‘Twas the night before Christmas in Bali, when all through the island there were lavish dinners, gourmet gifts and festive events aplenty!
Because there’s no such thing as too much holiday cheer (and it’s never too early to start celebrating), here’s a roundup of the best places to celebrate on the night (and day!) before Christmas. From gourmet dinners to festive events, here’s where to get your island celebrations started for Christmas Eve 2023 in Bali.
And psst! If you haven’t wrapped up the rest of your festive plans just yet, here’s our top picks for the best Christmas Day feasts in Bali, as well as the hottest New Year’s Eve parties and New Year’s Day brunches to ring in 2024 in style. Happy Holidays, honeys!
Christmas Eve 2023 in Bali
Things to do & festive places to eat & celebrate on 24th December
1. Christmas Eve at Kaum
For an island-inspired Christmas Eve and a true taste of traditional Indonesian cuisine, book a table at Kaum at Desa Potato Head. The unstoppable kitchen team will be laying out a set menu of specially selected authentic recipes from across the archipelago, featuring flavourful snacks, hearty mains, and a selection of sweets – all designed to be shared family-style. Think babi guling (suckling pig), fried prawn dumplings, slow roasted chicken with traditional Balinese spices, and roasted grouper wrapped in banana leaf. Enak!
Where: Kaum at Desa Potato Head – Jl Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak.
When: 24th December 2023, from 12pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 650,000++ per person for the set menu, including a welcome drink on arrival.
2. Christmas Eve Aperitivo and Degustation at Bulgari Resort Bali
Get dressed in your best and head to Bulgari Resort Bali this Christmas Eve, where the festivities come with a touch of six-star elegance. The celebrations begin as the sun dips below the ocean horizon, where The Bulgari Bar will host a joyous sunset aperitivo, and the local children’s choir will serenade the evening with festive melodies. Santa Claus will also be making a grand entrance, and if you’re bringing the kids, they can get creative and decorate the Christmas tree at Little Gems Club from 5pm. Then, once the sun sets, settle in for an award-winning degustation dinner at Il Ristorante – Luca Fantin, featuring the finest ingredients (like white truffles and Oscietra caviar) and the option to add-on sublime wine pairing.
Where: Bulgari Resort Bali – Jl Goa Lempeh, Uluwatu.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6pm for the sunset aperitivo, and from 7pm for the degustation dinner.
Price: From IDR 5,000,000 per person for the degustation dinner, or add on wine pairing for IDR 2,300,000.
3. Christmas Eve on the beach at Sundays Beach Club
We can’t think of a better place to kick off the Christmas festivities than right on the bright white sands of Sundays Beach Club. On the day and eve before Christmas, you can tuck into the brand new menu from celeb Aussie chef, James Viles, featuring fresh, locally-sourced produce served up beside the seaside. You’ll want to stick around until late too, because once the sun begins to set, the bonfire will be lit and ooey-gooey marshmallows will be ready for roasting – the most magical setting to sing all of your favourite Christmas carols!
Where: Sundays Beach Club – Jl Pantai Selatan Gau, Ungasan.
When: 24th December 2023, from 9am – 9pm.
Price: From IDR 650,000 per person (including IDR 400,000 food & beverage credit) for general admission, or from IDR 2,800,000 for VIP bookings.
4. Christmas Eve in Ubud at Portofino Restaurant
Serving up a very special xestive feast this Christmas Eve, the multi-course menu at Portofino Ubud will feature all the Christmas classics, like honey-smoked glazed ham, a fresh prawn cocktail and roasted pork belly with caramelised apples. But in true Portofino fashion, there’ll also be plenty of Italian twists too. Think Arancini di Rosso on arrival, stracciatella with orange and fennel to start, and a Cioppino seafood stew for mains. And for those all-important Christmas toasts, there’ll be bubbles on ice, incredible cocktails and a very affordable international wine selection. Psst – the festive menu is also available on Christmas Day and Boxing Day too!
