In many places around the world, Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals among people of varying religious beliefs, backgrounds, ideas, and lots more. However, there are still some countries that don’t consider Christmas an important and traditional celebration; hence, they don’t celebrate the festivity. So, is Thailand one of the countries that celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is not celebrated like in many other countries. This is because over 93% of the people in Thailand are Buddhists whereas only about 1% of Thais are Christians. Therefore, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, is not considered a traditional festival in the Land of Smiles.
However, this does not mean that you cannot celebrate Christmas in Thailand. In fact, the influence of western countries ensures that you can feel the effects of Christmas in the country. Decorations, Santa Claus, and other things make it obvious that Christmas is happening in Thailand. So, in the real sense, Christmas is still somewhat celebrated in this Southeast Asian nation.
Is Christmas a public holiday in Thailand?
No, Thailand does not regard Christmas as a public holiday. As noted by Thailandtravelessentials.com, everything goes on normally as people go to work, children go to school, etc. However, you can still feel the atmosphere of the Christmas festivity in the air in different places around the country, especially in the big cities such as Bangkok.
How does Thailand celebrate Christmas?
Although Christmas is not a public holiday or a traditional celebration in Thailand, it is important to note that some locals and foreigners celebrate the holiday in the country. According to Orientalmart.co.uk, Christmas is celebrated in Thailand in the following ways:
- Elaborate Christmas decorations
One of the ways to know that Christmas is in the air in Thailand is through the elaborate Christmas decorations that can be found in different places. If you are visiting most shopping malls in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities in Thailand, you will likely see Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, decorations, etc. In Bangkok, some of the shopping malls to see Christmas decorations include K Village, Central World, MBK Center, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon, and Central Embassy Shopping Mall.
Apart from the shopping malls, Christmas decorations are also found in the majority of hotels, restaurants, and lots more. Even some spa centers, salons, etc. often decorate their businesses for Christmas.
- Father Christmas (Santa Claus)
In several countries around the world, kids often look forward to the Christmas season as the time to get gifts from Father Christmas. Even though Christmas is not celebrated officially in Thailand, Thai kids are not deprived of the opportunity to collect gifts from Father Christmas. Many schools and family-friendly centers usually organize events for kids to meet Father Christmas.
In addition to Father Christmas, numerous Santa helpers are available to join the celebration. You can find these helpers in different sizes and shapes. Hence, many locations are always fun-filled during the Christmas season.
- Zoos
Zoos in Thailand also add to the fun-filled atmosphere associated with Christmas in this Southeast Asian country. Some of the zoos will dress small animals in different Christmas attires such as Christmas hats. Even elephants and some other big animals are not left out of the fun as they often dress as Santa Claus during the season. The elephants use their trunks to present varying gifts to kids.
- Shopping
Another way to feel Christmas in Thailand is to go shopping. During the Yuletide season, most retailers in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and other big cities provide promotions and discounts to their customers. Since Christmas and New Year celebrations are usually just a week apart, the money-saving offers usually start a few days before Christmas and continue till after the New Year.
Additionally, lots of malls will provide gift-wrapping services. So, interested customers can just walk into the malls to pick up their favorite gifts at affordable prices to celebrate Christmas.
- School celebrations
A few schools in Thailand offer some sorts of activities to their pupils. In some schools, kids are allowed to dress to fit the Christmas celebration. Some kids may dress like Santa Clause, angels, and lots more. Even certain schools will organize carol services and let the kids sing Christmas carol songs, read English Christmas lessons, and so on.
- Christmas dinner
Lots of Thai families like going out together to enjoy evening meals in restaurants. If you are a foreigner, you can also visit one of the restaurants to have a taste of the culinary delight made for Christmas. While most restaurants will offer Thai food, some will make special Christmas dinners for their western guests.
So, if you are in Thailand during Christmas, you are bound to have an awesome experience.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Thailand?
Yes, Christmas is a good time to go to Thailand. Generally, December is one of the busiest periods in the Land of Smiles as loads of tourists often visit the country towards the end and beginning of each year. Most tourist centers will be crowded with many tourists and some locals.
According to Traveltriangle.com, the best places to visit in Thailand during Christmas include:
- Bangkok
- Phuket
- Pattaya
- Chiang Mai
- Krabi
- Koh Phangan
- Koh Lipe
- Koh Samui
You can visit any of these awesome locations to experience the best of Christmas in Thailand. Of course, you can also check out other locations to have fun during Christmas.
If you want to visit less crowded beaches during Christmas festivities, consider Khlong Nin, Freedom Beach, and Khao Lak.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Thailand does not concern Thailand to be a traditional festivity; therefore, there is no public holiday for it as we have in many other countries. Despite this, you should note that numerous people celebrate Christmas in Thailand. During the Yuletide season, you can experience Christmas through school festivities, zoos, shopping discounts, elaborate Christmas decorations, and so on. Therefore, you can visit Thailand to have loads of fun during the Christmas season in Thailand.
