Christmas in Bali
A complete guide to spending the holidays in Seminyak
“What are you doing this Christmas?” It’s a question tossed around a lot during December, and for some lucky people, the answer will be, “Holidaying in Bali”. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about your trip to Seminyak at this time of year, including places to eat, places to shop, places to party, and more!
Christmas weather
This is an important factor for travellers to be aware of — Bali’s rainy season typically occurs from December to March. That means outdoor activities could be washed out, and the ocean could become rough. However, the weather tends to fluctuate, and you might also find yourself enjoying warm, steamy weather with cloudless skies.
An advantage is that the wet season tends to bring a relaxed and lazy atmosphere, which is ideal for end-of-year relaxation.
Christmas feasts
Many of Seminyak’s restaurants, cafés, and clubs will do something a bit special during the holidays. This makes Christmas the perfect time to experience some of the greatest culinary and dining delights that Bali has to offer.
Venues will often book special entertainment, and some chefs will strive to tantalise your tastebuds with exciting Christmas and Boxing Day menus. Here are a few suggestions for places to eat these holidays:
- Gelato Factory — Located in Jalan Oberoi, Seminyak’s famous ‘eat street’, the Gelato Factory is a great place to stop for smoothies, coffee, breakfast (such as waffles, pancakes or crepes), and, of course, mouthwatering gelato and sorbet in a wide variety of flavours. Get the classics, like chocolate or strawberry, or branch out with cinnamon, green tea, dragonfruit and more!
- Ginger Moon — One of the newer additions to eat street, Ginger Moon is a modern eatery inspired by tropical ingredients. Australian chef Dean Keddell strives to use regional flavours in fun and exciting ways throughout the menu. Highlights include ‘Mother-In-Law’s Chicken Curry’, the Cauliflower Pizza, and the Banquet Menu, which is perfect for sharing with the whole family.
- Moonlite Kitchen & Bar — This seaside restaurant offers a unique rooftop experience. From 7pm to 10pm each night, you can listen to live music as you enjoy the modern Asian cuisine. The menu includes a wide range of seafood, meats, and vegetarian options. Plus you can indulge in a decadent dessert, like the Bali Chocolate and Chili Brownie. Mmmm!
Christmas parties
Don you now your gay apparel, because clubbing in Bali remains lively at Christmas time! Many of Bali’s high-end clubs are ideally located on the beachfront, providing breathtaking views while you celebrate. Indulge in a delicious dinner, enjoy a casual drink, or jump straight into a night of dancing with some of the greatest DJs and live performers.
Popular choices include the Red Carpet Champagne Bar (home to Indonesia’s largest champagne collection), Jenja Bar & Club (DJs from 9pm, spacious lounges, and a vast dance floor), and the Seminyak highlight, the Potato Head Beach Club.
Potato Head is a one-shop-stop for beach parties, upscale dining, and vibrant nightlife. Open from breakfast to late, you can enjoy an eclectic array of restaurants, fresh hand-crafted cocktails, and memorable sunset views. Find out more here.
Christmas kids
Got kids to keep occupied during a family vacation? Bali is a great place to be. Surrounded by beaches, with cafés, restaurants and shops a stone’s throw away, it’s easy to while away entire days on Seminyak’s shores.
If the weather turns wet, there are also plenty of indoor activities to choose from. Try your hand at bowling, visit a cinema, challenge yourself with an Escape Room Challenge, or chill back in your entertainment room and relaxing sun decks at Villa Simpatico.
For more ideas, read our recent blog post. From Waterbom Water Park to the 3D Dream Museum, you’re bound to find something the whole family will love to do. Plus, all of our suggestions are conveniently located within a 30min drive from Villa Simpatico.
Christmas shopping
Bali is a paradise for avid shoppers. There is something for everyone, making gift-giving a breeze. Seminyak has a wide array of shops, including fashion boutiques, one-off designer stores, art studios, casual markets and sophisticated centres.
On Christmas Day, it is business as usual for Seminyak, with shops, clubs, parks and tours remaining available.
Here are a few suggestions for all your Christmas shopping needs:
- Beachwalk Shopping Centre — One of Seminyak’s most popular got-it-all centres, Beachwalk is home to a massive variety of fashion, beauty, food, entertainment, book, and specialty shops. Plus, you’ll find a cinema, Museum Kain, and Miniapolis — an indoor playground and child care.
- Be Chocolat by Michel Clement — Shopping for a chocolate-lover? Look no further! Be Chocolat is the ultimate in indulgence, with homemade and high-quality chocolates, caramels, cakes, hampers, truffles, and more. If you need a shopping break, stop for a coffee, hot chocolate or fondue with fresh fruit.
- BIASA Bali — BIASA is one of the most established and unique fashion brands in Seminyak. The comfortably cool clothes are fashionable and ideal for Bali’s steamy weather. Women will love the range of shawls, scarves, handbags and more, while men can peruse the jackets, pants, and shirts on the upper floor.
Enjoy Christmas at Villa Simpatico
Christmas may not be in the Balinese religious calendar, but locals will enthusiastically join in the celebrations. You’ll often see decorations with ‘Selamat Hari Natal dan Tahun Baru’ (roughly translating to ‘Happy Christmas and New Year’), with stores selling cards, hampers and more.
If you’re heading to Bali this Christmas, you’re sure to have a memorable time. Sip on some cocktails, enjoy a festive feast, and put the jingle in your bells with a trip to Villa Simpatico!
