Christmas Cruising in Sunny Phuket! 

Christmas Cruising in Phuket conjures up pictures of white-sand beaches and beautiful landscapes and extraordinary explorations ashore.   These add to the charm of festive vibes that come alive here every December.

Christmas Cruising in Thailand away from cold winter weather in sunny tropical Phuket is the aspiration of many.

Visitors can enjoy many ways to celebrate the Christmas and New Year’s holiday here.  It is a time of seasonal festivals, beaches, high-end resort special dining and events and cultural experiences.  All combined with exploring islands around Phuket (about 39, many of them deserted).

Optimum time

An optimum time for yachts to arrive at one of Phuket’s ultra-smart marinas is December.  From then until March, you can count on picture perfect weather, white-sand beaches and beautiful landscapes.   These add to the charm of festive vibes that come alive every December and January on Phuket Island. 

Ocean Emerald underway in Phang Nga Bay

Stunning hotels, resorts and beach clubs strive to create the Christmas Cruising experience.  From beachfront brunches, lunches, beach parties, dinners to grand New Year’s Eve galas and cultural activities.

The following events are among the many festive holiday dining activities happening on Phuket, the ‘Superyacht Hub of Asia Pacific’.   

The InterContinental Phuket Resort’s beachfront is transformed into “The Garden of Devas.” It includes exquisite festivities, including themed afternoon teas, festive dinners, and grand buffets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Grand selection

A grand selection of international cuisines, including Indian, Japanese, BBQ, and desserts is on offer Christmas Eve at Novotel Phuket. With beautiful ocean views, live acoustic music, and Santa’s surprise gifts for kids, this festive event promises a memorable evening.

Michael aboard The Siam Hotel boat

The Slate Phuket offers a Christmas Eve refined meal at Black Ginger with Thai flavours.  Or choose an open-air buffet at Tin Mine, offering international favorites. Christmas Day features a grand brunch.  And New Year’s Eve, a gourmet experience at Black Ginger or a “Disco Mania” buffet at Coliseum Lawn.  This is followed by an exciting countdown party and fireworks.

Salt n’ Sea Breeze Restaurant inside Andaman Beach Hotel is where you can enjoy a specially crafted candlelit dinner. with live music.  It comes with with complimentary house red or white wine to toast the holiday cheer.  Welcoming 2025 is a New Year’s Eve Gala by the beach, with fireworks, entertainment & gourmet dining.

Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket offers a Christmas Eve Dinner with seafood, BBQ, turkey, and holiday desserts at SILK Restaurant. Christmas Day there is a festive lunch with glazed ham, sushi, pizza, and Thai specialties with live music.   The New Year’s Eve Gala December 31 has a countdown with gourmet dinner, music, dancing and fireworks.

An Italian-inspired dinner is offered Christmas Eve at Rosewood Phuket.  It overlooks Emerald Bay and Christmas Day brings a relaxed lunch with fresh seafood poolside at The Shack. There’s a special à la carte truffle menu from December 26-30 for truffle lovers.  A Thai culture at the Ta Khai Festive Fair happens on December 27. The New Year’s Eve Gala promises a grand dinner, live music, and a fireworks show to welcome 2025.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Movenpick Myth Hotel Patong Phuket offers a Christmas Eve Dinner with a set menu.  It features gourmet dishes like Fine de Claire oyster with caviar, homemade foie gras, black Angus beef Wellington.  This is followed by a brie with apple flambé, and a decadent pink lady dessert with vanilla mousse and almond sponge. There will be live saxophone and violin music and kids can enjoy balloon artistry and a visit from Santa.

At Amari Phuket, Coral Christmas is December 24 with a festive buffet of Thai, international, and Christmas favorites. From December 16 to January 6, guests can experience a private bubbly brunch in the TreePods.  Or they can enjoy Chef’s Table six-course tasting menu with mesmerizing Patong Bay views. Additionally, La Gritta offers an Italian Festive Menu and a special New Year’s Eve dinner with sunset views.

Long tail local boats on Ko Rawi with Ocean Emerald at anchor

Sri Panwa Hotel Phuket offers an all-you-can-eat hot pot, mini pizzas, delightful cakes, and an ocean-inspired BBQ in December. Christmas Eve brings a five-course dinner overlooking the Andaman Sea, while Christmas Day features a special à la carte menu. The New Year’s Eve rooftop event will have live music, performances, and fireworks.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort dining options include a pre-Christmas brunch with fresh seafood, prime rib, and delicious Thai specialties and Christmas Eve features a seaside feast with turkey, Phuket lobsters, and gourmet BBQ options. On Christmas Day, there’s a beachside brunch or an intimate Wagyu Wellington dinner.

Growing number of yachts

Another fun activity is a visit to the Phuket Boat Lagoon and their annual Christmas Market. A wide selection of colourful local arts and crafts are for sale as well as delicious snacks (and meals) from a variety of Phuket’s top dining venues. Adding to the festive spirit is live music from the Phuket Academy of Performing Arts and a donation drive. 

The island is seeing a growing number of yachts, reports Gordon Fernandes, co-founder of Asia Pacific Superyachts, “The infrastructure for owner visits is already in place with four modern and well-equipped marinas and a new private jet terminal for superyacht visitors”, adding, “Thailand’s yachting industry has undergone significant expansion and the Thai government is working with the country’s yacht services providers in easing restrictions to welcome more affluent visitors to Thailand.” Come for Christmas Cruising, stay for the entire season!