Thailand’s Christmas is not an official holiday due to its Buddhist culture. Despite this, there are various ways to celebrate Christmas and feel festive in Thailand during this time. During Christmas in Bangkok, hotels often have maximum occupancy, while the city’s malls sparkle with spectacular displays, events, and promotions.
Christmas lights adorn Bangkok’s many skyscrapers, trees, bridges, and lampposts are a sight to behold. Even food stands and tuk-tuks occasionally have bright, sparkling lights hanging from them. From glittering decorations to festive markets and unique traditions, let’s explore how Bangkok celebrates Christmas.
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Christmas In Bangkok – Popular Things To Do
Check out Christmas light displays around the Siam area
| 📌 Location | Find on map |
| 👀 Why Visit | The area offers a vibrant festive mood with impressive decorations and displays. |
| 🛏️ Stay Nearby | Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel | Check Availability |
One of Bangkok’s busiest and most well-known shopping areas, Siam, is home to some of the city’s best Christmas light displays. There are Christmas trees, winter villages, and even a snow-covered cafe with Father Christmas. Dozens of colorful lights adorn the massive Siam Paragon palm trees. In addition, there are other stands offering street food, souvenirs, clothing, and accessories.
Enjoy a chill-out sesh at one of the many festive beer gardens
| 🍻 Must-Visit Beer Gardens in Bangkok | ✦ Soi 7 Beer Garden | Find on map ✦ Dee Lounge & Beer Garden | Find on map ✦ Centara Grand Beer Garden | Find on map ✦ Nana Plaza Beer Garden | Find on map ✦ Beer Garden Sukhumvit 19 | Find on map |
Chilling out at some of the best beer gardens in Bangkok is not only an enjoyable but also a popular activity, especially during the cooler evenings. Beer gardens in Bangkok typically feature a variety of local and international beers, along with delicious Thai and international food options.
Visitors can enjoy live music, socialize with friends, and experience the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok in a laid-back setting. Throughout December, beer gardens come alive with live music every night at CentralWorld Square. And then, of course, there’s Sathorn Square, where you can enjoy live music and delicious food from several restaurants.
Indulge in some holiday shopping at a Christmas market
| 🎄 Best Christmas Markets in Bangkok | ✦ Goethe-Institut German Christmas Market ✦ EmSphere ✦ Okonomi Winter Market ✦ Hive Thonglor Christmas Market ✦ Danish Christmas Bazaar |
Bangkok is not only known for its beautiful malls but also for its Christmas markets. There are lots of pop-up markets during Christmas where you can find unique gifts among handmade products.
You wouldn’t want to miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market if you enjoy shopping. With over 15,000 stalls offering a wide range of products from clothing and accessories to antiques, it’s among the largest in the world. Additionally, you’ll want to find Santa if you have kids and are spending Christmas in Bangkok. K Village’s Christmas market (Sukhumvit Soi 26) is one of the ideal places to find Santa. The Nameebooks Learning Center (Sukhumvit Soi 31) is another option.
Go ice skating
| ⛸️ Best ice rinks in Bangkok | ✦ The Rink Central World ✦ Sub Zero Ice Skate Club ✦ Imperial World Samrong Ice Skating ✦ The Rink Ice Arena – Fashion Island |
CentralWorld in Bangkok is a large mall with a skating rink on site. Skating here will put you right in the festive mood, especially with the gigantic Christmas tree in the middle. CentralWorld has a lot of Christmas decorations, one of which is a large display placed in the mall’s seven-story atrium. So you may stroll about and take in the festive decorations after you’ve finished skating.
Caroline, an enthusiastic traveler, advises “Central World, a seven-floor shopping mall with numerous restaurants, offers a variety of experiences and hosts the best Christmas display in Bangkok every year.”
Cruise along the Chao Phraya
| 🛥️ Why Cruise? | It offers the perfect vantage point to admire the charming Christmas lights alongside panoramic views of towering temples. |
A cruise down the Chao Phraya River is one of the most pleasant ways to see Bangkok. Christmas Eve in the city brings the famous riverside to life. Party boats and floating restaurants move people up and down the river all day (and well into the night).
Visit Chinatown, Khao San Road, and Ratchadamnoen Road if you’d like to see other areas of Bangkok during the holiday season.
“We enjoyed our cruise on the Chao Phraya on Christmas Eve,” says Sarah, a tourist. “The dinner was good, and the night was fantastic! We heartily recommend the activity in Bangkok because it has a lively atmosphere with very friendly staff.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it be cold for Christmas in Bangkok?
No, Bangkok has a tropical climate. Expect humid weather with highs in the 80s (°F) and lows in the 70s (°F) during December.
Will Bangkok be decorated for Christmas?
Absolutely! Bangkok goes all out with festive decorations, especially in shopping malls, hotels, and tourist areas. Expect sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive displays.
What are some things to do for Christmas in Bangkok?
- See the Christmas illuminations at malls like CentralWorld or IconSiam.
- Enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner at a nice hotel with city views.
- Visit a Christmas market for festive treats and gifts.
- Take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River to see the city decorated for Christmas.
- Attend a Christmas carol service at one of the Christian churches.
Will I find a traditional Christmas dinner in Bangkok?
Yes! Many hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas menus with roast turkey, Christmas ham, and all the trimmings. You’ll also find festive treats like gingerbread houses and Christmas Stollen.
Are shops open during Christmas in Bangkok?
Most shopping malls and larger stores will be open on Christmas Day, though some smaller shops might have limited hours.
Will it be crowded during Christmas in Bangkok?
Yes, Bangkok can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, which includes Christmas and New Year’s. Book your flights and accommodations well in advance.
Is Thailand cheap in December?
Thailand is generally affordable in December. Travelers can find reasonably priced accommodations, enjoy local street food, and explore attractions without breaking the bank.
How many days should I spend in Bangkok?
A 3 to 5-day trip is typically recommended to fully appreciate the city’s attractions, vibrant culture, cuisine, and diverse activities.
