'Twas the night before Christmas in Bali, when all through the island there were lavish dinners, gourmet gifts and festive events aplenty!
Because there’s no such thing as too much holiday cheer (and it’s never too early to start celebrating), here’s a roundup of the best places to celebrate on the night (and day!) before Christmas. From gourmet dinners to festive events, here’s where to get your island celebrations started for Christmas Eve 2022 in Bali.
And psst! If you haven’t wrapped up the rest of your festive plans just yet, here’s our top picks for the best Christmas Day feasts in Bali, as well as the hottest New Year’s Eve parties and New Year’s Day brunches to ring in 2023 in style. Happy Holidays, honeys!
Christmas Eve 2022 in Bali
Things to do & festive places to eat & celebrate on 24th December
1. A buffet dinner with Santa at Padma Resort Ubud
For a family-friendly Christmas Eve feast in the jungle, head to Padma Resort Ubud for a buffet dinner served up amidst lush valley views. Tuck into house-made signature dishes like pistachio-crusted sous-vide tournedos, penne al pesto e pomodorini, and a prawn and citrus salad. All of this, best enjoyed with special festive cocktails, like the White Christmas and Ring a Bell. And psst – bring the kids, because there’ll be a meet and greet with Santa Claus and Lady Elf too!
Where: Padma Resort Ubud – Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu Payangan, Ubud.
When: 24th December 2022, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
Price: IDR 690,000+ per person for the buffet dinner.
2. Two “Made the List” buffet dinners at W Bali – Seminyak
For double the deliciousness, W – Bali Seminyak will be dishing up two buffet dinners this Christmas Eve at two of its most decadent dining destinations: one at Starfish Bloo and one at Fire. Both buffet dinners will be laying out scrummy festive staples like roast turkey with cranberries, a leg of lamb and even stollen and Christmas pud for dessert. There’ll also be seafood on ice, in-house smoked duck, fine meats, antipasti, a selection of cheeses, and all-time favourites from around the world, like Italian pasta, Spanish paella, Japanese tempura and soooo much more. Psst – save space for all the desserts!
Where: W Bali – Seminyak – Jl Petitenget, Seminyak.
When: 24th December 2022, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 1,200,000 for the buffet dinner and soft drinks, or IDR 1,950,000 to include free-flow bubbles. Children dine for IDR 600,000.
3. A degustation dinner and cocktail soiree at Apéritif Restaurant & Bar
Perhaps the most lavish Christmas Eve celebration in Bali, Apéritif Restaurant & Bar will be putting on a very special seven-course degustation dinner on the night before Christmas, showcasing the very best in modern gastronomy, plus the option to pair your dinner with fine wines and cocktails. And you’ll want to do exactly that, because Martin Hudak, co-founder of Maybe Sammy Sydney (#29 on World’s Best Bars list), will be serving up mind-blowing cocktails in his collaborative celebrity shift at Apéritif Bar; sure to get the festive party started. Whether joining for dinner or just a drink at the bar, this is one perfectly bundled Christmas Eve gift you won’t want to miss.
Where: Apéritif Restaurant & Bar – Jl Lanyahan, Br. Nagi, Ubud.
When: 24th December 2022, 5pm – 11pm
Price: IDR 1,490,000++ for the seven-course Dinner Degustation, with the option to add-on IDR 650,000++ for the Cocktail Tasting Paddle (4 cocktails).
4. A ceremonial Indonesian feast at Kaum
For an island-inspired Christmas Eve, book a table at Kaum at Desa Potato Head to get a taste of traditional Indonesian ceremonial dishes. The kitchen team will be laying out an authentic menu of flavourful snacks, hearty mains, and a selection of sweets – all designed to be shared family-style. Think babi guling (suckling pig), fried prawn and fish dumplings, slow roasted chicken with traditional Balinese spices, and roasted grouper wrapped in banana leaf.
Where: Kaum at Desa Potato Head – Jl Petitenget No 51B, Seminyak.
When: 24th December 2022, 12pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 650,000++ per person for the set menu, including a welcome drink.
