6 ways to get in the holiday spirit during Christmas in Ubud

Tranquil wilderness, warm tropical weather, and spiritual culture are among the reasons so many opt to celebrate Christmas in Ubud. This Balinese town ensures you won't miss out on festive traditions like robust Christmas dinners or family-friendly activities like visiting Santa while indulging in all Ubud has to offer. Popular things to do in Ubud during the holidays include shopping for Christmas gifts at the Ubud Art Market, visiting incredible local temples, and partaking in wellness sessions that rejuvenate the spirit. Whether you're looking for adventure or a relaxed experience, Ubud is an ideal getaway for Christmas.

Everything you need to know about Christmas in Ubud

Best holiday market: Ubud Art Market

Average temperature: 75 to 91 F (24 to 33 C)

Key holiday days: Christmas Day on December 25

Best free festive activity: Walk around Ubud Royal Palace

1. Eat, drink, and be merry in Ubud at Christmastime

Ubud restaurants and resorts create a festive atmosphere with Western holiday traditions during the month of December. These establishments are decorated with dazzling light displays while serving festive menus with Balinese flare, including dishes like Arsik spiced fish, roasted pig, and Bagea cookies.

Hotels like the Westin Resort & Spa will host Western Christmas-themed cocktail hours, buffet dinners, brunches, and four-course menus. Intimate holiday food and drink options include enchanting private tours where your party will enjoy dining under the stars. If you prefer a home-cooked meal for Christmas, consider a Balinese cooking class.

Insider tip

Book Christmas Day reservations in advance. Check menus ahead of time to ensure your family's eating preferences can be accommodated.

2. Get your holiday shopping done at the Ubud Art Market

The Ubud Art Market is the perfect place to find unique holiday gifts to check everyone off your Christmas list. The most popular artisan bazaar in Ubud and was featured in the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" starring Julia Roberts. Here you'll find unique Christmas gifts as the market is teeming with colorful textiles, silver jewelry, sandals, wood-carved pieces, artwork, and more.

Insider tip

To avoid crowds, plan to be at the market right after it opens before the tourist buses start rolling in. Be prepared to haggle as there are no price tags.

Address

Ubud Art Market, Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571.

Opening hours

Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. Make Christmas wishes for creativity at the Ubud Water Palace

Christmas is a time for acknowledging your spirituality and visiting the town's temples and shrines, like the Ubud Water Palace, are the perfect places to get in touch with your spiritual side.

Visiting the Ubud Water Palace immediately gets you in touch with your soul with its serene water features, intricate sculptures, and traditional architecture. You can also make your Christmas wishes for wisdom and creativity here as the palace is dedicated to Dewi Sarasvati, the Hindu goddess of science, knowledge, and art.

Insider tip

Check the temple's dress code for dos and don'ts before you attend.

Address

Ubud Water Palace, Jl. Suweta No.6, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571.

Opening hours

Open Saturday–Thursday 8:00 AM-7:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM-9:30 PM.

Closed for private ceremonies and Nyepi Day, the first day of the new year of the Balinese calendar.

4. Enjoy the warm weather with poolside Christmas activities

The best way to spend Christmas in Ubud is to take full advantage of its gorgeous tropical climate. The weather is perfect for enjoying Ubud’s natural surroundings that include lush greenery and trees while swimming and sipping festive cocktails at Folk Pool and Gardens.

This swim-up bar and restaurant's Popcorn Club hosts free Christmas-themed poolside movie nights, holiday cookouts, and festive concerts throughout December.

Insider tip

You have to book a reservation for a table at these events so make sure to get a spot ahead of time. December is the rainy season in Ubud so bring a light rain jacket or umbrella along with your swimsuit.

Address

Folk Pool & Gardens, Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar.

Opening hours

Open noon-10:00 PM; hours of specific events vary.

5. Craft your own holiday gifts

DIY gifts have a sentimental value that you can't put a price tag on or buy in a store. Taking a local arts and crafts workshop to make your own Christmas gifts is high on the list of fun things to do in Ubud during the holidays.

Local artisans will teach you how to create one-of-a-kind pieces of silver and gold jewelry, carve handicrafts from wood, shape pottery into unique pieces, and weave traditional baskets.

Insider tip

Ask the workshop host questions to assess the level of skill required to complete a piece to ensure that you're up for the task and you'll have a positive experience.

6. Get in touch with your spirituality at Pura Mengening

Ubud has many religious and spiritual activities for you to experience holiness and connect with your spirituality during the Christmas holiday. Water purification ceremonies are available at the ancient Pura Mengening temple, where you'll dress in traditional Balinese garb and wade through holy spring waters as you pray to water spirits to free you from negativity, sickness, and harm.

Insider tip

Do your research and ask the tour guides questions to prepare yourself for exactly what these activities involve, especially if you have any health or physical issues.

Address

Pura Mengening, Jalan Tirta No.25M, Sareseda, Tampaksiring, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar.

Opening hours

Open 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.

7. Attend a Christmas service at Lifehouse Church

While people in Bali are predominantly of the Hindu faith, there are still churches in and near Ubud that host religious services and Christmas activities for children during the holidays.

Bali Celebration Praise is a Christian fellowship that holds services on Sunday, and Lifehouse Church is about 45 minutes outside of Ubud in Denpasar.

Lifehouse Church celebrates throughout the month of December with Christmas-themed masses and things to do with kids like taking pictures with Santa.

Insider tip

Ask your hotel about local religious services and call ahead to confirm availability.

Address

Lifehouse Church, Ibis Styles Bali Denpasar (Hall Plumeria 6 & 7, Jl. Teuku Umar No.183, Dauh Puri Kauh, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar.

Opening hours

Open Sundays 9:30 AM-1:30 PM.

Christmas in Ubud: FAQs

What are the top things to do during Christmas in Ubud?

You'll want to check out local restaurants and resorts for traditional Christmas activities like dinners and meetings with Santa. You can also visit local artisan markets for holiday shopping.

Do they celebrate Christmas in Bali?

Many in Ubud are of the Hindu faith and don't celebrate Christmas. However, because so many people visit Bali during the holidays, lots of establishments will decorate and host Christmas events for tourists.

What is the weather like in Bali during Christmas?

You can expect warm weather with temperatures in the high 70s and 80s F (25 to 30 C). December is also the wet season, so expect some rainy days.

Is everything open in Ubud at Christmas?

Most establishments will be during normal business hours on Christmas Day in Ubud, especially businesses that cater to tourists. You could find a small number of small local businesses closed or have reduced hours that day.

Is Christmas a good time to visit Ubud?

Many people visit Ubud at Christmastime, which is considered peak tourist season. It's an excellent place to visit if you're looking to escape to somewhere with warm weather.