Spending Christmas in Bali? These are my tips and the best brunches, dinners and parties for 25 December 2026.
I remember my first Christmas in Bali very well. I spent a fortune on buying ingredients for a roast dinner, I sat in traffic for two hours, then I got caught in a downpour on the way home. Fourteen Christmases later, I’ve got it down to a fine art, and the secret is: don’t try to recreate your Christmas at home â instead, go with what Bali does best.
It’s hot (highs of around 31°C), it’s wet season, and Bali is majority Hindu, so you won’t find carols in the streets or lights in every window. Christmas happens in the hotels, restaurants and beach clubs instead, and the big event is often a long Christmas Day brunch that goes on well into the afternoon, usually with a visit from Santa at the bigger resorts.
Below are the best Christmas Day brunches in Bali for 2026, plus what to do on the day, where to stay and the practical tips I send to all my friends. If you want to plan a seamless Christmas in Bali, read on. Selamat Hari Natal, Honeys!
Psst â this guide covers Christmas Day, which falls on Friday 25 December 2026. For festivities on the night before, check out Baliâs best Christmas Eve dinners, taking place on Thursday 24 December.
Why trust this guide
Hi, I’m Louise! I’ve lived in Bali full-time for 14 years, and I’ve spent all 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 Christmas celebrations here, and from our Bali team, who grew up spending Christmas in Indonesia.
Christmas Day in Bali at a glance:
Date: Friday 25 December 2026.
Holiday status: National public holiday. Thursday 24 December is a collective leave day, so it’s a four-day long weekend from 24 to 27 December.
What’s open: Hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, malls and most attractions stay open. Banks and government offices are closed.
Brunch times: Most Christmas brunches start at around 11am and finish by 4pm.
Typical price: IDR 910,000++ to IDR 1,350,000++ per adult.
Sunrise and sunset: Around 6am and 6.30pm.
Weather: Wet season, highs around 31°C, showers possible.
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 Baliâs culinary heart, home to four delicious dining destinations. On Christmas Day, gather around the Village Square for a lively feast served by the resortâs 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 both kids and adults.
Best for: Families with children who want community vibes and Christmas with authentic Balinese charm.
Price: IDR 990,000++ per person for food only, or IDR 1,500,000++ per person to also include selected alcoholic drinks.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026, from 12.30pm â 3.30pm.
Where: Village Square at Andaz Bali
Address: 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.
Itâs designed for a proper family affair too, with live music, Christmas carols from a childrenâs choir and a special visit from Santa Claus to keep little ones entertained. For Christmas in Bali, itâs a lovely way to turn lunch into an all-afternoon festive celebration.
Best for: A sprawling festive brunch overlooking the pool, with entertainment throughout the day.
Price: IDR 1,350,000++ per adult including food and non-alcoholic drinks, and IDR 625,000++ per child aged 6 to 12 years. Additional alcohol packages are available from IDR 650,000++ per person.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026, from 11am â 3pm.
Where: Cucina at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Address: Kawasan Pariwisata ITDC Lot N5, Nusa Dua.
3. Merry & Bright Brunch at Double Ikat Restaurant
A festive Christmas brunch in Uluwatu with a buffet feast, live entertainment, Santa and kidsâ activities.
If you want a proper celebration filled with delicious food, check out the Merry & Bright Brunch at Double Ikat Restaurant. The signature restaurant at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa brings the whole family together for four hours of festive fun. On 25 December, settle in for a generous buffet of global classics and seasonal favourites, with a glass of mimosa for holiday cheers! The entertainment line-up keeps the joyful spirits alive: expect live music, a theatrical performance by YPAC Bali, a visit from Santa and Santarina, plus Christmas-themed activities to keep little ones entertained. PS: Book before 30 November 2026, youâll get up to 15% off!
Best for: A generous brunch buffet the whole family will love, alongside holiday-themed activities for the little ones.
Price: IDR 1,200,000++ per adult including food and one glass of mimosa, and IDR 600,000++ per child aged 6 to 12 years.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026, from 12pm â 4pm.
Where: Double Ikat Restaurant at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa.
Address: Jl Pantai Balangan I No. 1, Ungasan.
4. 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 Sanurâs calming coastline, itâs the perfect spot to relax while watching the local community enjoy the festive spirit by the sea.
There’ll be a heartwarming Christmas spread to tuck into, while you soak up the holiday cheer and spend quality time with your loved ones.
Best for: Christmas by the sea, with local community vibes and a gentle ocean breeze.
Price: IDR 910,000++ per person for food only, or IDR 1,420,000++ per person to also include selected alcoholic drinks.
When: Friday, 25 December 2026, from 12pm â 3pm.
Where: Pizzaria at Hyatt Regency Bali
Address: Jl Danau Tamblingan No. 89, Sanur.
Iâll announce more Christmas 2026 brunches in Bali right here, as soon as theyâre finalised.
Christmas in Bali tips
Book your brunch before December.
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.
Stay close to where you’re celebrating.
25 December brings some of the worst traffic of the year, especially around Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu. Pick a brunch at your hotel or a short drive away, and save the island hopping for another day.
