Spending Christmas in Bali? These are my tips and the best brunches, dinners and parties for 25 December 2026.
I’ve spent 14 Christmases in Bali, and here’s what I tell every friend who asks what it’s like. It’s hot (highs of around 31°C), it’s wet season, and the island doesn’t stop for the holiday. Bali is majority Hindu, so you won’t find carols on the streets or lights in every window. The most festive Christmas in Bali happens in the hotels, restaurants and beach clubs, where the big event is a long Christmas Day brunch that runs well into the afternoon, often with a visit from Santa at the larger resorts. This guide covers where to book Christmas brunch and dinner in Bali this year, what to do on the day, where to stay, and my first-hand practical tips for a seamless Christmas holiday in Bali. Selamat Hari Natal!
This guide includes tips and events happening on Christmas Day, which falls on Friday, 25 December 2026. If you’re looking for tips and events for the day before Christmas, check out our dedicated list for Bali’s best Christmas Eve dinners taking place on Thursday, 24 December 2026.
Why trust this guide
I’m Louise! I’ve lived in Bali full-time for 14 years and spent 14 Christmases on the island. I’ve personally reviewed more than 500 of Bali’s hotels, restaurants, bars and spas, and explored 50+ islands across Indonesia. The tips in this guide come from my own Christmases here and from our Bali team, who grew up spending Christmas in Indonesia.
Best Christmas Day brunches in Bali 2026
1. Christmas Village Brunch at Village Square
A community-style Christmas brunch in Sanur with festive food, Balinese charm and family-friendly activities.
Get ready to mingle at this community-style Christmas feast at Village Square. This is Andaz Bali’s culinary heart, home to four delicious dining destinations. On Christmas Day, gather around the Village Square for a lively feast served by the resort’s talented kitchen team. And because it takes a village to really ignite the festive spirit, expect plenty of Christmas cheer, a warm community atmosphere, and festive activities for kids and adults alike.
Best for: Families with children who want community vibes and Christmas with authentic Balinese charm.
Price: IDR 990,000++ per person.
What’s included: Food only. A food + selected alcoholic beverages package costs IDR 1,500,000++ per person.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm.
Address: Andaz Bali, Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 89A, Sanur.
2. Christmas Day Brunch at Cucina
A family-friendly Christmas brunch in Nusa Dua with Italian, French and Asian flavours, live music and Santa.
Christmas Day calls for a brunch that feels like an occasion, and this year, Cucina restaurant will be hosting a festive feast made for a merry celebration. This elegant restaurant at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort will bring together its classic Italian flavours, alongside French and Asian favourites, plus gourmet charcuterie for a generous Christmas spread. I love that it’s designed as a proper family affair too, with live music, Christmas carols from a children’s choir and a special visit from Santa Claus to keep little ones entertained. For Christmas in Bali, it’s a lovely way to turn lunch into an all-afternoon festive celebration.
Best for: Families with children who want options to suit varying tastes.
Price: IDR 1,350,000++ per adult and IDR 625,000++ per child aged 6 to 12 years.
What’s included: Food and non-alcoholic beverages. Beverage packages are available at an additional charge, starting from IDR 650,000++ per person.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026, from 11am – 3pm.
Address: Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Kawasan Pariwisata ITDC Lot N5, Nusa Dua.
3. Christmas Brunch at Pizzaria
A laid-back Christmas brunch in Sanur with festive food, beachfront views and a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
For a laid-back Christmas brunch, head over to Pizzaria, the beachfront restaurant at Hyatt Regency Bali. Overlooking Sanur’s calming coastline, it’s the perfect spot to relax while watching the local community enjoy the festive spirit by the sea. Tuck into a heartwarming Christmas spread, soak up the holiday cheer, and spend quality time with your loved ones.
Best for: Families who want Christmas by the sea, with local community vibes and a gentle ocean breeze.
Price: IDR 910,000++ per person.
What’s included: Food only. A food + selected alcoholic beverages package costs IDR 1,500,000++ per person.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026, from 12pm – 3pm.
Address: Hyatt Regency Bali, Jl Danau Tamblingan 89, Sanur.
I’ll announce more Christmas brunches in Bali 2026 right here, as soon as they’re finalised!
Note on Christmas dinner in Bali: Fewer Bali venues run a dedicated Christmas Day dinner, as most festive menus are served at brunch on 25 December and at dinner on 24 December (Christmas Eve).
