With just one month to go, the countdown to Christmas is officially on! 2020 being, well, 2020, it should come as little surprise that Christmas in Bali will be a little different this year.
If this were any other year, the island would already be gearing up for some of its busiest weeks of the year, with visitors arriving from far and wide to celebrate Christmas in Bali. In 2020, international travel has, of course, come to a screeching halt and during the past several months, the streets and beaches of Bali have been more quiet than we’ve seen them in years – if not decades.
But contrary to what you might have heard (or read online), Bali hasn’t become a total snoozeville, with locals, expats and Indonesian travellers keeping the island going. If you’re currently in Bali or are planning to travel domestically for the holidays, here are a few ideas for how to spend Christmas in Bali in 2020.
Health Protocols
First, a note on general health protocols that are currently in place in Bali. A lot of venues do a temperature check before you enter. There are washstands in front of most restaurants and a lot of venues provide hand sanitisers either at every table or prominently across the venue. You’ll also see large banners and posters lining the streets, reminding people of the health protocols: wear a mask, wash your hands and maintain social distancing.
Following the pandemic, masks have become ubiquitous throughout Bali. Officially, you are required to wear a mask whenever you leave your house (or risk facing a IDR 100,000 fine). The staff at every restaurant wears masks and at many of the higher end venues, staff will wear a face shield as well as sporting a mask.
Tables are usually spaced out and some venues have blocked out seats or entire tables to maintain social distancing. It also helps that most, if not all, restaurants in Bali offer outdoor seating, as indoor spaces have been deemed more risky by the CDC.
Christmas Events in Bali 2020
Now let’s get on to the merry making! Here are our best picks for eating, drinking and being merry this holiday season in Bali. We’ll be updating the list as more venues in Bali announce their events for Christmas 2020.
Seminyak, Legian & Kuta
Ku De Ta
The iconic Seminyak beach club is hosting a Christmas Day family lunch with a multi-course feast accompanied by fun activities for the kids and of course, a visit from Santa. Ku De Ta’s annual Christmas shindig is an institution at this stage and no wonder – nothing says a Bali Christmas quite like greeting Santa from your sun bed while the sun sets into the Indian Ocean.
Ku De Ta
Where: Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak
When: 25 December, 11am onwards
For bookings: +62 361 736969 (WhatsApp)
Corner House
One of the most popular spot’s on Seminyak’s iconic Eat Street is hosting a truly mouthwatering feast this Christmas Day. Starters, mains and desserts will cover all your festive favourites along with more exotic fare – you can choose between Corner House’s famous seafood platter, Gordon Ramsay’s sticky pork ribs or a traditional Xmas turkey lunch… Can you say yum? For the little ones, a full kids menu will also available. Bookings are essential so secure your spot now!
Corner House
Where: Jalan Kayu Aya No. 10, Seminyak
When: 25 December, SESSION 1: 11am – 1:30pm; SESSION 2: 1:30pm – 4pm
Price: IDR 699,000++ per person
For bookings: click here to book
Hard Rock Hotel
It’s set to be a rockin’ Christmas at Kuta’s Hard Rock Hotel, with The Rockets live band providing the soundtrack for the festivities. Look out for happy hour which is set to last all day and night long, with a buy 1, get 1 free promo on selected cocktails and Bintang beer. Free entry!
Hard Rock Hotel
Where: Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta
When: 25 December, 9pm onwards
For bookings: +62 361 761869
Bali Dynasty Resort
Enjoy fun-filled, family friendly festivities at this beloved Kuta beach resort. The Christmas Day buffet lunch will be hosted at the resort’s open-air Cafe Piazza restaurant, with Christmas carols to set the mood. The buffet menu will feature all the holiday staples, including roast turkey, mince pies, Christmas pudding and homemade eggnog.
Bali Dynasty Resort
Where: Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta
When: 25 December, 12 – 3pm
Price: Adults IDR 290,000 per person
Kids (4 -12) IDR 145,000 per person
For bookings: +62 819 15853007 (WhatsApp)
W Bali
After a short sojourn, the W Bali resort in Seminyak is back and ready to celebrate the holidays in style. The uber stylish resort is hosting more than a few Christmas feasts across its dining outlets. On Christmas Eve, you can opt for the Seafood market at Starfish Bloo or explore the Night Market at Fire restaurant. On Christmas Day, both restaurants are hosting a “Super Brunch” followed by pre-fix dinner at Starfish Bloo and another Night Market at Fire. Take 20% off the brunch package price tag when you book before November 30!