Where: Portofino Ubud – Jl Raya Pengosekan, Ubud.
When: 24th December 2023, from 5pm until 9.30pm.
Price: IDR 940,000 ++ per person for the Festive Menu. Kids under 10 years-old can skip the set menu and order from the a la carte menu instead, which will also be available on Christmas Eve.
5. Christmas Eve Five-Course Dinner at Koral Restaurant
For a once in a lifetime Christmas Eve dinner, head to Koral Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where fine dining dishes are served up inside an aquarium (yep, you read it right!). This aquatic experience will be even more special this Christmas Eve, with five lavish courses on the menu. You’ll start the evening with a prawn sphere topped with caviar, and smoked duck served with foie gras terrine. Then, indulge in herb-crusted roast snapper and Aussie lamb, before finishing on the sweetest note with Bûche de Noël. Psst… if you’re looking for something different, check out The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s other five-star dining destinations, with special festivities taking place throughout the resort!
Where: Koral Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinski Bali – Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua.
When: 24th December 2023, from 5.30pm – 10.30pm.
Price: IDR 1,750,000++ per person or IDR 2,750,000++ with wine pairing. Or for IDR 4,250,000++, you and a hot date can dine under Koral’s iconic aquatic tunnel.
6. Christmas Eve Roast Dinner at Banana Lounge
For a tropical Christmas Eve beneath the stars, head over to Banana Lounge in Bingin, our fave pool club surrounded by lush greenery. Bring the whole family to feast on a classic Christmas Eve roast dinner with all the trimmings. Choose from crispy duck, roast beef, chicken, pork or lamb, each served with its own sauce and all the sides (think cauliflower gratin, roast pumpkin and crispy polenta) plus yummy desserts too. There’ll even be gingerbread house-making and biscuit decorating to keep the kiddos busy!
Where: Banana Lounge – Jl Tanjung Simah, Gang Sedana, Labuan Sait, Pecatu.
When: 24th December 2023, from 7pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 450,000++ per adult, plus IDR 515,000++ for three hours of free-flow of wine, beer and cocktails. Children aged four to 12 years can dine for IDR 225,000++, while those three years old and under dine for free.
7. Two Christmas Eve Buffet Dinners at W Bali – Seminyak
For double the deliciousness, W – Bali Seminyak will be dishing up two buffet dinners this Christmas Eve at two of its most decadent dining destinations: one at Starfish Bloo and one at Fire. Both buffet dinners will be laying out scrummy festive staples like roast turkey with cranberries, a leg of lamb and even Black Forest Cake and a gingerbread cheesecake. There’ll also be seafood on ice, house smoked duck, fine meats from a wood-fired Argentinian grill, antipasti, a selection of cheeses, and all-time favourites from around the world, like Italian pasta, Singaporean chilli crab, Japanese sashimi and soooo much more. Psst – save space for all the desserts!
Where: W Bali – Seminyak – Jl Petitenget, Seminyak.
When: 24th December, from 7pm – 11pm.
Price: From IDR 1,900,000++ for the buffet dinner and free-flow soft drinks, IDR 2,900,000+ for dinner and free-flow house drinks, or IDR 3,900,000++ to include Champagne.
8. Family-Style Christmas Eve Dinner at Makase
This Christmas Eve, settle in for a scrumptious family-style set menu dinner at Makase, one of the signature restaurants at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. To really get you into the Christmas spirit, each course will served up as a bountiful family-style spread, featuring Christmas classics to share. Think honey glazed ham, roasted turkey and pepper-crushed sirloin, plus all the delicious sides, starters, and desserts. Check out the menu and details here to get those festive juices flowing!
Where: Makase at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach – Jl Camplung Tanduk No. 10, Seminyak.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 750,000++ per person including soft drinks, or IDR 950,000++ per person including bubbles to set the mood. Children under 11 years can dine for half price.