Pre-book your ride home.
Gojek and Grab drivers are in high demand on Christmas Day, and brunches tend to finish at the same time. So book a driver through your hotel, or pre-book a Bluebird taxi in the app with a set pick-up time.
Dress for the heat.
Smart-casual works for most brunches (linen shirts, sundresses, comfortable sandals), which also works well in the heat. Fine-dining venues may expect a slightly dressier look, though they likely have air-conditioning.
Pace yourself.
Most brunches last three to four hours, and many come with drinks packages. Drink water between glasses and keep the afternoon free for a swim or a nap â especially if you’re dining outdoors in the heat!
Sort admin before Christmas Eve
Christmas Day is a national public holiday, and Christmas Eve is a collective leave day (cuti bersama). Banks and government offices, including immigration, are closed from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 December. The next working day is Monday 28 December.
Have a rain plan
December is wet season, so rain on Christmas in Bali is quite common. Showers are often short, but if you’ve booked an outdoor or beachfront brunch, you’ll want to ask in advance whether seating is covered.
How our team celebrates Christmas in Bali
“Iâm 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 couldnât be more different. I usually start with a morning surf in the sunshine, followed by a long, boozy Christmas brunch beneath the palms. Itâs a world away from the Christmases I grew up with, but Iâve definitely learned to love it.” â Louise, Director.
“Iâm a city boy at heart, so even in Bali, my Christmas habit stays the same â I head straight to the mall. Thereâs something about the festive decorations, the special carols playing overhead, the deals I always end up hunting for. Itâs not really about the shopping, though. I just love being part of the crowd.” – Erick, Assistant Editor.
“I was born and raised in Indonesia, so Iâm used to a tropical Christmas! My family gathers together 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 â 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!” â Vici, Lifestyle Writer.
Things to do on Christmas Day in Bali
1. Go to a Christmas Day Mass
Christmas morning is a big day for Bali’s churches, and several hold services in Balinese style, with congregations in kebaya and udeng. The St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Kuta holds its services in English for international visitors, while the Balinese-style Katedral Roh Kudus in Denpasar holds several Masses throughout the day.
Good to know: Churches publish their Christmas Mass schedules in December, and not all will hold morning Mass. So check before you go.
2. Watch the Christmas sunrise in Sanur
Sanur faces east, so it’s the best place to see the sun come up on Christmas morning. The sun rises at around 6am, so it’s a nice slow start to the day before a busy brunch in Sanur. And if it is raining, you can still walk the beach path once it clears.
Good to know: All of Sanur’s beachfront is walkable, so once the sun comes up, head out on a morning walk, or even hire a bike to cycle the beach path.
3. Start the day with a surf
This is my Christmas tradition: a morning surf before a long, boozy brunch. If it’s raining, you’ll be getting wet anyway, so a downpour doesn’t matter, and the beaches are much quieter compared to normal, while everyone else is opening presents.
Good to know: Thunderstorms are also common in rainy season, so stay out of the water if there’s lightning.
4. Spend the day at a mall
If the rain sets in, head to one of Bali’s big shopping malls. In December they put up Christmas trees and decorations, and many hold festive events, so you get a bit of Christmas spirit and stay dry. Do some shopping to catch the sales, then watch a film at the cinema.
Good to know: The biggest malls are Beachwalk in Kuta, Living World in Denpasar and ICON Bali in Sanur. Most malls stay open on Christmas Day, but individual shops may keep shorter hours. Expect crowds, as plenty of local families go too.
5. Hit up a beach club (or the beach)
Once brunch wraps up at around 3pm, a lot of people head to a beach club for the rest of the day. Many put on Christmas Day events with DJs and festive food and drink packages, and some will have covered areas if the rain rolls in. Or, simply head to the beach, pull up a beanbag and spend the day swimming, sipping cold beers and building sandcastles.
Good to know: If it’s raining on Christmas Day, the beach isn’t the best place to be, but you can still catch those ocean views at Bali’s best beachfront restaurants, many of which have covered seating.
6. Splash and slide at Waterbom
Bali’s big waterpark in Kuta is open on public holidays, including Christmas Day, from 9am to 6pm. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep the kids happy on 25 December.
Good to know: Tickets are IDR 595,000 for adults and IDR 495,000 for kids aged 2 to 11, or IDR 2,010,000 for a family of four. Christmas can be one of its busiest days if the weather is clear, so book online and get there for opening.
7. Check into a fancy hotel
The easiest Christmas Day is one where you don’t leave the resort. Bali’s big hotels go all out for Christmas, with trees, carols, Santa visits, kids’ activities and often a Christmas brunch on site. You skip the traffic, and if it rains, the spa, the restaurants and your room are all a short walk away. Many resorts also sell festive packages that bundle the room with Christmas meals.
Good to know: For my top picks, see the best hotels in Bali for Christmas below, or check out our guide to festive stay deals in Bali. The Christmas high season sells out early, and some resorts set minimum stays over Christmas, so book ahead.
