Radisson Blu Uluwatu – Easy access to beach clubs and spa treatments
👉 Outpost Coliving in Ubud – Includes coworking, a pool, and events for remote workers
Many of these places offer Christmas dinner, decorations, or special events, so remember to book early!
Ideas On How To Spend Your Christmas Day in Bali
#1 Have breakfast in a Christmassy cafe
If you want to feel the Christmassy vibes, start your day by visiting some of Bali’s Christmassy cafes.
Places like Kynd Community in Seminyak and Canggu are decorated with Christmas decorations and offer special festive menus.
These spots are perfect for getting those Instagram-worthy snaps and meeting fellow travellers. The Paperhills cafe in Kintamani is my favourite festive spot, their big Christmas tree is beautiful!
You can go to these cafes alone or invite people you just met at coworking spaces or hostels 🙂
#2 Check out the Xmas Shop in Ubud
The Xmas Shop in Ubud is a small but surprisingly well-stocked store dedicated entirely to Christmas — and yes, it’s open even in the middle of summer!
You’ll find handcrafted decorations, sustainable ornaments made from natural materials, and lots of Bali-inspired Christmas pieces that are far nicer than the mass-produced stuff in regular shops.
It’s a great stop if you’re looking for something unique to take home or want to get into the holiday spirit without committing to a full-on celebration.
I lived close to this shop for a while in Ubud and I loved taking a look all year round! The owners are really nice and although it’s a small shop, it really fills my heart every time I go!
Don’t land in Bali unprepared
A free step-by-step checklist that helps you prepare everything from documents and health to accommodation, activities, and food allergies, all in one place.
#3 Master the Art of Festive Cooking
Why not take a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Balinese dishes? Places like this one offer classes where you can learn how to cook delicious local recipes, meet new people, and enjoy a delicious meal.
Most cooking classes are held in Ubud and start with collecting ingredients from local markets!
👉 Book your class in advance on GetYourGuide.com! It’s the best place to book cooking classes and you get to read honest reviews from previous travellers.
#4 Go to your Coworking Place Lunch/Dinner
If you are planning on working remotely from Bali, check out The Outpost.
It’s one of the best coworking spaces and it’s located in Ubud!
They always organise Christmas events and lunches. When you join Outpost, you will also be a member of their WhatsApp group. Make sure to check that group regularly as they announce all upcoming events over there!
Did you know that Outpost is also a Co-living place? They offer nice rooms and the price would also include coworking, swimming pool access and shared kitchen! 👉 Check Available Rooms here!
Worried about choosing the wrong hostel in Bali?
Get the free guide with the safest and most solo-friendly hostels so you can book with confidence 🌸
#5 Start Christmas Day with Yoga
Wake up on Christmas morning and head to a yoga class to get your zen on.
Studios like The Yoga Barn in Ubud or Serenity Yoga in Canggu offer sessions that cater to all levels. It’s a wonderful way to start the day feeling centred and grateful.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet other solo travellers who share your interest in mindfulness and well-being.
The Yoga Barn would also organise Christmas meals for anyone who wants to join. They start advertising it a few weeks earlier by the cafe and you can ask any questions right on the spot!
Last year, in Gili Trawangan, I met a girl on Christmas Eve in a cafe and she invited me to an early Yoga class on Christmas Day. We had the best time!
If you’re interested in yoga, there are quite a few yoga retreats running around Christmas time in Bali. Check availability here!
If you’re interested in yoga, there are quite a few yoga retreats running around Christmas time in Bali. 👉 Check yoga retreats availability here!
#6 Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day
Treat yourself to a luxurious spa day. Bali is famous for its world-class spas, and what better time to indulge than Christmas?
My top recommendations are 👉 Svaha Spa Bisma in Ubud (check out my review here to know more) and the 👉 The Spa at Renaissance in Uluwatu.
I can go to these places above with my eyes closed and I know I would get an amazing massage.
If these places are not close to you, do a quick Google search and look for anything with a rating over 4.5. Read through the reviews as well, just to understand what to expect before booking your spot.
#7 Book your stay at Munduk Moding Plantation!
Last year, I spent Christmas in Munduk and it’s been magical.Munduk Moding Plantation is a stunning resort in a coffee plantation in North Bali.
