Is Christmas Celebrated in Thailand?

[CharlieH]

 

While Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in Thailand, the holiday spirit is alive and well across the country. With only about 1.4% of the population identifying as Christian, for most Thais, Christmas is not a religious holiday but a social occasion filled with fun, colour, and joy.

 

A Social Celebration

Christmas in Thailand is less about family traditions and more about gathering with friends and loved ones. Many people use this time to exchange small gifts or enjoy a special meal together. It’s an opportunity to spread happiness and indulge in festivities, even if it’s not a traditional family holiday in the Thai sense.

 

 

Shopping malls in Bangkok, like Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, go all out with impressive Christmas displays, including massive trees, dazzling lights, and faux snow. These places become lively hubs for both locals and tourists to soak in the holiday cheer. Smaller towns and rural areas also join in, with local markets and shops adding festive touches. Expect to hear Christmas music, from classic tunes like Jingle Bells to Thai renditions of popular songs.

 

Feasts to Enjoy

Food plays a big role in Thai celebrations. Hotels and restaurants across the country, such as The Peninsula Bangkok and Chatrium Residence Sathon, offer festive menus. These include traditional dishes like roasted turkey, as well as Thai-inspired meals such as spiced prawns and coconut desserts. Cafes and smaller restaurants also get into the holiday spirit, serving Christmas-themed drinks and treats like gingerbread lattes and cupcakes.

 

 

Christmas Markets with a Thai Twist

Though Thailand’s Christmas markets may not resemble the European variety, they still offer a unique experience. Often hosted by international institutions like the Goethe Institute, these markets feature handmade decorations, quirky gifts, food stalls, and lots of festive cheer.

 

School and Office Celebrations

In schools, especially international ones, Christmas is celebrated through activities such as plays, gift exchanges, and carolling. Some schools also host Christmas fairs with games, food, and crafts. In workplaces, office parties often feature festive food, games, and gift exchanges, with "Secret Santa" being a popular tradition.

 

 

The Thai Spin on Christmas

Technically, Christmas is not a public holiday in Thailand, and it’s not deeply rooted in tradition. But in practice, it’s widely celebrated with decorations, food, parties, and gatherings. Expect tropical charm, festive fun, and perhaps even Santa riding a tuk-tuk! While there might not be snow or carollers at your door, Christmas in Thailand is filled with cheer and a unique local flavour.

 

 

 

Original article by Cita Catellya on The Thaiger.

[KannikaP]

9 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

With only about 1.4% of the population identifying as Christian

That not quite up to the 30% of British who identify as such. But 100% of Brits, Muslims, and all other 'religions' get the excuse to have time off work and get ratted, so why not here? Any excuse to play three different versions of Jingle Bells in Lotus, over and over, at the same time.

[brewsterbudgen]

It's celebrated for longer here in Thailand than it is back home!  Trees and decorations go up, and Christmas music is played in malls, in October and stay up until February!  A season of goodwill to all.  Merry Christmas!

[daveAustin]

^^^ Commercially. The shops do it merely for coin, as they do by and large in the West of course, albeit not to the same cringe degree.