Take Your Christmas Celebrations A Notch Above With A Celebration In Bali
If you’re looking for a holiday adventure to remember for a lifetime then consider Bali. This Indonesian paradise is filled with fun and festive attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Strolling through Jalan Danau Tamblingan can be an enchanting experience as you take in the Christmas spirit in the Christmas markets and watch talented Balinese dancers perform traditional activities. Bali has a plethora of elements for a memorable festive getaway that make this a popular location for Christmas and New Year trips.
The markets in Bali during Christmas are generally held from November to January and take the Christmas spirit a notch above. Christmas in Bali is a popular time for the island’s population. The festive season begins with “Odek” – Balinese New Year celebrations from mid-October until mid-January. A short break follows this period before Christmas in Bali starts once again.
The market in Sanur is the first of three, with Denpasar to follow and then Pemuteran. To make your visit to Bali in December a truly unforgettable experience, use your senses while you peruse the market. Take in the vibrant sounds and fantastic smells from the food stalls.
The lively street markets of Bali have some of the most fantastic cuisines and souvenirs for your journey. The Christmas spirit will be tangible as you stroll through the market’s stalls and take part in various activities suitable for Christmas enthusiasts of all ages. You can feel the spirit of Christmas in every street of Bali. Here’s the complete guide for having the perfect Christmas during your trip to Bali in December.
Popular Places to Visit During Christmas in Bali.
Christmas in Bali is best known for its unique and impressive celebrations and fun events across the city. However, there are several Christmas festivities beyond shopping in the markets. An evening boat cruise on Sanur beach is a beautiful way to get in the holiday spirit. The multi-coloured lights reflecting on the calm sea make for a great view from a distance. Here are some of the must-visit places during Christmas in Bali in December:
1. Jalan Danau Tamblingan
The main street in Denpasar is the perfect place to start your explorations. This thoroughfare is home to many markets, which makes it a great place to start your Christmas shopping. You can purchase things like Balinese handicrafts, ornaments, and food while you listen to traditional sounds and watch the local performances.
The markets are also home to lots of Christmas decorations during Bali December. The street is home to many traditional Balinese house decorations for your Christmas tree. You can even sit down at cafes to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, sip on some Indonesian coffee or sample a variety of beverages.
2. Nusa Penida Island
Nusa Penida is a small island in Bali known as paradise by the sea. The island offers a variety of recreational activities and attracts talented artists from all over the world. There are hotels and villas and various attractions for visitors to enjoy there.
One of the most popular spots on Nusa Penida Island is Bayak Waterfall which has become one of Bali’s most famous tourist spots. The waterfall looks stunning when it rains and enables people to take pictures while they have fun celebrating Christmas in Bali.
Also Read : New Year In Bali
3. Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is located in East Bali, where you can enjoy beautiful views of this popular tourist destination during the Christmas celebration in Bali. This area is famous for surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and many other water sports activities. It is also the perfect place to unwind after a long day of Christmas shopping in Bali.
Head over to Sanur Beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you sip on some beverages and savour the taste of your favourite snacks. You can also join in on Christmas celebrations with great parties held here during this particular time.
Did you know that besides Christmas in Bali you can also enjoy the New Year celebrations there which are exquisite in every way. With this being said you should also check out the Bali New trip itinerary.
4. Tanah Lot Temple
This temple is an iconic landmark that you should visit while celebrating Christmas in Bali. The temple is located right along the coast and features a large 10-story central tower surrounded by smaller surrounding towers. After completing your shopping, you can head to Tanah Lot Temple and watch the sunset. Many festivities are held across markets and towns near Tanah Lot temples on Christmas eve in Bali.
You’ll find food stalls, restaurants and shops on almost every corner, market and beach of Bali. Those who love the nightlife can book tables in nightclubs to set off on their outing with friends and family to celebrate Christmas in Bali. Along the markets and beaches, you’ll also find many colourful stalls selling Christmas special gift items and souvenirs to take back home.
Fun Activities To Cherish During Christmas In Bali December:
Join your friends and family on one of Bali’s many fun and exciting Christmas activities. Those who love to party at night can enjoy a holiday season full of dancing, partying and lots of conversations over drinks. From visiting the local Denpasar & visiting temples to enjoying the beaches and parties, there is something for everyone in Bali during the winter season.
For adventure lovers, Bali has some of the most fun waterfalls, trekking tours, swings, night safari, snorkelling, river rafting and many other water sports for an adrenaline rush. Bali is the perfect destination for everyone, whether you admire nature coupled with cosy atmosphere or are an adventure freak seeking the pure thrill. Here are a few fun activities to do in Bali during Christmas.
1. Take a Boat Ride Near the Islands
It is a common practice for tourists in Bali at Christmas to come out with their arms full of goods and souvenirs they have purchased from the local markets. Numerous boats at Jalan Danau Tamblingan can take you to the nearby islands. When you’re done visiting Tanah Lot Temple, you can book your tickets for these boats and explore the nearby islands near Bali. On Christmas Eve in Bali, you can also witness the traditional dance of Javanese Gamelan.