W Bali
Where: Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak
When: 24 – 25 December
Price: Super Brunch from IDR 1,200,000 per person
Seafood Market from IDR 700,000 per person
Night Market from IDR 600,000 per person
For bookings: +62 361 3000106
Pavilion Surf Club
This laidback surf club in Legian is hosting a full day’s worth of holiday cheer by the beach. The venue is offering two options for lunch and dinner followed by yummy desserts and of course, tasty options for the kids as well.
Pavilion Surf Club
Where: Double Six Beach, Legian
When: 25 December, 12pm onwards
For bookings: +62 812 38940198 (WhatsApp)
Azul Beach Club
Our favourite bamboo built beach club is hosting a beautiful Christmas celebration both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, Azul is offering a family style sharing menu at a fabulous price point. On Christmas Day, they are hosting a Christmas Brunch. This is a family friendly celebration with a poolside barbecue, pizza making class, Christmas cookie decoration, games and a live band providing the tunes.
Azul Beach Club
Where: Jalan Padma No.2, Legian
When: 24 December, from 6pm onwards
25 December, 12pm – 4pm
Price: Christmas Dinner – IDR 350,000++ (Family sharing style package for 4 persons)
Christmas Brunch – IDR 350,000++ for reservations made before Dec 15th (normal price IDR 400,000++)
Nusa Dua & Uluwatu
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
The fabulous Westin resort in Nusa Dua is offering multiple festive events this holiday season. Their Christmas Eve Dinner Under the Stars is well suited for the family, with colourful decorations, live entertainment and fun activities for the kids. The menu is a mix of festive favourites and delicious seafood. Meanwhile, the resort’s Prego restaurant is hosting a Christmas Day Brunch with a magician, balloonist, photo ops with Santa and live music. The menu focuses on Italian flavours and Christmas time favourites.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
Where: Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, BTDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua
When: Christmas Eve Dinner Under The Stars – 24 December, 8pm – 10pm
Prego Fun Christmas Brunch – 25 December, 11:30am – 3:30pm
Price: Christmas Eve Dinner Under The Stars – 650,000++ (food only) / IDR 350,000++
Prego Fun Christmas Brunch – IDR 695,000++ per person / IDR 350,000++ per child
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
This stunning clifftop resort is hosting a Christmas celebration at their 360-degree Rooftop Restaurant on Christmas Eve. The evening will feature a four-course menu, live acoustic tunes and of course, a visit from Santa.
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
Where: Jalan Pemutih – Labuan Sait, Uluwatu
When: 24 December, 7pm-11pm
Price: IDR 360,000++
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
If you’re looking for festive fun for the kids, the Sofitel resort in Nusa Dua is hosting a Christmas celebration exclusively for the kiddos at their La Villa Des Enfants Kids Club. Kids are treated to fun activities like face painting, games, arts and crafts as well as a parade and of course, snacks and beverage to fuel the fun. The event is suitable for kids aged 3 and up.
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Where: Lot N5, ITDC Tourism Complex, Nusa Dua
When: 25 December, 3pm-5pm
Price: IDR 207,000++ per child
For bookings: +62 361 8492888
Ubud
Uma Cucina
This Italian restaurant located at the stunning COMO Uma resort in Ubud is offering a delicious Christmas feast. The evening’s three-course menu features appetisers, barramundi arrosto or porchetta and heavenly dessert, accompanied by live entertainment.
Uma Cucina
Where: Jalan Raya Sanggingan No. 21, Ubud
When: 24 December, from 8pm – 10:30pm
Price: IDR 400,000++ per adult
A la carte options and a children’s menu are available.
For bookings: +62 821 47324042 (WhatsApp)
Accommodation Specials
Of course, ongoing travel restrictions have completely revamped the hospitality landscape the world over. Throughout the year, we have seen many of the best villas, hotels and resorts in Bali offering amazing deals to attract expats and domestic travellers as well as to secure bookings for future travels.
Lately, however, there has been a slight change in weather. With Bali expats and domestic Indonesian travellers looking to live it up after the year that was 2020, there has been an uptick in demand for the festive season. We have actually even seen some villas become fully booked for Christmas and New Year.
As the international borders remain, for the most parts, closed for tourism, there are, of course, plenty of villas still available for peak dates. If you’re looking for a last minute deal in Bali, contact our team to get the best rates, guaranteed.
Wherever you’re spending the holiday season, we hope you’re staying safe and are making the most of this special time of year. If you need us, we’ll be right here, dreaming about future travels to Bali.
