How to spend Christmas and New Year in Bali: Best places to stay, dine, shop and party for a fun celebration!

Written by Nadia Crowe
Edited by Beverley Lennon

Most people imagine Christmas as white, snowy, and absolutely freezing. While some of you may find that perfectly ideal, others (more warm-blooded creatures) may dread it. If you find yourself bracing for the cold rather than embracing it, maybe it’s time you have a more tropical festive season!

Thanks to the hordes of tourists that come from near and far, Bali has become a hotspot destination for end-of-year celebrations. Safe to say that they know how to do it well too! So gear up, whether you want to party hard into the New Year, or want a nice family oriented Christmas, here’s all you need to know!

Read More:

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9 Bali beach clubs with great swimming pool and free entrance

32 Bali restaurants with most spectacular views as your dining backdrop!

What to do on Christmas and NY in Bali?

1. Enjoy a Christmassy Italian feast- Prego, Westin Resort

Though you might not expect Italian food to be a choice when it comes to Christmas dining that’s exactly what you can expect to find, and love at Prego Restaurant.

From seafood to pasta and everything in between, this little taste of Italy makes for a unique dining experience!

Now, Italian food is also always a good option for your picky little ones too right?! There will be lots of fun and games for the kiddos and a visit from the big white-bearded guy too! Ho ho ho!!

2. Let your family indulge in a memorable brunch – Cucina Restaurant, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort

Sofitel knows exactly how to raise the Christmas spirit in you, from Christmas carols, to visits from Santa, to their legendary Mediterranean Sunday brunch (Christmas style!).

You and your entire party will feel absolutely stuffed silly with roasted meats, sumptuous sides, and you can even choose their drinks’ package to keep you supplied with funky cocktails throughout the whole meal!

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3. Be spoiled for choice for your big NY dinner – The Mulia, Nusa Dua

The Mulia has four different restaurants with four different cuisines for you to choose from, and three different bars to party it up at after! It’s a buffet lover’s heaven, choose from authentic Indonesian cuisine, to Mediterranean food, Oriental food, or Japanese! Pick one at random and completely stuff yourself!

4. Watch the last sunset of the year – Sunset on Seminyak, Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort

Located right on the beach, Sunset on Seminyak is the perfect place to watch the last moments of the day disappear before the New Year comes in. Cosy bean bags make for the perfect dining spot, comfortable enough so that when you let your trousers loose after eating the buffet, nobody will notice! Finish up with a cocktail (or plenty) at their end of year party to ring in the New Year!

Party the way only Bali knows how – at the beach!

5. The masters of real parties!- Finn’s Beach Club

As one of the most exciting beach clubs in Bali, Finn’s always aims to prove itself as the top dog. Every year they outdo themselves and most of the others too by throwing a ridiculously large party featuring international Djs, tantalizing cocktails, and buckets of fun. No matter what you do in life, you’ll always be able to say “I spent New Year’s Eve at Finn’s” and be met with amazement!

6. Where else to party than in Ibiza – Café Del Mar Bali

Hailing from Ibiza, the beach party capital of the world, Cafe Del Mar entered Bali’s beach club scene with what can be described as nothing less than a loud bang. Featuring an all white exterior that allows the gorgeous light blue swimming pool to pop, it makes for some striking photos! You can definitely count on a rager of a NYE party (with international DJs) here!

7. Hit the best beaches by yourself! – Double Six Beach, Berawa, Batu Bolong

If you’re not feeling like dropping a bomb on entrance fees or drinks, the best place to go is simply, the beach! In particular Berawa and Double Six are where some of Bali’s best beach clubs are located. Simply find a spot near them on the beach, watch the fireworks and listen to the music from afar, and have a great time! Just don’t go swimming!

Throw a private party at your own villa!

Sometimes things can get a little overwhelming to plan, especially when you have to take into consideration the traffic, transport, and cost. Why not invite all your friends and family over to your villa and have a little soiree of your own! No need to worry about food, music, drunk driving, or safety, you’ll be in the comfort of your own home!

8. Sit back, relax, and let the experts work – Bali Party Professionals/ Bali Catering Company/ Island Graze

To plan a perfect party is hard! Thankfully Bali has several options, from professional party planners that will take care of each and every thing to catering companies that will give you a traditional meal to die for! Ring up a few of your friends, and stay in a villa for a few days or just a night, plan a party that will be remembered for the next few decades!

Where to stay during Christmas and NY in Bali?

9. If you are the one who likes to party from day to night- W Bali

There’s no party like a W party! From gourmet Christmas brunch spreads filled with endless amounts of seafood, meats and desserts, to their infamous New Year’s Eve countdown party at Woo Bar, to post hangover chill sessions in the pool. Spend your holidays here celebrating in style!

Read more about our W experience!

10. Party near Bali’s best hidden beaches!- Radisson Blu Bali

Radisson Blu is the definition of luxury on a budget. Feast on Christmas inspired italian food for dinner, party it up at their pool party (equipped with a live band!), and laze about in their pool all day on the 1st of January to bask in that New Year sunshine!

