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Christmas Bali holidays
Although Bali is predominantly Hindu, you can expect to be immersed in the festive spirit over the Christmas period. Start the morning with a floating breakfast in the pool, bask in the sun on a pearly sand beach and, most importantly, enjoy a Bali-style Christmas lunch. With an eclectic range of cuisines on the menu, you can choose from Mediterranean, Japanese, British or Balinese dishes. The exotic paradise of Bali has no bad times ahead, and its Christmas seascapes can be truly magical.
Christmas holidays to Bali
Christmas traditions in Bali
Although mainly Hindu, some parts of Bali, particularly the southern villages, are Christian and have very Balinese traditions that are enjoyed by all, regardless of religious faith; the main aim during the festive season is to share happiness, joy and love. On Christmas Day, Christians prepare food for their neighbours in special containers that they carry on their heads. This tradition of 'Ngejot' symbolises peace, conviviality, sharing and love. Religious beliefs aside, people are careful to prepare dishes that are adapted to their neighbours' dietary needs. Balinese Christians place 'Penjor' Christmas trees in front of their homes, made from bent bamboo stems and decorated with young coconut leaves. Sometimes measuring up to 10 metres in height, they are supposed to bless households by bringing them security and wealth in the coming year. Pine trees are also used and decorated by the Balinese, but with a certain originality. Used objects are reused in inventive ways to create environmentally-friendly ornaments, and competitions to find the most beautiful tree are hotly contested. In the tourist areas, you'll find hotels and shops with more traditional decorations, but wherever you go, you'll meet Balinese people who are happy to celebrate this joyous time of year.
Best hotels to celebrate Christmas in Bali
Nestled on Kuta Beach in Legian, Hard Rock Hotel Bali is inspired by rock and roll culture. The interior is modern with vibrant accents and each suite is equipped with a Bluetooth turbo sound system, ideal for all music lovers. Featuring Bali's largest outdoor swimming pool, Hard Rock Hotel has waterslides, climbing facilities, a spa, restaurants, a pub and a games room. Spend your Christmas holiday enjoying traditional Asian cuisine at Starz Diner or poolside drinks at Splash Bistro. One thing's for sure, there's nothing better than escaping the harsh British winters to a tropical paradise.
Christmas is merry and relaxed at the Courtyard Bali Seminyak Resort. This palm-fringed hideaway lies behind Seminyak beach and offers easy access to its water sports facilities and rainbow-coloured beach huts. Offering total tranquillity in a 5* resort, the complex features sparkling fountain pools, childcare services, a bowling alley and a rejuvenating spa. For a change of scenery, the Waterbom water park is within walking distance and is sure to delight the whole family.
Featuring modern cube-shaped mini-villas, Vinesa Ubud Resort is a great option for enjoying a gentle seascape over the Christmas holidays. Nestled in 5 hectares of lush landscapes, it seems impossible to think that the bustling centre of Ubud is just a five-minute drive away. Vinesa Ubud has been designed to encourage meditation and spiritual peace. The resort offers fantastic spa facilities and is perfectly situated in the epicentre of lush green landscapes, allowing you to embrace and connect with nature.
Some resorts get into the Christmas spirit by hosting Western traditions such as decorated Christmas trees and candy canes, and many locals look forward to this global celebration.