'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, get your island celebrations started at these Christmas Eve events in Bali.
And psst! If you haven’t wrapped up the rest of your festive plans, 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 2025 in style. Happy Holidays, honeys!
Christmas Eve 2024 in Bali
Things to do & places to celebrate on 24th December
1. Christmas Eve Festive Feast Dinner at Ijen
Without doubt, the best way to celebrate Christmas Eve in Bali is by dining beside the seaside. And at Ijen, Indonesia’s first ever zero-waste restaurant at Desa Potato Head, they’ll be serving up treasures straight from the ocean, just footsteps from the waves. The four-course feast will see a bountiful spread of local seafood (think cold platters and fire-kissed specialities), alongside farm-to-table vegetables, flat breads, homemade sauces and some sweet treats too.
When: 24th December 2024, 5pm – 9.45pm.
Where: Ijen at Desa Potato Head – Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak.
Price: IDR 750,000 nett per person for the four-course feast.
2. The Night Before Christmas at Waatu
Celebrating its very first Christmas, Waatu will be putting on a special feast for Christmas Eve 2024, filled with fire-kissed delicacies like foie gras on toast, honey-glazed ham, hot smoked salmon and roast beef tenderloin. It all begins with the famous Waatu jamu on arrival, before a parade of ‘Snax’ and a three-course set menu. An in true Waatu style, the menu is designed to share with your nearest and dearest, best enjoyed with an added cocktail or mocktail pairing.
When: 24th December 2024, from 5.30pm.
Where: Waatu – Jl Pantai Selatan Gau, Ungasan.
Price: IDR 2,000,000++ for the Snax and three-course share-style set menu, including the Waatu jamu on arrival. Add on IDR 820,000++ for cocktail pairing, or IDR 700,000++ for mocktail pairing.
3. Christmas Eve Dinner at Bambu Indah
On the night before Christmas in the heart of Ubud’s lush landscapes, Tembaga (the brand new restaurant at Bambu Indah) will be dishing up a sophisticated five-course Christmas Eve dinner, married with fine Champagne and wine pairings. The evening begins with festive cocktails at the Sunset Elevator bar, followed by an extraordinary feast served beneath soaring bamboo to the sounds of elegant live music and the finest service. You’ll get to feast on the rich, bold flavours of lamb, turkey, bone marrow and vegetarian options too, and of course, delicious desserts – because no Christmas is complete without the sweets!
When: 24th December 2024, from 6pm.
Where: Tembaga at Bambu Indah – Jl Baung, Sayan, Ubud.
Price: IDR 2,000,000++ per person for the five-course dinner.
4. Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Starfish Bloo
For all the Christmas Eve deliciousness you need, W Bali – Seminyak will be dishing up a vibrant buffet dinner at its most decadent beachfront dining destination, Starfish Bloo. The dinner will feature delicious festive staples, as well as seafood on ice, house smoked charcuterie, fine meats from the wood-fired grill, a selection of cheeses, and all-time favourites from around the world. Psst – save space for all the desserts!
When: 24th December 2024, 6pm – 10pm.
Where: Starfish Bloo at W Bali – Seminyak – Jl Petitenget, Seminyak.
Price: IDR 1,900,000++ per person for the buffet dinner.
5. Christmas Eve Dinner at CasCades Restaurant
For a magical Christmas Eve dinner fit for a King or Queen (whilst overlooking Ubud’s Valley of the Kings!), CasCades restaurant will be laying out an extravagant, gourmet buffet, courtesy of Head Chef Yusuf. Expect all of your favourite festive classics and salads carved and served from live stations – think glazed roast turkey, prime rib steak and a Christstollen chocolate log too. All of this will be merrily presented to the sounds of a live band and lush jungle valley views.
When: 24th December 2024, from 6pm.
Where: CasCades Restaurant – Jl Lanyahan, Banjar Nagi, Ubud.
Price: IDR 1,300,000++ per person for dinner, including eggnog on arrival and a special Christmas gift.
6. Christmas Eve Family-Style Dinner at Makase
This Christmas Eve, settle in for a rustic family-style set menu dinner at Makase, one of the cosy, signature restaurants at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. To really get you into the Christmas spirit, each course will be served up as a bountiful family-style spread, featuring international Christmas classics to share. Think homemade honey-glazed ham and rolled roasted turkey, plus all the delicious sides, starters, and desserts. All of this, with a live acoustic performance to ignite those warm festive vibes…
When: 24th December 2024, from 6pm – 10pm.