11. Pick a cool stay near Legian Beach! – Fashion Hotel Legian

This place is nothing short of being the fashionista of Bali’s hotel scene. The hotel is modernly and glamorously decorated to make you feel like a celebrity, complete with an amazing rooftop swimming pool – perfect for sunset chill outs instead of crowding with the hordes of tourists at Kuta Beach (which is a mere 20 minutes walk away!)

12. A budget option that will look pretty on your ‘gram– Tijili Seminyak Hotel

When it comes to creativity and design in Indonesia, you can expect much of it displayed in Bali’s hotels and cafes! If you’re one aesthetically conscious traveller looking for a budget option to please your eyes and soul, here’s where you should be heading to while in Seminyak because Tijili Seminyak Hotel feels and looks like an art exhibition with its colourful interiors and furnishings! Plus it’s only 12 minutes away from Double Six beach!

13. Enjoy a quiet celebration in the jungle– Padma Resort Ubud Bali

Padma Resort Ubud Bali is one of the most spectacular resorts you’ll see. It sprawls across the wide hills of Ubud, is nestled within the incredibly robust river valley, and overlooks endless lush greenery. End of year festivities are not taken lightly here, they always have something on, for the adults, the kids (read; Santa!), and the ones who like to party a little!

14. Throw your own party at a private pool villa – Villa Lisha

For those who crave space, luxury and self-indulgence, you won’t go wrong with Villa Lisha.

With fabulous decors, a gorgeous sun terrace, lush tropical garden and generous living space, this villa is all about high standards. You don’t know the meaning of being spoiled until you’ve experienced this luxurious and romantic stay! Plus, with it being only 7 minutes walk away from Batu Belig beach, it’s the perfect spot!

More affordable private pool villas options here!

Coming with the family? Some of these resorts have programmes specifically for kids! Yes, that includes meeting Mr Claus himself! Check out our family-friendly itinerary to the jungles and beaches too!

Where to buy your Christmas gifts in Bali?

Gifts are one of the most important aspects of Christmas, so finding the perfect present is often a topic of stress! In the spirit of giving back, why not buy your presents from some eco-friendly/ethical places?

Or better yet, donate to a charity on someone’s behalf! A great option is to Bali Children’s Project where they have several incredible causes to help young children in unbearable situations!

The truth behind volunteering in Bali:
Now, you might be wondering why donate when you could volunteer your time?! True, it is an admirable action, but there are several issues with it too. You can read more about the potential ethical problems faced in Bali’s voluntourism culture before committing to it!

15. Shop to turn your loved one’s homes into an eco-friendly paradise – Bali Zen

Sustainable, fair trade home decor is what awaits you as you enter this shop. Beautiful batik bedsheets, and outstanding woven placemats are just some of the wonderful things you can find to gift someone.

16. Buy gorgeous fabrics and support the local women – Threads of Life

Threads of Life supports thousands of women from 11 islands across the Indonesian archipelago. With a fair-trade business model, selling these fabrics empower these women to overcome poverty. With local materials, natural dyes and traditional methods, the most stunning ikat and traditional Batik fabrics are created, handwoven by these skillful Indonesian women.

17. Join in on the plastic free movement – Bye Bye Plastic Bags

For cute t-shirts, colourful and quirky tote bags, and a seriously incredible cause check out Bye Bye Plastic Bags. An NGO started by Bali’s youth who got sick and tired of all the destruction caused by single use plastic. Why not support their cause by buying some of their adorable products?

Spend your days spreading Christmas cheer with these activities!

18. Meet Santa and tell him all of your Christmas wishes – Beachwalk Bali

Head on down to Beachwalk Bali for a quintessential Christmas experience. Meeting the big man in a red suit is every child’s dream! Make sure to give you and your little ones a chance to meet Santa and tell him your heart’s desire!

19. Take an eco tour – The Green Village

Yes we know – all the villages in Bali are green with all those rice fields and tropical vegetation, but this one is super special. The Green Village was designed in 2006 by jewellery designer John Hardy, and later finished by his daughter. The result? A collection of bespoke, luxury bamboo homes all seamlessly integrated into the Ayung Valley nature.

20. Experience one day as a Balinese Rice Farmer – Four Seasons Sayan

Have you ever truly understood what goes behind each miniscule grain of rice? Now, you can – by being a rice farmer for a day! As part of Four Season Sayan’s Extraordinary Experiences Initiative, guests can sign up for the complete rice farmer experience, from a scenic meal amongst rice paddies, planting seeds to transplanting little shoots.

Once you’re all worn out from working, head down to the cooling river where you’ll be able to see Santa arrive and perform a magic show!

Note: Just remember to always drink responsibly, and source your drinks from reliable places while in Bali. Methanol poisoning is serious!

See, there are endless ways to celebrate Christmas and NYE in Bali! 

Tag your gang below and let them know what’s up this holiday season! Know of any more parties happening? Let us know below!

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