9. Christmas Soirée at Bella Cucina
This Christmas Eve, InterContinental Bali Resort invites you to indulge in a Mediterranean feast with your family and loved ones. Chef Romain Levefre at Bella Cucina will be whipping up an exquisite set dinner filled with delicious treats which showcase the expert skills of his culinary team. As you graze on this Christmas banquet, you’ll be serenaded by an elegant live piano performance. It’s an opulent Christmas Soirée in the heart of the family-friendly neighbourhood of Jimbaran Bay. And psst – if you’d prefer a Japanese spin on your Christmas festivities, KO Restaurant will be hosting a Christmas Teppanyaki too!
Where: Bella Cucina at InterContinental Bali Resort – Jl Raya Uluwatu No. 45, Jimbaran.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6.30pm.
Price: IDR 1,600,000 ++ per person for the set dinner.
10. Ren Christmas Eve Dinner at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu
Make your way to Clay Craft Restaurant at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu for a sumptuous spread of Indonesian and international dishes this Christmas Eve. There’ll be plenty of Christmas classics to feast on, all given the ‘Renaissance’ touch. And to keep the Christmas spirits high, dinner will be serenaded by Christmas carols and live performances from a trio of musicians and a saxophone performance. Best bit is, you can pair your buffet dinner with an optional free-flow beverage package. And kids, look out for Santa Claus, because he’ll be making a surprise visit too!
Where: Clay Craft Restaurant at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu – Jl Pantai Balangan I No. 1, Ungasan.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 790,000++ per person for the buffet, or IDR 1,440,000++ per person including free-flow wine, cocktails, and beers. Kids aged 6 to 12 years dine for IDR 395,000++, while kids under 6 dine for free. Psst – use the code HONEYCOMBERS to get 15% off all reservations made before 20th December!
11. Christmas Eve Dinner at Bali Mandira
On the night before Christmas, settle into Celagi Restaurant at Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa for a true culinary adventure. You’ll find a bountiful buffet of live food stations serving up a vibrant selection of Indonesian and international cuisines. Think roasted meats, vegetables, Christmas desserts and so much more. Your Christmas Eve dinner will be serenaded by a traditional angklung performance, a choir, and a very special collaborative acoustic performance by Bali’s finest trio of female vocalists. Psst… there’ll even be a Secret Santa gift exchange!
Where: Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa – Jl Padma No. 2, Legian.
When: 24th December 2023, from 7pm.
Price: From IDR 500,000++ per adult. Children aged four to 12 years dine for half the price, while kids under 3 years-old dine for free.
12. Christmas Eve Dinner at The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
Spend the night before Christmas at the luxurious The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, with a delectable set menu feast and holiday cheer. This magical Christmas Eve dinner will be served at the resort’s Sanje Restaurant, featuring five sumptuous courses. Your dinner soundtrack will be performed live by the Soundscapes Quartet, alongside a heartwarming performance of Christmas carols by the Klungkung Children’s Orphanage.
Where: The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa – Jl Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: From IDR 990,000++ per person for the five-course dinner.
13. A poolside Christmas Eve Dinner at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
Celebrate a jolly Christmas Eve with a bountiful, poolside buffet at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. The dinner will feature an array of Christmas classics, as well as succulent seafood and sweet treats too! Enjoy a live music performance as you graze with your loved ones – yes, it’s family-friendly!
Where: The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali – Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, ITDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6.30pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 890,000++ per adult, inclusive of free-flow soft drinks and juices. Children aged four to ten years-old can dine for half price, while those under four years dine for free.
14. Poolside Dinner Buffet at Suku Poolside, Conrad Bali
This Christmas Eve, head to Suku Poolside at Conrad Bali where the enchanting poolside atmosphere will complement a sumptuous, farm-to-table Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet. This festive feast will feature an array of treats, including seafood on ice, a turkey carving station, live grill, noodle and laksa station, a chocolate fountain, cheese board, log cake, gingerbread house, and an ice cream station. The evening will be serenaded by a Christmas choir, a trio band and Santa and Santarina, and you’ll want to arrive early, because Conrad Bali will also be hosting a Festive Market & Weekend Workshops from the 10th to 25th December, featuring local produce, island brands and artisanal gifts too!