Where: Makase at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach – Jl Camplung Tanduk No. 10, Seminyak.
Price: From IDR 800,000 per person with the option to add a free-flow soft drinks or alcoholic beverages.
7. Festive Spirit Poolside Buffet at Seasonal Tastes
On the night before Christmas, head south to Nusa Dua to feast on a poolside buffet dinner at Seasonal Tastes, the open-kitchen restaurant at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua. Beside a glittering pool, you’ll get to graze on an array of Christmas delicacies, succulent seafood and freshly-grilled meats. Think roast turkey, beef wellington, glazed brussel sprouts and New Zealand lamb chops. All of this will be serenaded by a live band, and topped off with traditional Christmas desserts and festive cupcakes.
When: 24th December 2024, 6.30pm – 10pm.
Where: Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali – Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, ITDC Lot N-3.
Price: IDR 890,000++ per adult for the buffet dinner.
8. Festive Family Christmas Eve Dinner at Celagi Restaurant
For a magical Christmas Eve in Bali, head to the Legian coastline and celebrate with your loved ones at Celagi Restaurant. An all-you-can-eat menu will take you around the world, with international festive favourites, from roasted turkey and chicken, to pomegranate-roasted beef rib and a Thai duck red curry. The evening will be serenaded by a live choir, traditional angklung performances, and Bali’s renowned singer and harpist, Rose Mystica, accompanied by a cellist. Psst – Santa Claus will be gifting special gifts to kids, and filling the night with festive joy!
When: 24th December 2024, from 7pm.
Where: Celagi Restaurant at Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa – Jl Padma No. 2, Legian.
Price: IDR 700,000++ per adult, and half price for children aged 5-12 years old.
9. A Coastal Christmas Eve Dinner at Seasalt
On the night before Christmas on the Alila Seminyak beachfront, you and your family can reunite for a four-course Christmas Eve Dinner by the beach at Seasalt restaurant. The chefs will be dishing up this very special degustation dinner to the sultry sounds of a live band, and a backing track of the waves out yonder. You’ll also have the option to add-on wine and sparkling pairings. Top tip: arrive early for a pre-dinner Christmas Eve festive cocktail at Alila Seminyak’s Beach Bar!
When: 24th December 2024, 5pm – 10pm.
Where: Seasalt at Alila Seminyak – Jl Taman Ganesha No. 9, Petitenget, Seminyak.
Price: IDR 1,000,000++ per person for the four-course dinner, with the option to add-on wine pairing, starting from IDR 850,000++ per person.
10. Xmas Japanese Flair at KO Restaurant
This Christmas Eve, prop up by the Teppan counter at KO Restaurant at InterContinental Bali Resort for a Japanese feast with the family. Chef Mitsuaki Senoo will be whipping up exquisite teppanyaki sets, as well as freshly crafted sushi and sashimi, showcasing the expert skills of his culinary team. As you graze on this Japanese-inspired Christmas spread, you’ll be serenaded by an elegant live piano and singing performance, plus a surprise and delightful carolling by a children’s choir from a local orphanage.
When: 24th December 2024, first seating from 6.30pm – 8.30pm & second seating from 8.30pm – 10.30pm.
Where: KO Restaurant at InterContinental Bali Resort – Jl Raya Uluwatu No. 45, Jimbaran.
Price: IDR 1,350,000++ per person for the first seating, and IDR 1,750,000++ per person for the second seating.
11. Christmas Eve Dinner at Sanje Restaurant
Celebrate Christmas Eve by the sea at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa’s signature Sanje Restaurant, where the festivities come with endless ocean views. Indulge in a joyfully curated six-course set menu and festive cocktails to toast to the season. The holiday cheer kicks off with heart-warming carols by the Klungkung orphanage choir, before a live acoustic trio to serenade you into the evening.
When: 24th December 2024, from 6pm.
Where: Sanje Restaurant at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa – Jl Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach.
Price: From IDR 1,150,000++ per person for the six-course set menu. Psst – nab a 15% discount on a bottle of Champagne if you pre-order in advance!
12. Christmas Eve Dinner at Kokokan Restaurant
For an unforgettable Christmas Eve celebration, head to Kokokan Restaurant at Kappa Senses Ubud. An exclusive three-course Christmas Eve semi-gastronomic menu will be filled with festive flavours, meticulously crafted and served amidst the serene beauty of Ubud. There’ll be octopus in a truffle-lime dressing to start, a choice of mains, and a sweet Christmas Tree dessert to finish. Live music will serenade the evening, and we say, add-on wine pairing to really make it a night to remember.
