Things to Do in Ubud During Christmas

Christmas in Ubud does not look like Christmas at home, and that is the charm. Mornings are for forests, markets and volcano views; evenings are for a long, unhurried dinner. If you are spending Christmas in Bali this year, here are three of the most memorable things to do in Ubud before the festive table, and a suggestion for how to end the day.

1. Wander the Sacred Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest is one of Ubud's best-known places, a shaded patch of jungle where long-tailed macaques roam among old stone carvings, moss-covered paths and banyan roots. It is a good first stop for visitors because it is close to the center, easy to explore on foot, and different from anything you will see at home.

A few tips for a smoother visit:

• Go early. The forest is cooler and quieter in the morning, and the light is better for photos.
• Carry as little as possible. The monkeys are curious and quick, and they will investigate bags, bottles and anything dangling from a hand or pocket.
• Keep your distance. Do not tease the monkeys, and follow the guidance of the staff.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Paths and steps can be uneven and slippery after rain, which is common in December.

Allow about one to two hours. [confirm: current opening hours and ticket details before publishing, or leave them out]

2. Browse the Ubud Art Market

The Ubud Art Market is the easiest place to see the local craft tradition in one stop. Stalls are packed with handmade items, from woven bags and sarongs to carvings, paintings and small decorative pieces, and the market sits in the middle of the town, so it fits neatly between other plans.

What makes it worth the visit:

• A sense of place. Even if you buy nothing, it is a lively look at everyday Ubud.
• Handmade finds. Look for well-made items with visible detail, and take your time comparing stalls.
• Friendly bargaining. Prices are usually negotiable. Ask politely, smile, and be ready to walk away if the price does not suit you.

Go in the morning for cooler weather and thinner crowds. Carry small bills and a reusable bag.

3. Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise

If you want one big outdoor experience, Mount Batur is the classic choice from Ubud. It is an active volcano in the Kintamani area, and most visitors climb it before dawn to watch the sunrise from the top, with views over the caldera and the lake.

What to know before you go:

• Start time. Sunrise hikes begin in the middle of the night, so you will be picking up from your accommodation very early. [confirm typical pickup and ascent times with a local operator or leave them general]
• Go with a local guide. A guide helps with the trail, the dark and the conditions, and booking through a reputable operator keeps things simple.
• Pack for the weather. Bring a light jacket for the summit, sturdy shoes, a headlamp or torch if your tour does not provide one, and water.
• Expect weather variation in December. This is Bali's wet season, so clouds and rain can hide the view on some mornings and trails can be slippery. Check the forecast and be flexible about the day you choose.

A sunrise hike will leave you tired, so plan a rest in the afternoon if you want to enjoy your evening plans.

4. Start the New Year with a Cleansing Ceremony at Tirta Empul

If your Christmas holiday runs into New Year's Eve, a visit to Tirta Empul temple is a meaningful way to begin the new year. Visitors come here to take part in melukat, a sacred Balinese purification ritual. It combines meditation and prayer with bathing in the temple's holy spring water, and it is believed to cleanse the body, spirit and mind.

Insider tip: Tirta Empul is an active sacred temple, so cover your shoulders and knees and stay quiet and attentive during the ceremony. Lockers are available for a small fee, which makes it easy to keep your belongings safe and dry.

Address and opening hours: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia. The temple is open daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but ceremony times vary. 

It is a good morning or early afternoon plan, which leaves you time to rest before an evening dinner.

A Simple Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Ubud

If you would like a plan for the day, this works well for most travelers:

• Early morning: Monkey Forest, before it gets busy.
• Late morning: a slow walk through the Ubud Art Market.
• Afternoon: rest, swim or read before the evening.
• Evening: a festive dinner at Mozaic.

If you choose the Mount Batur sunrise hike, do it on the morning of 24 December or 25 December and keep the rest of the day light. Skip the market or Monkey Forest on that day and save your energy for dinner.

Where to Eat on Christmas in Ubud

After a day outdoors, a long, relaxed dinner is the best way to end it. On 24 and 25 December 2026, Chef Blake Thornley presents a special eight-course Christmas dinner at Mozaic, a curated tasting menu that elevates traditional holiday flavors through inventive technique and local craft.

• Dates: Thursday 24 December and Friday 25 December 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Price: IDR 1,900,000++ per person
• Reservations: seating is limited and advance reservation is required

See the full details in our Christmas dinner in Ubud guide, or reserve your table now. Christmas is a busy time in Bali, so we recommend booking early.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Ubud at Christmas? Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, browse the Ubud Art Market, join a Mount Batur sunrise hike, and finish the day with a festive dinner.

Is Ubud a good place to spend Christmas in Bali? Yes, especially if you want a calm, green setting with culture and nature close by, and a slower pace than the busier beach areas.

What is the weather like in Ubud at Christmas? December is Bali's wet season, so expect warm, humid days with some rain. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and keep the evening for dinner.

Do I need to book Christmas dinner in advance? Yes. At Mozaic, seating is limited and advance reservation is required.