Can you believe it? Christmas is just around the corner! If you’re lucky enough to be in Bali for the big day, a world of festive delights awaits you. Whether it’s your first time in Bali or you’re a seasoned visitor, there’s something magical about celebrating Christmas on this beautiful island.

Celebrate Christmas in Paradise

While Christmas is a public holiday in Bali, the island’s favorite hotels, restaurants, and cafes roll out the red carpet on December 25th to share in the festive cheer. Imagine this: you sit down to a giant roast dinner, or maybe you prefer a Balinese-style fried rice with a bucket of ice-cold beers on the beach. The choice is yours! Personally, I once celebrated Christmas morning watching the sun rise over the ocean, sipping on a refreshing smoothie bowl right after an early surf session. Talk about a memorable experience!

Make Your Reservations Early

This time of year can get pretty chaotic in Bali, particularly around Christmas and New Year. If there’s a restaurant, cafe, or specific dining experience that you’re set on visiting, I can’t stress enough—book ahead! This will save you from the disappointment of arriving only to find there’s no table available.

Most tourist-friendly eateries in Bali have an easy digital booking system that you can access via their Instagram page or Google Maps listing. This is so convenient! When I was last in Bali, I found a fantastic restaurant through Instagram, which made reserving a spot a breeze.

Festive Events You Can’t Miss

With so many exciting events happening, it might be hard to pick just one! Here are a few that caught my eye:

  • COMO UMA Canggu: This hotspot will be hosting a fabulous Christmas Day Lunch from 12 PM to 3 PM at the COMO Beach Club, complete with family-style dining and live entertainment. Bookings are essential, and the lunch is priced at IDR 88,000 per person.

  • Hard Rock Hotel Kuta: Experience a rock and roll Christmas with a sumptuous buffet featuring traditional favorites and festive desserts. Plus, enjoy a special visit from Santa himself! Dinners are priced at IDR 685,000++ per adult, and you can upgrade to a free-flow alcohol package for IDR 500,000++.

And while we’re on the topic of food, don’t forget—over in Ubud, the stunning Bambu Indah Resort has planned a romantic dining-for-two experience on Christmas Eve that’s absolutely one for the books. Guests will dine amidst beautiful edible gardens—what a perfect way to celebrate the holiday!

Understanding Christmas in Bali

While Indonesia is primarily a Muslim nation, Bali is a unique melting pot of cultures and religions, and Christmas is still widely celebrated here. Expect some attractions and venues to have altered hours during the public holiday, so be sure to check ahead. But don’t worry, services like Grab, GrabFood, GoJek, and GoJek Food will remain available throughout the holidays to keep your dining experience hassle-free.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or even new faces met along your journey, Christmas in Bali can be an unforgettable experience. So don’t wait—grab your spot at one of these fantastic venues and celebrate the holiday in style!