Planning to spend Christmas in Thailand? How is Christmas celebrated in Thailand? What are the advantages of spending Christmas in the Kingdom of Siam? What are the destinations where you can find the magic of Christmas and those to prioritize for a change of scenery? Discover our complete guide to celebrating Christmas in Thailand.

Is Christmas Celebrated in Thailand?

Do Thai People Celebrate Christmas?

Thailand is predominantly Buddhist. According to the latest estimates from 2018, Buddhism is practiced by nearly 93.46% of Thai people, 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.

A Commercial Festival Above All

December 25th is not a public holiday in Thailand. Since Christmas is only celebrated by a small Christian community and by Westerners (expatriates or vacationers), it is primarily a commercial holiday. Indeed, the main Christmas-related events are organized mainly by large department stores (notably in Bangkok malls like Central World and Siam Paragon), hotels as well as main streets and certain public spaces (such as the BTS metro). It is mainly through these different places that we find the festive Christmas atmosphere: Christmas trees, garlands and other extravagant decorations, Christmas music... As you can see, only large cities like Bangkok and tourist destinations are adorned with Christmas colors as the year draws to a close. It should be noted that certain events take place in cities with the largest Thai Christian communities (see below).

Where to Celebrate Christmas in Thailand?

Ideal Destinations to Find the Magic of Christmas in Thailand

Would you like to celebrate Christmas in Thailand and are looking for a place where you can find the magic of Christmas? Here are 2 Thai cities to celebrate Christmas in the spirit of tradition:

• Chanthaburi: this is where the largest Thai Christian community is found. Located in the center-east of the country, not far from the Cambodian border, the city hosts the largest Christmas festival in Thailand. On the program: light and sound shows on the famous Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Christmas carols, fireworks...

• Ban Tha Rae: located in the northeast of the country, in the sublime Isan region, Ban Tha Rae is a small village that is home to a significant Christian community. Every year, the city organizes the Christmas Star Parade. A few days before Christmas, parades take place in the village. On Christmas Day, a larger parade, bringing together more than 200 decorated and illuminated floats, is held in the city of Sakon Nakhon.

Destinations to Celebrate Christmas with Your Feet in the Water

You're not religious or simply want to break with tradition? Why not celebrate Christmas with your feet in the water on one of Thailand's southern islands? Trade in coats for swimsuits, snowmen for sandcastles and Christmas trees for palm trees! Thai islands will be perfect for escaping the winter cold and experiencing a heavenly Christmas...

Among the most beautiful islands or coastal towns to spend Christmas, we recommend:

• Phuket,

• Krabi,

• Koh Lanta,

• Koh Phi Phi,

• Koh Lipe,

• Koh Chang,

• Koh Kood,

• Koh Samui,

• Koh Phangan,

• Koh Tao...

Not sure which one to choose? (Re)discover our article to find out which island to choose on a trip to Thailand.

Why Celebrate Christmas in Thailand?

To Spend the Year-End in the Sun

Tired of the winter cold? Spending Christmas in Thailand is an opportunity to enjoy sunshine and warmth since December corresponds to the beginning of the dry and hot season. Perfect for lounging on Thailand's most beautiful beaches and sipping a cocktail with your feet in the sand watching the sunset before trading midnight mass for a midnight swim... Sounds dreamy, doesn't it?

To Enjoy Unusual Activities and Celebrate an Atypical Christmas

Organizing your year-end holidays in Thailand also means enjoying a multitude of unusual activities. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple or with friends, here are our wildest ideas for celebrating a fun Christmas in Thailand:

• Dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River to spend Christmas Eve on the water;

• Go trekking and sleep in the jungle in northern Thailand, in the Pai region or around Chiang Mai;

• Spend a day caring for elephants at one of the country's eco-responsible sanctuaries;

• Go diving at one of Thailand's best diving spots;

• Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage on the beach to relax;

• Party at the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan island;

• Attend a Muay Thai fight at one of Thailand's best boxing stadiums;

• Have fun with family at one of the country's theme parks like Dream World or Siam Park City...

To Savor New Flavors

Want to break with convention by trading the traditional Christmas dinner for something more exotic? You've come to the right place! Thai cuisine is renowned as one of the best in the world. Replace foie gras, salmon, Christmas turkey and Yule log with delicious Thai dishes bursting with color and flavor!

Among the emblematic dishes of Thailand to try during your trip, we can mention:

• Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad),

• Tom Kha (soup made with coconut milk and galangal),

• Panang Curry (red Thai curry),

• Massaman (mild curry with peanuts),

• Mango Sticky Rice (sticky rice with coconut milk and mangoes)...

To Find Original and Artisanal Gifts

Like all countries in the world, Thailand has unique craftsmanship. An opportunity to bring back travel souvenirs from Thailand and give original and unexpected Christmas gifts to all your loved ones.

Among Thai artisanal specialties, we find:

• Sarongs, traditional Thai clothing;

• Silk clothing;

• Clothing and home linens made using batik technique;

• Woven rattan or wicker objects,

• Bamboo items;

• Wood carvings;

• Ceramic tableware;

• Silver jewelry;

• Umbrellas...

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

So, ready to celebrate Christmas under the Thai sun?