I know, we all love the Christmas feeling, but what if you could get that laying down on a beach at 30 degrees with a coconut in your hands? I can already see your Instagram feed, with a christmas hat on the board inCanggu beach and your friends envying you from their cold countries.
Forget the snow, imagine Christmas under the palm trees
Imagine starting Christmas morning with a yoga lesson, followed by ocean waves instead of carols, sunlight instead of snow and connection instead of chaos.
I did spend Christmas in Bali last year, we decorate the house as we normally do in Europe but after that we jumped into the pool and had a bbq on the beach 😀It’s definitely a different way to do it, and I think everyone should try it at least once in their life, we can get the cold every year but having the chance to spend a Christmas Holiday on a tropical island is something special that you don’t get to have every year.
The magic of Christmas in Bali
Bali is in majority hindu religion, but there is still a lot of Christmas feeling around, as the island is well populated with expats from all around the world, and anyone coming here brings his own traditions and culture, so you will have the chance to experience different cultures (and food 😋) For example last year my danish friend prepared their traditional Christmas dessert, the Risalamande, a delicious almond rice pudding drizzled with cherry sauce! You should try it by the way! Every cafe, restaurant and shop is full of Christmas decorations and people take it very seriously, you may even see Santa Claus surfing in Canggu! And don’t forget that during December the island also celebrates some special hindu days like Galungan (26th of November) and Kuningan (6th of December) a ten-day festival that honors balance, gratitude and connection between humans and the divine. Villages are decorated with beautiful Penjor bamboo poles, and the whole island feels alive with devotion and light.
Experiencing this side of Bali during Christmas doesn’t always have to mean snow, sometimes it’s about celebrating pace, gratitude, diversity and the beauty of life itself.
Why a surf & yoga camp is the perfect Christmas gift to yourself.
Taking part in a surf & yoga camp is much more than a simple vacation, it is a whole extraordinary experience and doing it over Christmas time will give you the chance to really take time for yourself, disconnect from the stress, the daily life and meet people and traditions from all over the world. At Kavo Maison surf & yoga camp we want to make everyone feel at home, giving you a personalised experience that you will never forget.
The beauty of slow living and conscious travel.
Christmas doesn’t have to be about gifts, it can be about gratitude, sunsets and the sound of waves. Every time, every year we forget what really matters, we all stress about finding the perfect gift, the more expensive, the most special why? In a world where “more is better” seems to define Christmas, spending the holidays in Bali taught me something very different: that is the little things that truly matter.
According to a recent data, the average American spends over 1.000 US dollars on Christmas gift each year, and total retail sales during November and December exceed 900 billion US dollars (Exploding Topics, Ap News) and yet many of us end the season feeling exhausted instead of fulfilled, isn’t it crazy?
Here in Bali surrounded by ricefields and the ocean sound, I rediscovered what really feels like abundance. It’s not about what you buy, it’s about how you live, the connection you make, the person you want to become. The balinese culture reminds you daily that happiness can be found in simplicity. Celebrating Christmas away from consumerism could be the biggest gift you ever gave to yourself.
How to plan your Christmas in Bali
- Book your flight early: December is a busy month in Bali, so flights and accommodation fill up quickly. The earlier you book the better deal you’ll find. Especially if you are coming from Europe or US, but no worries you can still find pretty good last minute offers. By the way, at Kavo Maison surf & yoga camp, known as the best surf camp Bali for a conscious holiday, we still have a special 20% off! don’t miss it.
- Get your visa and pay the tourist tax online: Skip the airport queue by applying for your e-visa before departure at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/ . You also need to pay the touristic tax (150.000 IDR) on the official website https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/. These two quick steps will make your arrival at the airport much faster. You can simply scan your passport at the automatic gates and walk straight through.
- What to pack: Even though it’s December, Bali is warm and humid (around 28-32 °C/ 82-90 °F). Pack light, breathable clothes, a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a dat and maybe a light shawl for temple visit. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle. All the surf equipment will be provided at the surf camp Bali.
- Weather and surf condition in December: December is part of Bali’s wet season, which means occasional rain showers, usually short and refreshing. Don’t let that stop you: the ocean is warm and perfect for beginner surfers as well, in fact december is one of the best months in bali if you haven’t tried surfing before, the waves on the west coast like Canggu, Batu Bolong and Seseh are very gentle and perfect for learning.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about spending Christmas in Bali
- Can you swim in Bali in December?
Absolutely! The ocean temperature stays around 28°C (82°F) all year round, so you can comfortably swim, surf, and snorkel even during the rainy season. Most showers come in the afternoon or evening, leaving plenty of sunshine during the day.
- Is December a good time to surf in Bali?
Yes! especially if you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer.
In December, the west coast (Canggu, Batu Bolong, Seseh, and Echo Beach) offers smaller, softer waves that are ideal for learning and improving safely.
- Is Bali crowded at Christmas?
It can be, Christmas and New Year’s are peak travel seasons, particularly around Canggu and Seminyak.
For a more peaceful vibe, stay just outside the main areas like Munggu, where you can still be close to the ocean but surrounded by rice fields and local culture.
- Is it expensive to visit Bali during Christmas?
Prices do rise slightly in December due to demand, but Bali remains affordable compared to most tropical destinations.
Booking early helps secure better rates for flights and accommodations and some retreats (like Kavo Maison Surf & Yoga Camp) offer early-bird discounts.