Where: Suku Poolside at Conrad Bali – Jl Pratama 168, Tanjung Benoa –Nusa Dua.
When: 24th December 2023, from 7pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 900,000++ per adult for the buffet dinner. Children under 12 years-old dine for half the price. Add on IDR 650,000++ per person for a two-hour free-flow beverage package featuring signature cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and juices.
15. Joyful Christmas at Padma Resort Ubud
For a family-friendly Christmas Eve feast in the jungle, head to Padma Resort Ubud. The kids will have a party of their own at the Heliconia Ballroom (from 5pm to 7pm), where they will be treated to musical games, hair braiding, face painting and a movie night. While the kids tuck into their complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate, mums and dads can feast on a four-course dinner at The Puhu Restaurant, as an elegant piano performance plays in the background.
Where: Padma Resort Ubud – Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu Payangan, Ubud.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
Price: IDR 690,000++ per person for the set dinner.
16. Christmas Eve Dinner at CasCades Restaurant & Bar
For a magical night before Christmas, head to CasCades in Ubud for a festive feast beneath the stars. Bring the whole family for dinner and you’ll be treated to eggnog on arrival, before tucking into a buffet spread of hearty dishes. Chef Yusuf and his kitchen team will prepare holiday classics like glazed roasted turkey, served from vibrant live cooking stations. As you indulge in this memorable feast, you’ll be serenaded by festive jingles as you take in an enchanting Balinese dance performance and the breathtaking backdrop of Ubud’s lush jungles.
Where: CasCades Restaurant & Bar – Jl Lanyahan, Banjar Nagi, Ubud.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6pm.
Price: From IDR 1,250,000++ per person for the buffet, including eggnog on arrival.
17. Christmas Eve buffet dinner at Daily Social
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a feast for the senses at Daily Social by the beautiful Kuta Beach. This family-friendly buffet dinner will feature all of the indulgent Christmas classics you expect. Think roasted turkey and glazed ham with all the trimmings, as well as Christmas cakes and sweet treats.
Where: Daily Social – Jl Pantai Kuta, Kuta.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6pm – 10pm.
Price: IDR 700,000++ per adult, or add IDR 450,000++ for free-flow local beers, or IDR 650,000++ for free-flow wines, cocktails and beers. Or for an additional IDR 800,000++, you can have it all plus sparkling wine. Children aged six to 11 years old can dine for IDR 350,000++.
18. Jolly Christmas Eve Dinner at Mulia Bali
Settle in for one helluva Christmas Eve banquet at Mulia Bali’s five-star dining destination, The Cafe. You’ll get to feast on all-you-can-order signature dishes from around the world, cooked and plated at the theatrical live stations. All of your favourite cuisines from Indonesia, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan and beyond will be making an appearance, and psst – you won’t want to miss the dessert wonderland!
Where: The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Jl Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Kawasan Sawangan, Nusa Dua.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6pm – 11pm.
Price: From IDR 1,075, 690 nett per adult, and IDR 434,390 nett per child.
19. Christmas Eve Dinner at The Back Room at Mason Canggu
Christmas Eve is all about feasting, and one of the best spots for grazing in Canggu is Mason. This Christmas, Mason’s kitchen team has put together a festive menu, which will be served in the air-conditioned interiors of The Back Room. You’ll start the evening with a range of elegant starters, like turkey mortadella and foie parfait. Then, the mains are all about the holiday staples: an epic roast, followed by those all-important festive desserts… Christmas pudding anyone?
Where: Mason Canggu – Jl Batu Bolong No. 83C, Canggu.
When: 24th December 2023, from 6.30pm.
Price: IDR 650,000++ per person.
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/christmas-eve-in-bali-things-to-do/