Christmas in Bali tips: traffic, holidays and bookings
- Book early. Christmas brunches, dinners and hotels book out well in advance. Prices also increase the closer we get to December. So, if you’ve got your heart set on a specific venue, lock it in as soon as you can.
- Pre-book your transport. December 25th brings some of the worst traffic of the year, especially around Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu. Book a driver or Grab in advance rather than trying to flag one down on the day. It’ll save you a stressful, sweaty wait.
- Choose an event near where you’re staying, if you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic for hours.
- Dress for the heat, not the season. Smart-casual for Christmas brunches (think linen shirts, sundresses, comfortable sandals), while fine-dining venues may expect a slightly dressier look.
- Christmas Day on 25 December 2026 is a national public holiday in Indonesia. This year, Thursday, 24 December 2026 is also a joint leave day (cuti bersama), so expect government offices (including immigration) and banks to be closed and busier roads from Thursday to Sunday.
How the Honeycombers team celebrates Christmas in Bali
My Christmas: I’m from the UK, so my idea of a traditional Christmas is cold weather, mulled wine and twinkling lights in every window. In Bali, my Christmas Day traditions couldn’t be more different. I usually start with a morning surf in the sunshine, followed by a long, boozy Christmas brunch beneath the palms. It’s a world away from the Christmases I grew up with, but I’ve definitely learned to love it.
Erick, Assistant Editor: I’m a city boy at heart, so even in Bali, my Christmas habit stays the same – I head straight to the mall. There’s something about the festive decorations, the special carols playing overhead, the deals I always end up hunting for. It’s not really about the shopping, though. I just love being part of the crowd.
Vici, Lifestyle Writer: I was born and raised in Indonesia, so I’m used to a tropical Christmas! My family gathers together here and the festivities begin as soon as December starts. We shop for gifts, put up Christmas decorations, and play Christmas music at home all month long – and no, we never get sick of it. Then on 25 December, we gather for a family feast after the morning mass. The rest of the day? We try to stay away from traffic!
Things to do on Christmas Day in Bali
- Hit the beach. Pull up a beanbag on a Bali beach and spend the day swimming, sipping cold beers and building sandcastles. Head to Seminyak Beach if you want sleek bars, Canggu if beach clubs are your thing, or Uluwatu for intermediate to advanced surfing. You can also take the whole family to the beaches in Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua.
- Have a family day out at family-friendly attractions, like Waterbom or Bali Zoo.
- Treat yourself at a spa. Swap Christmas shopping stress for serenity and unwind at one of Bali’s best spas. Book a spa treatment, join a yoga class, or drop into a calming breathwork session.
- Escape the south. Chase waterfalls, visit the rice terraces of Jatiluwih, or hike Mount Batur at sunrise. Just check the weather, because December is the rainy season, so you’ll need to keep your plans flexible.
- Make it a cultural Christmas! Since you’ll be in Bali, add some culture to your Christmas Day celebrations by visiting some of the most magical Hindu temples in Bali. Try a water purification ritual at Tirta Empul or visit Uluwatu Temple for a sunset kecak dance.
- Visit Blimbingsari, Bali’s Christian village. This West Bali village is home to the island’s largest Christian community. Don’t expect a typical Christmas here, though. Instead, you’ll get to witness Balinese traditions, like families dressed in traditional attire gathering over Balinese food.
Best hotels in Bali for Christmas
For quick picks, these hotels in Bali go all out with Christmas celebrations every year. Think lit-up Christmas trees and occasional visits by Santa, his little helpers and carolers.
- Bisma Eight – A sustainable One Michelin Key boutique hotel with cultural experiences, infinity pool, and jungle views. Best for: Families and couples who want a jungle-hugged Christmas.
- Hyatt Regency Bali – A family-friendly beachfront classic in Sanur, with tropical gardens, pools and modern style. Best for: Families with younger children who want a laid-back, coastal stay.
- The Apurva Kempinski Bali – A five-star resort that blends Indonesian heritage with beachfront luxury. Best for: Families and couples who want a grand Christmas celebration by the sea.
- AYANA Resort Bali – Iconic Jimbaran clifftop resort with oceanfront pools, Balinese design, Rock Bar and an enormous choice of dining. Best for: Families and couples who want various dining options, private beach and spectacular sunset bars.
- Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa – Stylish Uluwatu resort with ocean-view pools, a kids’ club, pottery studio, spa and shuttle to Roosterfish Beach Club. Best for: Families who want a hilltop Christmas with festive activities for kids.
- Alila Seminyak – Sprawling beachfront resort with stylish suites and a penthouse, ideal for design lovers. Best for: Beachfront Christmas for families and couples near trendy restaurants, bars and boutiques.