Where to stay in Bali for Christmas
Where you stay in Bali makes a big difference at Christmas. It’s our second ‘high season’, and it brings some of the worst traffic of the year. This means you’ll want to pick an area that suits the Christmas you want, with a hotel that offers everything under one roof (or at least, with everything you need nearby).
Sanur
Best for families and a laid-back Christmas
Sanur is Bali’s calmest beach town, with shallow, gentle water and a long beachfront path that’s easy with a pram. It faces east, so you get the Christmas sunrise rather than the sunset, and two of this year’s Christmas brunches are right on the beach here.
- Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Bali is a family-friendly beachfront classic, with tropical gardens and pools. Its beachfront restaurant, Pizzaria, is also hosting a Christmas brunch, which is great for families with younger children.
Ubud
Best for a jungle Christmas
Ubud swaps the beach for rice fields, temples and some of Bali’s best restaurants. It’s cooler and quieter than the south, but it does get more rain in December, so it’s best to book an indoor venue for Christmas in Ubud.
- Where to stay: Bisma Eight is a sustainable boutique hotel with One Michelin Key, cultural experiences and jungle views. It’s best for families and couples who want a peaceful Christmas away from the beach.
Nusa Dua
Best for a resort Christmas by the sea
Nusa Dua is a gated enclave of big beachfront resorts, with calm beaches and everything on site, so you never need to leave. It’s the easiest place for a full resort Christmas with the kids.
- Where to stay: The Apurva Kempinski Bali is a five-star resort that blends Indonesian heritage with beachfront luxury. It’s best for families and couples who want a grand Christmas celebration, all in one oceanfront address.
Jimbaran
Best for sunsets and seafood
Jimbaran Bay has a long, calm beach lined with seafood cafes, and some of Bali’s biggest resorts. It’s close to the airport and handy for Uluwatu, but it can get quite dirty in rainy season, as the onshore winds bring trash and debris to the shoreline.
- Where to stay: AYANA Resort Bali is a clifftop resort with oceanfront pools, a private (clean!) beach, Rock Bar and a huge choice of restaurants. It’s best for families and couples who want plenty of dining options without leaving the resort.
Seminyak
Best for restaurants, bars and shopping
Seminyak has Bali’s densest mix of restaurants, beach bars and boutiques, all within a short walk of the beach. It’s lively, but traffic is notoriously bad on Christmas Day, so if you can, stay central and walk to where you need to be.
- Where to stay: Alila Seminyak is a sprawling beachfront resort with stylish suites and a penthouse, and throughout the festive season, they host countless festive events. It’s best for couples who want a beachfront Christmas near the best restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Canggu
Best for beach clubs and a younger party crowd
Canggu is Bali’s surf-and-cafe capital, with beach clubs, black-sand beaches and plenty of Christmas parties. It gets busy, but that’s all part of the draw.
- Where to stay: Regent Bali Canggu is a beachfront resort with spacious suites, private-pool villas and gourmet dining, and this Christmas they’ll be hosting countless festive events. It’s best for couples who want a quiet corner of Canggu.
Kuta
Best for families on a budget
Kuta is close to the airport, Waterbom and the big malls, and its hotels are more affordable than the rest of the south. It’s perfect if you want everything nearby without the luxury price tag.
- Where to stay: Bali Dynasty Resort is a paradise resort for kids, with a 56m waterslide, a kidsâ club and a gamersâ room â the entire place is like a playground! It’s best for families with kids of different age groups.
Uluwatu
Best for couples and ocean views
The Bukit peninsula is all clifftops, surf breaks and beach clubs, with dramatic sunsets over the Indian Ocean. It’s quieter than the west coast, but distances between spots are long, so stay somewhere with plenty going on.
- Where to stay: Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa has ocean-view pools, a kidsâ club, pottery studio, a spa and a shuttle to Roosterfish Beach Club. It’s best for families who want a hilltop Christmas with festive activities for kids.
Psst â check out these Christmas and New Year stay deals in Bali for a full festive package.
Is Bali good for Christmas? Pros & cons
Christmas can be a wonderful holiday in Bali. But the truth is, itâs not for everyone. Here are the pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Brunch is the big Christmas event in Bali, so the main celebrations take place by the pool or beach.
- The big resorts go all out, with Christmas trees, carols, kids’ activities and visits from Santa.
- There’s no snow here, so you can swim on Christmas morning, with warm sea temperatures around 29°C.
- Most of the island stays open, so you can still explore Bali’s best attractions and day trips.
- You’ll experience a completely unique Christmas that you won’t find at home.
Cons:
- It won’t feel like Christmas outside the resorts. Bali is majority Hindu, so there are no lights or carols in the streets.
- 25 December has some of the worst traffic of the year.
- It’s peak season, so flights, hotels and festive menus all cost more.
- Popular brunches and tours book out weeks ahead.
- It’s wet season, so expect the odd tropical downpour.
Spending the entire festive season in Bali? Check out these festive guides:
â Festive stay packages in Bali
â Christmas Eve in Bali
â New Yearâs Eve parties in Bali
â New Yearâs Day brunches to kick off 2027
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 islandâs 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 â one minute itâs a downpour, the next itâs dry and sunny.
Donât 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.