5. A coastal Christmas Eve sunset dinner at Seasalt
On the night before Christmas on the Alila Seminyak beachfront, you and your loved ones can reunite at Seasalt restaurant for a four-course Coastal Christmas feast by the beach – traditional mulled wine and hand-crafted festive cocktails included! The Seasalt chefs will be dishing up this very special degustation dinner to the sultry sounds of live music from Lydia Rose, and a backing track of the waves out yonder. And psst – Santa and his Lady Elf will also be making an appearance to up the holly-jolly ante! Top tip: arrive early for a pre-dinner Christmas Eve sunset and live saxophone performance at Alila Seminyak’s Beach bar.
Where: Seasalt – Jl Petitenget, Seminyak.
When: 24th December 2022, from 4pm at the Beach Bar, and from 6pm for dinner at Seasalt.
Price: IDR 750,000++ per person for the four-course dinner at Seasalt.
6. Poolside Christmas Eve dinner at The Ungasan
Tucked away on the clifftops above the iconic Sundays Beach Club, The Pool Lounge at The Ungasan will be putting on a lavish four-course Christmas Eve dinner carefully curated by award-winning Executive Chef Shaun Thomson. Expect fresh, local produce – like poached prawns and duck ravioli – with the option to pair your dinner with fantastic wines from around the world. Each course will be expertly presented and served up in a magical, al-fresco atmosphere, overlooking the pool and ocean horizon.
Where: The Pool Lounge at The Ungasan – Jl Pantai Selatan Gau, Ungasan.
When: 24th December 2022, from 6pm.
Price: IDR 800.000++ per person, with the option to add-on wine pairing for an additional IDR 600,000++ per person.
7. Family-style Christmas Eve set menu dinner at Makase
This Christmas Eve, settle in for a scrumptious family-style set menu dinner at Makase, one of Hotel Indigo’s very best restaurants. To really get you into the Christmas spirit, each course will serve up a bountiful family-style spread of Christmas classics to share – think honey glazed ham, roasted turkey and pepper-crushed sirloin, plus all the delicious sides, starters, and dessert. You can check out the menu and details here.
Where: Makase at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach – Jl Camplung Tanduk No.10, Seminyak.
When: 24th December 2022, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 650,000++ per person including soft drinks and bubbles to set the mood.
8. REN Christmas Eve Dinner at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu
Make your way to Clay Craft Restaurant at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu for a sumptuous spread of Indonesian and international dishes this Christmas Eve. There’ll be plenty of Christmas classics to feast on, all given the ‘Renaissance’ touch. And to keep the Christmas spirits high, dinner will be serenaded by Christmas carols and live performances from local artists, and you can even pair your buffet dinner with an optional free-flow beverage package. And kids, look out for Santa Claus, because he’ll be making a surprise visit too!
Where: Clay Craft Restaurant at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu – Jl Pantai Balangan I No.1, Ungasan.
When: 24th December 2022, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 650,000++ per person for the Christmas Eve buffet, or IDR 1,200,000++ per person for the buffet and free-flow wine, cocktails, and beers. Kids aged 5 to 12 years dine for IDR 325,000++, while kids under 4 dine for free. Psst – use the code HONEYCOMBERS to get 20% off all reservations made before 20th December!
9. Christmas Eve buffet dinner at Daily Social
Celebrate Christmas Eve on the coastline of Kuta Beach at Daily Social – the newest foodie destination to open at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. Gather with friends and family on the night before Christmas at this buzzing market-style hub, where all of your all-time favourite dishes will be served up buffet-style from live cooking stations, all while soaking in that mesmerising view of Kuta Beach. If it’s an authentic and social Christmas Eve you’re after, this is the place to be.
Where: Daily Social at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort – Jl Pantai Kuta, Kuta.
When: 24th December 2022, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 600,000++ per person for the food package including free-flow non-alcoholic beverages. IDR 300,000++ per child below 11 years old. Add on IDR 350,000++ per person to enjoy free-flow local beer, IDR 550,000++ per person
to enjoy free-flow wines, cocktails and beers, or add on IDR 750,000++ per person to enjoy sparkling and premium wines.
10. Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at SUKU Restaurant at Conrad Bali
Christmas Eve will be a night to remember at Conrad Bali, because an extra special buffet dinner at SUKU Restaurant will be serving Christmas delicacies like caviar, seafood, a scrumptious grill and a traditional roasted turkey. Save space for dessert, because there’ll also be a generous selection of sweet stations, including a chocolate fountain, ice cream and sorbet. And psst – you’ll want to visit Conrad Bali in the lead-up to Christmas too, because they’ll be hosting a pop-up “Festive Arcade” marketplace and retail village featuring over 20 of Bali’s artisans in sustainable art, local crafts, home decor, natural skincare, jewellery, fashion, food, drinks and more. There’ll even be daily demos, talks, tastings, workshops and craft corners, so you can really delve deep into this Festive Arcade!
Where: SUKU Restaurant at Conrad Bali – Jl Pratama No.168, Tanjung Benoa.
When: 24th December 2022, from 7pm – 10pm for the dinner || December 10th – 25th for the Festive Arcade.
Price: IDR 880,000++ per person for the buffet dinner.
11. A tropical Christmas Eve buffet at Mulia Bali
Settle in for one helluva Christmas Eve banquet at Mulia Bali’s five-star dining destination, The Cafe. You’ll get to feast on all-you-can-order signature dishes from around the world, cooked and plated at the theatrical live stations. All of your favourite cuisines from Indonesia, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan and beyond will be making an appearance, and psst – you won’t want to miss the dessert wonderland!
Where: The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Kawasan Sawangan, Nusa Dua.
When: 24th December 2022, 6pm – 11pm, with two seatings.
Price: IDR 935,431 nett per adult, and IDR 390,951 nett per child.
12. A magical Christmas Eve buffet dinner at Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
Ignite the magic of Christmas Eve with a buffet-style dinner at Mayasari restaurant in the family friendly resort, Maya Sanur. Feast on a bountiful spread of Western and Indonesian classics, from appetisers, cheese platters and nurturing soups, to a selection of hot dishes and the star of the night: the carvery station. You can’t go wrong with a classic roasted turkey, or the Balinese roast pig, Babi Guling. End the night on the sweetest of notes with the chocolate fountain and a slice of yule log. You’ll enjoy all this whilst being serenaded by a duo violin performance, and look out for the Christmas carollers who will be making a jolly appearance too.
Where: Mayasari at Maya Sanur Resort & Spa – Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 89M, Sanur.
When: 24th December 2022, 7pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 850,000 nett per person.
13. Surf and Turf at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Set against a spectacular Indian Ocean backdrop, The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, will be treating you to a scrumptious five-course menu, live Christmas band, and tropical Christmas Eve vibes. The evening will begin with ocean-inspired appetisers, followed by an elevated surf and turf main course. Dessert is all about decedent chocolate, before finishing the night off with Petit Fours and a warm-like-a-hug coffee or tea.
Where: Arwana Restaurant at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali – Kawasan Pariwisata, Jl Nusa Dua No. 2, Benoa.
When: 24th December 2022, 6pm – 10pm (also available on Christmas day).
Price: Starting from IDR 960,000 nett per adult, and IDR 360,000 nett per child aged 12 to 14 years (maximum two children under 12 years can dine for free). Free-flow beverage packages start from IDR 520,000 nett per person.
14. Seafood Luxe Dinner at KU DE TA
A luxe Christmas Eve dinner of fresh seafood delicacies, this multi-course feast will be served with a breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean from the ever-popular KU DE TA beach club. A bountiful parade of luxe seafood will be dished up on the heavenly Palm Deck, with highlights including Kaluga caviar, king crab, cold water lobster, and premium bubbles. Yum!
Where: KU DE TA – Jl Petitenget, Seminyak.
Price: IDR 1,500,000++ for dinner, or add on IDR 650,000++ for a bottle of bubbles.
15. Christmas at Mason Canggu
Christmas Eve is all about the feast! And one of the best spots for grazing in Canggu is Mason, the ‘hood’s fine-dining trailblazer. This Christmas, Mason’s kitchen team has put together a festive menu the whole family will love. You’ll start the evening with a range of elegant starters, like turkey mortadella and foie parfait. The mains are all about the holiday staple: the roasts. And you can’t have a complete festive meal without the desserts… Christmas pudding anyone? Psst – if you can’t have enough of Mason’s scrummy dishes, then you’re in luck, because you can have the same menu on Christmas day too!
Where: Mason Canggu, Jl Batu Bolong No. 83C, Canggu.
When: 24th December 2022, from 7pm (also available on Christmas day from 12pm).
Price: IDR 490,000++ per person.
