Christmas in Bali 2026: 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, so the island’s main religious celebrations follow the Balinese Hindu calendar rather than the Christian calendar. 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 and Spend Christmas in Bali
Planning to be in Bali over Christmas? Here are my favourite locations. Some are more social than others so it really depends on your preference!
👉 Munduk Moding Plantation – Perfect if you want a cooler, cosy Christmas in the mountains. I spent Christmas in Munduk myself and loved the festive atmosphere, especially because the cooler December weather made it feel surprisingly Christmassy. (check my review here)
👉 The Udaya Resort and Spa in Ubud – A good option if you want to be close to yoga studios, spas, cafes and the community events that happen around Ubud.
👉 Radisson Blu Uluwatu – Ideal if you want a beach focused Christmas with easy access to Uluwatu’s beaches, beach clubs and spa treatments. It’s a fantastic resort I absolutely love! (check my review here)
👉 Outpost Coliving in Ubud – A great choice for solo travellers and remote workers who want to meet people. Outpost has coworking spaces, a pool and regular community events, including Christmas gatherings.
Many hotels, restaurants and resorts organise special Christmas dinners and events, so I recommend booking early if you are visiting during the festive period 🙂
What To Do And Where To Go On 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!
If you’re looking for a proper Christmas buffet or lunch I highly recommend Village Square by the Andaz in Sanur. It’s right by the beach and you can get the most amazing Christmas meal!
For Christmas 2026, they are holding their Christmas Village Brunch on Friday, 25 December from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. It’s right by the beach and I love the atmosphere here, but make sure to book here in advance 🙂
#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 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 Celebrate in a coffee Plantation in the mountains!
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 Munduk 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
Bali is the easiest place to organise a gathering. I’m saying this from experience given that I founded a book club in Sanur ahah (ps. if you want to join it, send me a DM on Insta and I’ll add you to the WA group).
So all you have to do is go on one of the many Facebook groups and create an event! I listed my favourite groups here. Once you have an idea of the approximate number of attendees, book a place in advance and that’s it!
There are people visiting Bali all year round and a lot of them are on FB before or during their trip 🙂
If you want to experience a beach party and meet your people there, 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 views over the Ocean!
#9 Hit the beach for a relaxing day
Sanur is probably one of the most relaxing locations in Bali. The typical travellers here are retirees or families. Super laid-back but classy too. It’s the perfect location if you want to relax.
I normally swim in the morning until lunchtime because after that there will normally be a low tide. For this reason, I recommend doing a full pool day. Here in Sanur, it’s so relaxing you can fall asleep on the sunbed or read a book in silence. Nothing to do with Canggu or Seminyak, which are noisy and party-like.
The best pools that offer a day pass are Meru Hotel and Prama. Meru is currently around IDR 250k per day including a towel, while Prama is about IDR 150k including a towel and a water bottle.
I find Meru a lot more relaxing just because it doesn’t have kids’ games, so there will be fewer children. They also often offer lounge-like live music, which I really enjoy!
Is Bali A Good Place To Go For Christmas?
- 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 still spend Christmas Day at the beach. Although December falls during Bali’s rainy season, the weather is hot and you can still get plenty of sunny days.
- 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
Yes. Christmas Day on 25 December is a national public holiday in Indonesia, including Bali. However, because Bali is predominantly Hindu, Christmas is not traditionally celebrated by most Balinese families. In tourist areas, most restaurants, cafes, shops and attractions remain open, and many hotels and restaurants organise special Christmas events.
Yes. Most cafes, restaurants, spas and shops in Bali stay open on Christmas Day, particularly in tourist areas such as Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu and Sanur. Some places also offer special Christmas menus or events, so I recommend booking in advance if you have somewhere specific in mind.
Yes. Many hotels, resorts and restaurants offer special Christmas lunches and dinners with dishes such as roast turkey, ham and festive desserts. These are particularly common in popular tourist areas, and the most popular Christmas meals can book up quickly, so make a reservation in advance.
Christmas falls during Bali’s rainy season, so expect hot and humid weather with occasional tropical showers. It doesn’t usually rain all day, and you can still get plenty of sunny periods and spend time at the beach. I recommend keeping your plans flexible and having an indoor option in mind in case of heavy showers.
Also, Ubud will be more rainy because of it’s own micro-climate as it’s located near the forest. Other locations like Sanur and Canggu are generally drier during the rainy season.
Yes. Bali is great for solo travellers at Christmas, especially if you join a yoga class, visit a festive cafe or take part in coworking and community events. There are plenty of travellers and remote workers spending Christmas away from home, so it is relatively easy to find people to celebrate with.
I would say it get’s busier compared to other months in the rainy season such as November or late January. That being said it’s not as busy as July, August and September. I don’t find it overwhelming at all.
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
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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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