They had a beautiful Christmas tree in the entrance made of recycled materials and I really enjoyed their Christmas menu as well.
From time to time, they also make a bonfire where you can melt marshmallows. Munduk in December is not like the rest of Bali; it’s a bit chilly! So it really felt cosy and Christmassy!
👉 Check availability at the Mundik Moding Plantation! I’ve also written a review if you want to know more about this amazing resort!
#8 Host Your Own Christmas Lunch Party
Feeling social? Throw a Christmas lunch party! Many beach clubs and restaurants in Bali offer special Christmas menus that you can enjoy with newfound friends.
Consider places like Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak or Sundays Beach Club in Uluwatu. These establishments often host festive events complete with live music, delicious food, and stunning ocean views.
It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas Day in paradise! If you’re less of a party animal (like me) you can always invite your closest friends for lunch at your place maybe and play board games!
#9 Celebrate Christmas with a Beach Bonfire
End your Christmas day with a beautiful beach bonfire or dinner by the beach. Head to places like Echo Beach, Bingin Beach or Jimbaran Beach where you can join a group of travellers or locals celebrating with music, dancing, and even fireworks.
It’s a surreal experience to celebrate Christmas by the ocean, and it’s something you’ll remember forever.
Reasons Why Christmas In Bali Is Amazing
- If you are a bit of a Grinch, meaning you don’t really love Christmas, Bali is the perfect place as it’s just one day like another
- You can spend the day on the beach. Although it will be rainy season, it’s still super hot and sunny (it only rains a few hours a day)
- For those who care about celebrating Christmas, there is a huge expat community willing to meet during the day or over a meal
Quick Tips for a Smooth Christmas in Bali
- Book in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during Christmas. Make reservations early to avoid disappointment.
- Stay Connected: Join Facebook groups or use apps like Nomeo to find events and gatherings tailored to solo travellers. -> Check out this blog post where I go through exactly how to meet other travellers easily!
- Safety First: Bali is generally safe, but it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone.
👉 Get your travel insurance on HeyMondo. They have 24/7 customer service and it’s really affordable!
- Remember it’s the rainy season: Don’t plan to visit different islands over Christmas because the sea will be quite rough. Boats get cancelled very often around that time of the year and you don’t want to risk getting stuck on one of these islands. A few years ago I got stuck in Gili T for Christmas because there were no boats going to Bali for days.
FAQs On How To Spend Christmas In Bali
No, Christmas is not a public holiday in Bali for the majority of the population. Bali is predominantly Hindu, so the day continues as normal for most locals. However, Christmas Day (25 December) is a national holiday in Indonesia, so some businesses may have limited staff.
Yes! Most cafes, restaurants, spas, and shops stay open on Christmas Day in Bali. Since it’s not widely celebrated by locals, it’s business as usual — especially in touristy areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu.
Some hotels, resorts, and expat-run restaurants offer Christmas lunches or dinners with turkey, ham, and festive desserts. It’s a good idea to book in advance as these spots fill up quickly.
Christmas falls during Bali’s rainy season, which usually means hot, humid days with a few hours of rain. You can still spend time at the beach, but it’s best to plan indoor options too, just in case.
Yes. Bali is great for solo travellers during Christmas — especially if you join a yoga class, go to a festive cafe, or connect through coworking events. You’ll find a lot of digital nomads and travellers who aren’t going home for the holidays.
What Now?
Get ready for your Christmas in Bali. I know you might be stressed out about this trip – it’s ok if you are!
That’s why I’ve created a free downloadable checklist of things to do before travelling to Bali.
Don’t waste time thinking about what documents, insurance, or credit cards to bring – I’ve done the work for you! You can even print it if you like, it’s just one useful free list that will save you time. You’re welcome 😉
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts
- New Year’s Eve In Bali: How To Celebrate And What To Expect
- How to Make Friends in Bali: A Guide for Female Solo Travelers
- Is Bali Safe To Travel Alone?
- The Ultimate 10-Day Bali Adventure: Your Perfect Itinerary
- Bali Belly Tips Every Traveller Should Know (From Experience)
- Travel To Bali For 2 Months: Full Guide To Get Your Visa Sorted
✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
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