Christmas and New Year are one of the most magical times to be in Uluwatu. The cliffs are green after the first rains, the sea is at its warmest, and the whole Bukit fills with families, friends and travellers celebrating far from home. It is also the busiest stretch of the year, so a little planning goes a long way. Here is our local guide to Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Uluwatu, from the weather and the crowds to where to eat, drink and watch the fireworks, plus what is happening at CAVO.
What Christmas in Uluwatu is like
Bali is mostly Hindu, but Christmas is warmly celebrated across the island’s tourist areas, and Uluwatu is no exception. Expect fairy lights in the warungs, Christmas lunches by the pool, long beach days and a relaxed, summery feel. For many visitors, especially from Australia, a hot Christmas Day on the beach followed by a long dinner is the whole point of the trip.
The weather in December
December is in the wet season, so expect warm, humid days around 27°C, a sea temperature of about 29°C and short, heavy showers, usually in the afternoon or at night. Mornings are often sunny, so plan beach time early. Sunset in late December is at around 6:35 PM. Our guide to Uluwatu weather by month has all the details.
Crowds and traffic
The two weeks from Christmas to New Year are the busiest of the year on the Bukit. Restaurants, beach clubs and drivers get booked up, and the roads, especially Jl. Labuansait around sunset, can be slow. Book tables early, leave extra time to get anywhere, and consider a scooter or a driver for the evening.
Things to do in Uluwatu over Christmas and New Year
- Beach mornings: get to Padang Padang, Bingin or Melasti early, before the crowds and the afternoon rain. See our guide to the best beaches in Uluwatu.
- Sunset on the cliffs: the late-December sunsets can be spectacular, especially with clouds around. Our Uluwatu sunset guide has the best spots.
- Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak dance: a beautiful thing to do with visiting family, but the amphitheatre is packed over the holidays, so arrive early.
- Surf: wet-season winds can change things up on the Bukit, but early mornings can still be good. Read our guide to surfing Uluwatu.
- A long lunch or dinner: the best way to spend a rainy afternoon. More ideas in our guide to the best things to do in Uluwatu.
New Year’s Eve in Uluwatu
On New Year’s Eve the whole Bukit celebrates. Clifftop bars and beach clubs host parties, villas fill with private dinners, and at midnight fireworks go up all along the coast, so you can see them from almost anywhere with a view of the ocean. A few tips:
- Book everything early: dinner, drivers and any party tickets. The best tables are gone well before the night.
- Plan your way home: roads are busy and drivers are in high demand after midnight. Arrange a pickup in advance, or stay close to where you celebrate.
- Do dinner first: a relaxed dinner from early evening, then fireworks at midnight, is the perfect way to see in the new year without the big-club crowds.
Christmas and New Year at CAVO
We are celebrating our first Christmas and New Year on Jl. Labuansait, and we would love you to celebrate with us. Italian families do the festive season around a long table with plenty of food and wine, and that is exactly what we are planning.
Christmas Day at CAVO: Friday 25 December
On Christmas Day we are keeping it simple, generous and Italian, with festive prices on our favourites:
- Fresh pasta: IDR 120k
- Oval Roman-style pizza: IDR 140k
- Spritz: IDR 120k
We are open as usual on Christmas Day, from 12 PM to midnight, so come for a long Christmas lunch, a sunset spritz or a relaxed dinner. We may run the same festive offer on Christmas Eve too: follow us on Instagram at @cavobali for updates.
New Year’s Eve at CAVO: Thursday 31 December
See in 2027 with us. On New Year’s Eve we will offer a special set menu as well as our full à la carte menu of oval Roman-style pizza, fresh pasta from family recipes, small plates and Italian wine. Menu details and prices are coming soon, so keep an eye on what’s on at CAVO and our Instagram. CAVO is a small, intimate venue, and New Year’s Eve will book out, so we recommend reserving your table now.
You can also book through our reservations page or on WhatsApp at +62 813 2830 088. Walk-ins are welcome when there is space, but over the holidays there usually is not.
Christmas and New Year in Uluwatu: FAQs
Is Uluwatu busy at Christmas and New Year?
Yes. The two weeks from Christmas to New Year are the busiest of the year in Uluwatu, so book restaurants, drivers and accommodation early and allow extra time on the roads.
What is the weather like in Uluwatu in December?
December is in the wet season: warm and humid at around 27°C, with a sea temperature of about 29°C and short, heavy showers, usually in the afternoon or at night.
Where can I see fireworks in Uluwatu on New Year’s Eve?
Fireworks go up all along the Bukit coast at midnight, so you can see them from almost any spot with an ocean view, including clifftop bars, beach clubs and villas.
Is CAVO open on Christmas Day?
Yes. On Christmas Day, Friday 25 December, CAVO serves fresh pasta for IDR 120k, Roman-style pizza for IDR 140k and spritz for IDR 120k, open from 12 PM to midnight.
What is CAVO doing for New Year’s Eve?
On New Year’s Eve, Thursday 31 December, CAVO will offer a special set menu as well as the full à la carte menu. Bookings are recommended on WhatsApp at +62 813 2830 088.
