Christmas in Thailand. We didn’t expect this.

Vol. 14 - Dec 2025

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Every December, Bangkok puts on its Christmas outfit. Lights appear almost overnight. Trees grow inside malls. Music you recognize starts playing in places where you wouldn’t expect it. Visually, it’s all there. Even more than in Europe or the US.

But culturally, nothing really changes.

Thailand is mainly Buddhist, so Christmas isn’t a family holiday. There are no traditional meals, no big gatherings, no sense that this day is more important than the next. And once you notice that contrast, it becomes fascinating to watch and experience.

Enjoy this weeks Festive List! 🎄
Ploy & Jochem

A holiday travel story

Walking through Bangkok in December feels a bit like stepping into a movie set.

Places like Emquartier, CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, and ICONSIAM are fully transformed. Huge trees, light tunnels, themed displays, decorations that feel almost Hollywood-level. Everything is polished, impressive, and clearly designed to make you stop and look.

And people do.
They take photos.
They walk slowly.
They enjoy it.

But what’s different is just as noticeable.

No one is rushing home for a family dinner.
No one is talking about Christmas Day plans.
December 25th arrives, and Bangkok simply continues being Bangkok.

Cafés open as usual. Street food sizzles. Traffic flows. Christmas exists here as an aesthetic, not a moment.

Coming from Europe, that contrast really stands out. We don’t feel like Bangkok is “doing Christmas wrong.” It’s just doing something else entirely. Borrowing the visuals, skipping the meaning, and being very comfortable with that. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss (Moana couldn’t get enough of all the sparkly lights!)

Some places in Bangkok lean into the festive atmosphere more than others, and staying in the right hotel makes a big difference.

One place we always recommend to stay at least 1 or 2 days in December is Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.

It has strong Home Alone 2 energy. High ceilings, classic interiors, and a lobby that honestly feels like it could double for the Plaza Hotel. During Christmas, it becomes even more atmospheric. Elegant decorations, a warm glow in the evenings, and a sense of calm right in the middle of the city.

You step outside and you’re straight into the festive chaos of central Bangkok. Step back inside, and it feels timeless and quiet.

If you want Christmas visuals without giving up comfort, this is a very good base!

You’ll hear it everywhere in December. A greeting, not a celebration, and very Thai in that way.

Songs for discovering Thailand: from scenic drives to hidden escapes. New vibes added every week .

Click on any of the tracks below to get in the travel mood.

This is not about celebrating Christmas.
It’s about observing it. Like watching a nice movie and walking straight into it.

A slow evening walk where Bangkok looks festive, familiar, and slightly surreal. Christmas lights, warm air, mixed with the usual things we love about living in the tropics.

🚶‍♀️ Start: Early evening, just before sunset

Begin around CentralWorld.
Arrive while it’s still light. The decorations are already in place, but the atmosphere hasn’t fully switched on yet. Walk around slowly, notice the details, don’t rush the photos yet.

As the sun sets, the lights come alive. This is when CentralWorld really works, bold, busy, and truly festive. Time for taking photos!

🚶 Continue: Skywalk towards Siam

From CentralWorld, take the BTS skywalk towards Siam Paragon.

This stretch is part of the experience. Elevated above traffic, surrounded by lights, with the city moving underneath you.

Siam Paragon feels calmer and more refined. The decorations are polished, understated, and especially nice in the early evening when it’s not too crowded.

🚆 Shift scenes: EmQuartier & Phrom Phong

From Siam, hop on the BTS and head to EmQuartier.

This area feels different. More open air, softer lighting, and a slower pace. The Christmas decorations here are spread out across walkways, terraces, and outdoor spaces. It’s a good contrast to the intensity of Siam.

Grab a drink, sit outside for a bit, and just watch people pass by. This is an easy place to linger without feeling rushed.

🚶 Optional extension: Riverside version

If you still feel like walking, finish the evening at ICONSIAM.

Go after dark. Walk along the river, let the lights reflect on the water, and stay outside as much as possible. This part feels less like shopping and more like a calm evening promenade.

NOTE:📍 We’ve saved this festive tour to our Local Secrets Maps under “Bangkok – Christmas Walk” for Insiders.

• Roast dinners (when you miss home) : Some hotels and Western restaurants serve proper Christmas roasts this time of year; roast chicken, turkey, or beef, with potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. Not traditional here, but comforting if you’re craving something familiar.

• Rooftop drinks & simple snacks : Order a cocktail or a glass of wine with something small, fries, satay, or bar snacks. Take in the view and the lights. This is how an international Christmas is celebrated.

For a stunning rooftop visit ‘Sky Bar by Lebua’ (The Hangover 2 was filmed here!).

If you’re more into a cozy, low lights cocktail bar to celebrate with friends, we recommend ‘Vesper’ at Si Lom, soi Sala Daeng Alley (📍check our map for easy directions).

• Christmas desserts, Bangkok-style: Cafés and bakeries bring out festive cakes in December; yule-log–style cakes, chocolate desserts, and seasonal pastries. Sweet, familiar, but with a tropical twist.

Every week we drop new pins onto our Local Secrets Maps - special spots you won’t always find in the guidebooks. Street stalls tucked down alleys, rooftop bars only locals know, temples that feel like they belong to you alone.

This map is just for Insiders, and it grows with every edition - a living guide that keeps unlocking Thailand, piece by piece.

👉 Tap the link on your smart phone or computer, and choose “Open in Google Maps” for the full interactive experience! 🌏

Thank you all for subscribing to The Thai List. We are so thankful for your support and for being part of this small, growing community.

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Each week we uncover local secrets, hidden escapes, and the best food and drinks Thailand has to offer.

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Wishing you save travels,

The Thai List - Your weekly postcard from Thailand 🇹🇭