Planning to spend Christmas in Thailand? How is Christmas celebrated in Thailand? What are the advantages of spending Christmas in the Land of Smiles? Which destinations capture the magic of Christmas, and where should you go for a change of scenery? Discover our complete guide to celebrating Christmas in Thailand.

Do Thais celebrate Christmas?

Do Thai people celebrate Christmas?

Thailand is predominantly Buddhist. According to the latest estimates from 2018, Buddhism is practiced by nearly 93.46% of Thais, followed by Islam (just over 5.37%), Christianity (1.13%), and Hinduism and Sikhism (0.18%).

In total, there are 767,624 Christians. Since Christmas is a Christian holiday, only Christian communities celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Primarily a commercial celebration

December 25th is not a public holiday in Thailand. As Christmas is only celebrated by a small community and Westerners (expatriates or tourists), it is primarily a commercial event.

Indeed, the main Christmas festivities are organized mainly by large department stores (especially in Bangkok's malls like Central World and Siam Paragon), hotels, major streets, and some public spaces (like BTS metro stations). It is through these venues that you can experience the Christmas buzz: Christmas trees, garlands, extravagant decorations, Christmas music, and more.

As you may have guessed, only large cities like Bangkok and popular tourist destinations embrace the Christmas spirit as the year comes to a close. However, note that some events take place in cities with larger Thai Christian communities (see below).

Where to celebrate Christmas in Thailand?

Ideal Destinations to Experience the Magic of Christmas in Thailand

Are you looking to celebrate Christmas in Thailand and seeking a place where you can experience the magic of Christmas? Here are two Thai cities to celebrate Christmas steeped in tradition:

• Chanthaburi: This city hosts the largest Thai Christian community. Located in the eastern central part of the country, not far from the Cambodian border, the city hosts the largest Christmas festival in Thailand. Highlights include sound and light shows at the famous Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Christmas carols, and fireworks.
• Ban Tha Rae: Situated in the northeastern region of Isan, Ban Tha Rae is a small village with a significant Christian population. Each year, the town organizes the Christmas Star Parade. A few days before Christmas, parades take place in the village. On Christmas Day, a larger parade featuring over 200 decorated and illuminated floats is held in Sakon Nakhon city.

Destinations for a beachside Christmas

Not religious or simply looking to break from tradition? Why not celebrate Christmas on the beaches of southern Thailand? Swap coats for swimsuits, snowmen for sandcastles, and Christmas trees for palm trees! Thai islands are perfect for escaping the winter cold and experiencing a paradise Christmas…Among the most beautiful islands or coastal towns to spend Christmas, consider:

-Phuket,
-Krabi,
-Koh Lanta,
-Koh Phi Phi,
-Koh Lipe,
-Koh Chang,
-Koh Kood,
-Koh Samui,
-Koh Phangan,
-Koh Tao…

Note: These places are tourist destinations, so you'll still find some Christmas decorations and events, such as Christmas markets.

Can't decide which one to choose? (Re)discover our article to find out which island to choose for your trip to Thailand.

Why celebrate Christmas in Thailand?

To spend the end of the year in the sun

Looking to escape the winter cold? Spending Christmas in Thailand is a chance to enjoy the sun and warmth, as December marks the beginning of the dry and hot season. Imagine lounging on Thailand's beautiful beaches, sipping cocktails with your feet in the sand, watching the sunset, and swapping midnight mass for a midnight swim… It sounds like a dream, doesn't it?

For unique activities and an unconventional Christmas

Planning your year-end vacation in Thailand also means enjoying a variety of unusual activities. Whether with family, as a couple, or with friends, here are some wild ideas for a crazy Christmas in Thailand:

• Dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River to spend Christmas Eve on the water;
• Trekking and jungle stays in northern Thailand, around Pai or Chiang Mai;
• Spending a day caring for elephants in one of the country's eco-friendly sanctuaries;
• Diving in one of Thailand's best dive spots
• Enjoying a Thai massage on the beach to relax;
• Partying at the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island;
• Watching a Muay Thai fight in one of Thailand's top boxing stadiums;
• Having fun with family at one of the country's amusement parks, like Dream World or Siam Park City…

For tasting new flavors

Want to break from tradition with an exotic meal? You're in the right place! Thai cuisine is renowned as one of the world's best. Replace foie gras, salmon, Christmas turkey, and Yule log with delicious, colorful Thai dishes!

Among Thailand's iconic dishes to try during your trip, consider:

• Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad),
• Tom Kha (coconut milk and galangal soup),
• Panang curry (red Thai curry),
• Massaman curry (mild curry with peanuts),
• Mango sticky rice (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango)…

Good to know: Many hotels and restaurants still offer special Christmas menus to delight travelers.

For unique and artisanal gifts

Like every country, Thailand has unique craftsmanship. Take the opportunity to bring back travel souvenirs and give original and unexpected Christmas gifts to all your loved ones.

Among Thailand's artisan specialties are:

• Sarongs, traditional Thai clothing;
• Silk garments;
• Clothing and home linens made with the batik technique;
• Woven rattan or wicker items;
• Bamboo products;
• Wood carving;
• Ceramic tableware;
• Silver jewelry;
• Umbrellas…

Each region has its own specialties: for example, umbrellas in Chiang Mai, especially in the village of Bo Sang, or the famous Benjarong porcelain in Samut Sakhon province.

So, are you ready to celebrate Christmas under the Thai sun?

Florine Dergelet