Many parties and other night activities are organised on the beaches with festive, colourful lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday season in Bali. To join in on this Bali Xmas holiday celebration, you can book a night at your hotel or home and join in the celebrations. If you’re looking for a more private setting, you can also book services at hotels offering private parties around Christmas Eve.
2. Explore Pura Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot Temple is an iconic landmark on the coast of Bali where people enjoy watching sunset and sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Visit the famous temples in Tanah Lot for an unforgettable experience of celebrating Christmas in Bali. These temples are known for their impressive architecture, colourful statues and beautiful scenes around the main temple.
Watch as angels welcome you at the entrance and feel their warmth on your skin while they gently touch you with their wings when you enter. Tanah Lot is filled with celebrations and fun activities for everyone around the Bali December Christmas holiday season.
3. Go For A Shopping Spree
The best time to go shopping for Christmas decorations and gifts in Bali is during the morning when several shops in Ubud & Sanur are open. Sanur Beach is full of colours and sights you’ll never forget at Christmas. While there are many things to do here in Bali, most people prefer to stroll through the markets and enjoy the local artefacts and foods of Bali.
The waterfront is decorated with lights, and the glass balls of different colours hanging on the power lines are illuminated at night, which reflects on the seawater below it. This light show makes Sanur Beach one of Bali’s most beautiful destinations around Christmas. You can also join in on shopping at famous markets or outlets such as Kuta Art Markets or Seminyak Art Market.
Also Read : Places To Visit For New Near In The World
4. Participate in Denpasar Festival
Christmas festivities in Bali are celebrated in several ways by people. One of those ways is through organised events held by the government to highlight different aspects of Bali’s culture and heritage. Witnessing the Christmas festival & holiday street lighting ceremony of Denpasar is one of the best things to do in Bali at Christmas.
The key attractions of this festival are parades, musical performances, exhibitions of handicrafts & local artefacts, a mask parade and several other fun activities. This festival is held at Kuta Square. You can enjoy many cultural performances from local artists and dancers and an outdoor market filled with food stalls with traditional cuisine and local dishes.
5. Snorkelling, Rafting & Other Watersports
Bali is home to many world-famous watersports and adventure activities. Rafting, bungee jumping, cliff diving, snorkelling and sailing are just a few of the adventures you can have this Christmas in Bali. From white water rafting to enjoying the beautiful sights under the sea, Bali has everything you need to make your holiday memorable.
Jungut Batu is the best place to spend Christmas in Bali & is well known for its crystal clear waters and its diversity of underwater wildlife, including turtles and fish, along with several other hidden treasures that make this destination one of the best locations to go for snorkeling and scuba diving during your trip to Bali December.
6. Visit the Local Villages & Markets
For those who enjoy exploring the traditional culture and heritage of Bali, there are some local villages located in and around Sanur that are open for public visits. Also, if you enjoy delicious local food, these villages are must-visit places to celebrate Christmas in Bali.
Another activity you can do on your trip to Bali is exploring local markets where you can purchase fresh food, souvenirs and collectables from local artists and artisans. You can even catch an excellent traditional musical performance or have a meal with locals in most villages around Bali during the Christmas holidays. Swimming with dolphins in the waters near your hotel or villa is also fun to try on your next trip to Bali in December.
Christmas is a beautiful time to be in Bali. Nothing is better than exploring the local attractions and relishing traditional Balinese dishes. If you want to make your Christmas trip memorable, there are many notable things you can do to make sure that it’s one of the most exciting holidays of your life. With some planning and innovative work, you can cover several beautiful Christmas celebration places in Bali during your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas in Bali
1. What can I do in Bali during the December holiday season?
Since the last days of December are usually slow with fewer tourists, you can enjoy this time in Bali. However, some areas which are usually busy this time of the year are Kuta and Seminyak with their lively nightlife.
2. Is it wise to visit Bali during the Christmas holiday season?
Yes, of course! Locals recommend a few activities you can enjoy in Bali during the Christmas holiday, such as surfing, diving, cruising and other watersports such as snorkelling or beach parties. While there’s a slightly higher price to stay in hotels or rent a villa around this time of year, it’s worth it!
3. Are there any cheap stay options available in Bali?
Some hotels and villas are available daily or weekly, saving you a lot of money. Usually, these are hotels or apartments that are recently opened and still need to be fully booked by local people knowing that this is an excellent time to advertise their business. Therefore, you will get better prices if you plan and book your stay in advance.
4. What is the most suitable time of year to visit Bali?
Bali is an all year destination and there’s no specific time of the year to visit Bali, but if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy Bali Christmas celebrations at the beach, then your best bet is late September through mid-December.
Written By : WanderOn