When: 24th December 2024, from 6pm – 10pm.
Where: Kokokan Restaurant at Kappa Senses Ubud – Jl Taman Sari, Kedewatan, Ubud.
Price: IDR 780,000++ per person for the three-course dinner, with optional wine pairing for an additional IDR 550,000++.
13. Christmas Eve on the beach at Sundays Beach Club
We can’t think of a better place to kick off the Christmas festivities than right on the bright white sands of Sundays Beach Club. On the day before Christmas, there’ll be a visit from Santa and Santarina (10am – 2pm) and live music from 4pm, plus a special festive menu with Christmas cakes, festive sweets and Sangria slushies! You’ll want to stick around until late too, because once the sun begins to set, the bonfires will be lit and ooey-gooey marshmallows will be ready for roasting – the most magical setting to sing all of your favourite Christmas carols!
When: 24th December 2024, from 7.30 am – 9pm.
Where: Sundays Beach Club – Jl Pantai Selatan Gau, Ungasan.
Price: From IDR 800,000 for general admission, including IDR 500,000 F&B credit.
14. Poolside Dinner Buffet at SUKU Restaurant
Christmas Eve will be extra special at Conrad Bali’s SUKU Restaurant, because a farm-to-table Poolside Buffet Dinner will treat you to special Christmas delicacies, like seafood on ice, a traditional roast turkey, cold cuts, cheeses and even a noodle and laksa corner! Save space for dessert, because there’ll also be a chocolate fountain and an ice cream station. The evening will be filled with entertainment, a Christmas Choir and a visit from Santa and Santarina. And in the lead-up to Christmas, Conrad Bali will transform into a festive wonderland with a Festive Market and Weekend Workshops, featuring local artisan creations from December 7th to 25th… Consider your Christmas shopping sorted!
When: 24th December 2024, from 6.30pm – 10pm.
Where: SUKU Restaurant at Conrad Bali – Jl Pratama 168, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua.
Price: IDR 950,000++ per person for adults for the buffet. Children under 12 years-old dine half-price.
15. Village Square Christmas Eve Dinner at Andaz Bali
Get ready for a Christmas feast at Village Square – Andaz Bali’s culinary hub that’s home to various delicious dining destinations. On Christmas Eve, they will be dishing up their own special four-course menu to create a village-style dining experience. All you have to do is come hungry, as you’ll start with an amuse bouche and pan-fried Hokkaido scallops, before tucking into the river prawn dumplings. Then, the Black Angus beef tenderloin and black truffle dashi jus will take centre stage. Finish off with a delightful Bedugul Raspberry Souffle!
When: 24th December 2024, from 6pm – 10pm.
Where: Village Square at Andaz Bali – Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 89a, Sanur.
Price: IDR 1,400,000++ per person for the four-course set menu.
16. Christmas Eve at Kaum
For an island-inspired Christmas Eve and a true taste of traditional Indonesian cuisine, book a table at Kaum at Desa Potato Head. The unstoppable kitchen team will be laying out a set menu of specially selected authentic recipes from across the archipelago, featuring flavourful snacks, hearty mains, and a selection of sweets – all designed to be shared family-style. Think babi guling (suckling pig), fried prawn dumplings, slow roasted chicken with traditional Balinese spices, and roasted grouper wrapped in banana leaf. Enak!
When: 24th December 2024
Where: Kaum at Desa Potato Head – Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak.
Price: TBC
17. Christmas Eve at Koral
For a once in a lifetime Christmas Eve dinner, head to Koral Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where fine dining dishes are served up inside an aquarium (yep, you read it right!). This aquatic experience will be even more special this Christmas Eve, with six lavish courses on the menu. You’ll start the evening with a blue crab topped with caviar, Hokkaido scallop with foie gras and sea urchin, and lobster with cappuccino, cacao and chestnut. Then, indulge in Wagyu beef, refreshing mango and coconut, and finally finishing on the sweetest note with a Yule log. Psst… if you’re looking for something different, check out The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s other five-star dining destinations, with special festivities taking place throughout the resort!
When: 24th December 2024, from 5.30pm – 10.30pm.
Where: Koral Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali – Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua.
Price: From IDR 1,950,000++ per person, or IDR 2,750,000++ to add a wine pairing.
Keep your eyes peeled for more ideas on where to spend Christmas Eve in Bali – more to be announced right here!