- Regent Bali Canggu – Beachfront Canggu resort with spacious suites, private-pool villas and personalised Regent service. Best for: Families and couples who want a quiet corner in Canggu with gourmet dining.
- Bali Dynasty Resort – Kuta resort with a 56m waterslide, and kids’ club and gamers’ room. Best for: Families with kids of varying age groups who want a beachfront stay without the hefty price tag.
FYI – we also have a dedicated guide for Christmas and New Year stay deals in Bali happening from December 2026 to January 2027.
Is Bali good for Christmas? Pros and cons
Christmas can be a wonderful holiday in Bali. But the truth is, it’s not for everyone. Here are the pros and cons to consider:
Pros | Cons |
Tropical weather. Swap snow and jumpers for sun, sand and 30°C warmth. | Peak season pricing. Flights, hotels and festive menus all cost more than usual. |
Huge choice of festive dining. From beach club brunches to fine-dining dinners, there's something for every taste and budget. | Big crowds and traffic. Roads around Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu get busy, particularly on 25 December. |
Family-friendly resort experiences. Santa visits, kids' activities and buffet spreads at many hotels. | Popular venues sell out early. The best brunches and dinners often book out weeks or even months in advance. |
A chance to experience local culture, like Kecak dance in Uluwatu and Balinese Christmas in Blimbingsari's Christian village. | No local "Christmas atmosphere" on the streets. Bali is majority Hindu, so festive spirit is mostly found in hotels and restaurants, not the wider island. |
Wide range of accommodation offering festive packages. | Rainy season weather. December sits in Bali's wet season, so pack for the occasional shower. |
Spending the entire festive season in Bali? Check out these festive guides:
Christmas in Bali FAQs
Where's the best place to celebrate Christmas in Bali?
It depends on the vibe you're after. For a boozy beachfront brunch, head to Seminyak or Nusa Dua. For something more refined and indoor, Ubud's fine dining scene (like Apéritif) is hard to beat. And if you want a laid-back, family-friendly feel, look at the riverside and garden venues around Ubud, or a beach club with kids' entertainment. There's no single "best". Bali does Christmas well across every style, from lavish resort buffets to relaxed beach barbecues.
What about Christmas Eve in Bali?
Christmas Eve is celebrated just as widely as Christmas Day, with plenty of restaurants and hotels hosting festive dinners and buffets the night before. We've rounded up the best of them in our separate guide for where to spend Christmas Eve in Bali.
Is Bali a good destination for Christmas?
Yes, if you're looking for a change from the typical winter wonderland Christmas. Bali offers tropical warmth, lush landscapes, and island adventures. Plus you'll still find familiar touches like twinkling trees and Santa sightings at the bigger resorts, restaurants and beach clubs.
Is Christmas celebrated in Bali?
Bali is a majority Hindu island, so most local people do not personally celebrate Christmas. However, all across the island you will find Christmas celebrations and special events. Luckily for us festive folk, the island’s best restaurants, bars and beach clubs put on incredible Christmas lunch spreads, glamorous dinners and parties every year.
What's the weather like in Bali at Christmas?
The weather in Bali is famously warm year-round, but be aware that December lands right in the middle of rainy season. This means you can expect to see some tropical rain showers – one minute it’s a downpour, the next it’s dry and sunny.
Don’t let the rainy season cancel your Christmas holiday. These showers are typically short and sweet, often raining overnight or early in the morning. Daytime highs of around 31°C with high humidity, so a little rain can be the perfect refreshment during your Christmas holiday in Bali. Pack a poncho, and enjoy the freshness!
Is Bali crowded at Christmas?
Yes, December is a peak tourist season in Bali, often considered the 'second high season'. Holidaymakers flock to Bali from all around the world, so the traffic is notoriously heavy on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Bali's top hotels and resorts are also busier than usual, so I recommend booking your Christmas holiday well in advance to secure the best availability.
Is Bali expensive during Christmas?
Yes. Christmas falls right in Bali's peak season, so flights, hotels, and tours are in high demand and priced higher than normal. Festive brunches and dinners at top venues also tend to sit above regular menu prices, so it's worth budgeting a bit extra if you want to celebrate at one of the island's bigger resorts or beach clubs.
Are shops and restaurants open on Christmas Day in Bali?
Most restaurants remain open during the Christmas holiday season, but local shops, banks, and government offices (including the immigration office) will be closed on Christmas Day as it is an Indonesian public holiday.