Thai Christmas Traditions

For countries with both a religious and cultural leaning towards Christianity, Christmas is an important celebration that comes laden with traditions. As the majority of Thailand’s population follows the Buddhist religion, Christmas is not a traditional holiday or particularly big event in the country. However, Western influence can be pervasive, and some festive cheer can be felt in the countries capital, Bangkok and other tourist spots. Here, we take a look at what Christmas looks like in Thailand and how Thai people celebrate the wintery festivities. If a traditional Christmas meal isn’t for you, why not start up some Christmas dinner traditions of your own? Our Oriental supermarket is stocked full of authentic foods and ingredients from across Asia that are sure to bring some new flavours to your festive table!

Decorations

December marks the month of the King of Thailand’s birthday, so the streets are already illuminated with decorations, adding to the festive feel. Chitralada Palace, where the King occasionally resides, will be glowing with fairy lights, giving it a truly enchanting feel. On top of these celebratory lights, the city’s shopping areas will be fully decked out for the Christmas period. Malls often feature massive Christmas trees, among other festive ornaments. Thailand is a hot spot for tourists looking to get away in December. Despite not celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday, Bangkok embraces the commercial appeal of the period in full force with all the holiday sales and decorations we love in the West!

Thai Christmas Food Traditions

Like a traditional Western dinner, Thai families may enjoy a special evening meal, although the turkey and trimmings will likely be swapped for a rice and curry dish. The Christmas dinners we know and love in England are not typically eaten on Christmas day in Thailand. However, many restaurants and hotels will be serving them, particularly for the Western guests who migrate to a warmer climate over the festive season.

Father Christmas

Although Christmas is not recognised as a holiday in Thailand, Santa still makes a visit to all of the children. He can usually be spotted at various family-friendly events or in some of the bigger shopping malls. Santa’s helpers come in all shapes and sizes! Some areas see elephants dressed in Santa costumes delivering presents to children with their trunks – a slightly different take on the Northern hemisphere’s wintery reindeer!

Shopping

One of the biggest aspects of Christmas time in Thailand is the shopping. While shopping is obviously not the most important thing about Christmas, almost every retailer in the bigger cities will offer discounts and promotions. Christmas and New Years are bundled together as one long celebratory time in Thailand, so this will be the busiest week for shopping!

School Festivities

While Christmas day is a typical working day for most adults in Thailand, schools often put on some festive activities for the children. Many children will be allowed to dress up in festive clothing, wearing vibrant colours or dressing like angels or Santa. Christmas carols may be sung, especially as part of an English lesson, with a favourite being Jingle Bells.

Other Thai Celebrations

Perhaps the closest Thai equivalent to our version of Christmas is Songkran. This is the Thai New Year, celebrated in April and is a time to spend with family, much like the Western ideals around Christmas. The Songkran period revolves less around gift-giving and instead focuses on doing good things for others. What are your favourite festive traditions? If you’re planning on shying away from turkey for your celebratory meal this Christmas, check out our range of Thai food here at Oriental Mart!