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Your guide to celebrating the holiday season in Bangkok 2021
As the air gets cooler and decorative lights add warmth to Bangkok, it becomes evident that Christmas is just around the corner. During this time of year, an abundance of Christmas lights and installations adorn the city. You’ll find seasonal decorations of all shapes and sizes throughout the city’s landmarks, ranging from huge Christmas trees to Santas, reindeers, and more. On top of that, festive food and drinks are available in places like coffee shops and bars to gala dinners and Christmas markets.
But where should you start? This Pacific Prime Thailand guide to celebrating the holiday season in Bangkok will help you get into the holiday spirit.
Christmas in Bangkok 2021
Christmas might not be a national holiday in Thailand, but that doesn’t make it any less of a celebratory occasion. From around late November to early December, the city (particularly around the Siam area) prepares for the holiday season with decorations and events to match. Here are some of the best Christmas events in Bangkok for 2021, including things to do, see, and eat.
Christmas lights
Who doesn’t love the warm glow of Christmas lights? There’s something special about seeing lights and installations during the festive season. So much so that businesses spend a lot of time and money coming up with the most impressive displays. If you’re looking to see Christmas lights in Bangkok in 2021, visit:
Central Embassy
Located in Ploenchit, Central Embassy has gone beyond traditional with its modern take on the Christmas tree. Rather than put up a lush evergreen, the luxury shopping mall has opted for a huge reflective tree decorated with greenery and foil-wrapped gifts. Do check out the tree, which is located at the front of the mall by Wireless road. The surrounding buildings make a wonderful backdrop for your IG photos too.
centralwOrld
Less than a kilometer from Central Embassy is the mega shopping complex – centralwOrld. Alongside the complex is an outdoor concourse (one of the largest in Bangkok) where you’ll be greeted by their 30-meter-tall Christmas tree (supposedly the tallest in Southeast Asia).
There are also many props and displays to explore around the tree, making for another excellent photo opportunity. Try and get there before the evening rush hour. Otherwise, you’ll be scrambling for the best spot!
Siam Paragon
Around 15 minutes away by foot is Siam Piwat’s Siam Paragon (part of OneSiam). This incredible shopping mall has an outdoor concourse and water feature (above ground level), where you’ll find their beautiful arrangement of lights. Once there, you’ll come across their 15-meter white Christmas tree-like sculpture adorned with stars and baubles. Although the mall has kept the design simple this year, it does make for a beautiful backdrop, especially as the lights twinkle when you take those memorable photos.
Are you looking for something truly special? A few meters away is the sloped concourse, where you’ll find a tunnel illuminated with possibly thousands of glistening fairy lights. So If you are planning on stocking up your photos, make sure to capture the glow of the lights and use them to your advantage. Have a magical time and enjoy!
ICONSIAM
Are you looking for a memorable light show this Christmas 2021? Then venture across the historic Chao Phraya River to discover the capital’s latest world-class riverside shopping mall – ICONSIAM. Getting to the mall is easy and takes around 20-30 minutes from the BTS Siam station (which may be quicker before the evening rush hour).
Bedazzled by the third installation of Bangkok Illumination 2021, which features seven-meter-high Thai-inspired Christmas trees. Get there as the sun sets to see the installation light up the concourse. The ICONIC Multimedia Water Feature fountain also complements the trees on the riverfront promenade. Enjoy a 400-meter light and water show which stretches along the river.
Bangkok Christmas shopping
Christmas shopping is the highlight of the year for many. After all, many of us are looking for thoughtful gifts to give the people we love and care about. With special sales and promotions taking place this time of year, it’s also the time of year when we find it easier to splurge.
Head to a Christmas market in Bangkok
Christmas Markets are some of the best places to spend your money and get into that holiday feeling at the same time. One Christmas Market that is still happening before Christmas is the European Christmas Market at Sofitel Bangkok, where you’ll be able to pick up handcrafted items, toys, and lifestyle products.
Decoration shopping from malls and local markets in Bangkok
Expats living in Bangkok often miss the feeling of home during this time of year the most. Fortunately, you can bring Christmas to your home away from home using Christmas decorations that you can buy locally or online via e-commerce sites like Shopee, Lazada, JD Central, etc.
Bangkok has lots to offer for Christmas decorations, ranging from artificial and real Christmas trees to fairy lights, ornaments, and more. While you’ll find Christmas decorations at most large malls, you can save some money by visiting Sampeng, a market near Chinatown.
Christmas church services
If you miss singing Christmas carols, then you’re in luck since many of Bangkok’s churches have carol services. Similarly, if you usually attend a church on Christmas Day, then visit one of the city’s Christian churches this year to do the same. Regardless of your religious views, visiting a church during the festive season can be enjoyable nonetheless. Some of the recommended churches for Christmas services include:
- Grace Church Bangkok
- Christ Church (Soi Convent)
- Assumption Cathedral
- Santa Cruz Catholic church
- Holy Redeemer Church
(Note: Contact the churches before visiting to learn of their services and schedule.)
Christmas dining and drinking in Bangkok 2021
Christmas is the time of year when people indulge in their favorite holiday foods and drinks, often to the point of excess. As a city with so much to offer when it comes to drinking and dining, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to festive meals here.
Consider a hotel dining experience
A popular option for those looking to celebrate in style and enjoy Christmas lunch or dinner is at one of the city’s highly-rated hotels. Some noteworthy mentions for Christmas hotel dining experiences include:
- Kimpton Maa-Lai (Bangkok)
- The Shangri-La
- Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
- Mandarin Oriental
- Anantara Siam
- Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
- Siam Kempinski Hotel
- Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel
- The Peninsula
- The Okura Prestige Bangkok
- Capella Bangkok
- Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel
- The St. Regis Bangkok
- The Sukhothai Bangkok
(Note: Reach out to the venues to reserve a table and learn about their Christmas specials!)
Head to an international pub or restaurant
While you’re bound to satisfy your cravings at these hotels, they can also cost a lot. If you’re just looking for a satisfying Christmas meal without breaking the bank, your best bet is to go to one of the city’s many international restaurants or pubs. Some of the favorites offering Xmas menus include:
- El Toro
- Blue by Alain Ducasse
- El Mercado
- The Robin Hood
- Bourbon Street
- Bei Otto
- Roadhouse BBQ
- Kai New Zealand
(Note: Contact the venues to learn about their Christmas specials!)
Finally, for those looking for a festive reason to drink, Bangkok has a range of options. There are Christmas drinks available at not only cafes but bars and pubs as well. Here are a few to put on your list this Christmas:
- Rain Tree Cafe
- Up & Above Restaurant and Bar
- The Londoner Brew Pub
- Penthouse Bar + Grill
- The Irish Pub Bangkok
Now that you know the top places to visit during Christmas in Bangkok 2021, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas in any way you choose to spend it.
Give yourself the gift of health
Whether you’re looking for expat health insurance in Thailand or family insurance in Thailand for your loved ones, Pacific Prime Thailand is here to help. With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, we are a health insurance company in Thailand with the knowledge and expertise to get you the right plan for your needs, and within your budget. Contact us for impartial advice or to compare health insurance options today.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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