This year will be our 5th time celebrating Christmas in Thailand, and guess what? We can’t wait! Why? Because Christmas in Thailand is just as exciting as it is in Europe or the USA. When we spent our first Christmas here back in 2019, we were so worried that our daughter would be disappointed. But the opposite happened!
In this blog post, I’ll tell you what to expect when celebrating Christmas in Thailand, which events to look out for, the best places to celebrate, and whether Santa actually makes it all the way to Thailand!
What to Expect: Christmas in a Tropical Climate
Let’s start with the weather. December, January, and February are Thailand’s cool season. So, expect a nice, breezy 80-86°F (27-30°C). In the north, especially in the mountains, it can even drop below 68°F (20°C).
This means you’re in for a beachy Christmas, not a snowy one. But hey, that’s a fun change, right?!
If you’re curious about winter in Thailand, check out this post.
Christmas Atmosphere in Thailand
Even though it’s warm, the Christmas vibe is still strong. Believe me, Thais love Christmas! Especially in touristy areas, you’ll see the most colorful, blinking, glittering decorations.
In big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you’ll spot decorated Christmas trees on every corner. Streets and squares are lit up, and there are special events in malls and resorts. Local markets even sell Christmas-themed goodies.
So, no worries—the Christmas spirit is alive and well, just minus the snow!
How Locals Celebrate Christmas
Technically, Thais don’t celebrate Christmas since most of them are Buddhists (and some Muslims on certain islands). Both December 24th and 25th are regular working days in Thailand.
But if you know Thais, you know they love any excuse for colorful decorations and fun (and I mean that in the best way!). So, they’re all in when it comes to Christmas. They may not exchange gifts at home, but they buy Christmas decorations, dress up their workplaces, and wear Santa hats. And they LOVE taking selfies in all the festive spots.
For Thais, Christmas is an imported tradition, but one they happily embrace. And they’re always excited to wish tourists a “Merry Christmas” and celebrate with them.
Songkran: Thailand’s Version of Christmas
If Thailand had its own Christmas, it would be Songkran! It’s the Thai New Year in mid-April, and it’s all about family, fun, and fresh starts. Just like we gather for Christmas meals and gifts, Thai families come together, visit temples, and pay respect to their elders. It’s a time for family love and new beginnings.
And while we have snow and carols, they have water fights—huge, country-wide ones! People splash water at each other to wash away the old year and welcome the new. But there’s more to it than that. Families visit temples, give food to monks, and gently pour water over Buddha statues and their elders’ hands for blessings.
So, while the traditions are different, the heart of Songkran is just like Christmas: family, kindness, and lots of joy—just with a lot more water!
Top Places to Celebrate Christmas in Thailand
Bangkok: If you’re spending Christmas in Bangkok, get ready for a city that sparkles! The big malls like CentralWorld and Siam Paragon go all out with festive lights and decorations. Many fancy hotels throw Christmas Eve dinners with both Western and Thai dishes. You can also catch live performances and holiday concerts.
Phuket: Christmas in Phuket is all about fun under the sun! Expect lively beach parties, stunning sunsets, and luxury resorts throwing festive events. Many beachfront spots host Christmas markets, where you can grab gifts and try holiday-themed food while enjoying the sea breeze.
Chiang Mai: For a cooler Christmas vibe, Chiang Mai is perfect. The weather is more chill (literally), great for wandering through Christmas markets and checking out the beautiful temples. It’s got a cozy, laid-back holiday feel.
Koh Samui: On Koh Samui, Christmas is a beachfront affair! Many of the island’s resorts and restaurants offer festive dinners, often with views of the ocean. There are also family-friendly events, with beach games, kids’ parties, and even visits from Santa. Koh Samui is perfect for a relaxed, tropical holiday, where you can spend Christmas Day swimming in the sea or sipping cocktails on the sand.
Koh Tao: My favorite Christmas in Thailand was in Koh Tao. It’s a tiny island, so not as decorated as other places, but there was one amazing highlight: Santa arrived by boat! Our daughter was 4 at that time, and she was beyond excited!
Is Thailand expensive during Christmas?
Yep, it’s peak season! Prices can jump, especially for hotels and flights. Hotel rates can go up by 20-50%, and flights? They can double! A mid-range hotel that’s normally $50 a night could cost $100 or more. Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest times, so book early to avoid those high prices.
Check out my perfect 2-week Thailand itinerary with hotel recommendations!
Family-Friendly Christmas Activities in Thailand 2024
Thailand has plenty of family-friendly Christmas activities to enjoy in 2024. Many luxury resorts, like the Anantara Riverside Bangkok, will host Santa meet-and-greets, craft-making workshops, and festive parties for kids.
CentralWorld in Bangkok always goes all out, with a huge Christmas tree, ice-skating rink, and Christmas markets offering delicious gingerbread and mulled wine.
In Phuket, resorts like JW Marriott and the Banyan Tree are known for hosting Christmas Eve dinners and fun beach games for families.
For a magical twist, head to Chiang Mai’s Nimmanhaemin Christmas Market, where families can shop for crafts and enjoy street performances.
Final Thoughts on Christmas in Thailand
All in all, I think Christmas in Thailand is a great idea, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids. The vibe is amazing, the decorations are dazzling, and there’s plenty of Christmas fun to be had.
The only downside? It’s peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more tourists. But hey, that’s true pretty much everywhere this time of year, right?!
Are you planning to spend Christmas in Thailand this year? Do you know where you’re going? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
Can I find a traditional Christmas dinner in Thailand?
Absolutely! Many high-end hotels and resorts, especially in popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui, offer traditional Christmas dinners, often blending Western and Thai cuisine. You’ll enjoy festive meals featuring turkey and Christmas songs.
Can I find Christmas decorations in Thailand?
Yes, Christmas decorations are widely available in tourist areas, especially in department stores, shopping malls, and hotels. You’ll find large Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and festive displays, even in unexpected places like palm trees along the beach. Major cities like Bangkok and Phuket go all out to create a vibrant festive atmosphere.
Can I enjoy outdoor activities during Christmas in Thailand?
Absolutely! Thailand’s warm climate during December makes it perfect for outdoor activities. You can go island hopping in the Andaman Sea, visit national parks in northern Thailand, or simply enjoy beach activities like swimming and snorkeling.
Can I find Christmas gifts in Thailand?
Yes, Thailand is a great place to shop for Christmas gifts! Local markets, shopping malls, and department stores are filled with unique gift options, from handmade crafts to modern gadgets.
Can I attend Christmas religious ceremonies in Thailand?
Yes! While Thailand is a Buddhist country, you can find Christian churches, especially in larger cities like Bangkok, where Christmas religious ceremonies are held. These churches celebrate Christmas Mass on December 25th, following the Gregorian calendar.
Do Thai people give Christmas gifts?
While exchanging Christmas gifts isn’t a common tradition among Thai people, you’ll find that in tourist areas and resorts, there’s a festive exchange of presents, especially among visitors. Local markets and shopping centers also sell a variety of gift options for tourists.
Can I hear Christmas carols in Thailand?
Yes, you’ll often hear Christmas carols and Christmas songs played in shopping malls, hotels, and even some local markets. Although it’s not a traditional Thai celebration, the festive atmosphere incorporates many Western traditions, including Christmas music.
