Ten steps to the ultimate Bangkok Christmas
As anyone from a snowy nation will tell you, nothing beats a white Christmas. But chances are we’re not going to get snow in Bangkok this year. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a somewhat traditional holiday season. We’ve put together a 10-step guide to enjoying the ultimate Christmas in Bangkok.
Step 1: Get a tree
You’re not going to find a real Douglas fir or a lovely Scotch pine to trim with popcorn strings. And that’s ok, because cutting down trees only to chuck them away in a few weeks’ time isn’t very eco-friendly.
Instead, fake it with an artificial Christmas tree from any Big C or Tesco Lotus -- found in every neighborhood -- which carry the standard artificial trees in a variety of sizes. For something a little nicer, try Central Chidlom (BTS: Chidlom). Decorations are available in all the above shops too.
Step 2: Make a gingerbread house
There’s a class at Conrad Hotel for those who love the idea of a sweet treat on the table. For 1,750 baht, you and your child can work under the guidance of Chef Desni Lartique on Saturday, December 19 from 10am to 12pm. Just watch out for ants. You are in the tropics after all!
87 Wireless Road, Phatumwan. Tel +66 (0)2 690 9999
Step 3: Chill out
No snow? No problem. We have ways of getting cold too. Enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at Esplanade’s Sub-Zero skating rink. Or, better yet, go to Dream World and play around in their "snow room." Just keep your clothes on -- Dream World is a family amusement park.
Dream World: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Nakornayok Road, Km 7, Phatumthani. Tel +66 (0)2 533 1152
Step 4: Get in the spirit
Order some old Christmas movies at Boomerang. Download some Christmas tunes. Head to the malls where the holiday tunes are on a loop. Set up a fake fireplace on your laptop with this Youtube video. Or, go watch Jim Carrey’s 3D “Christmas Carol,” now playing at Krungsri IMAX Paragon. Old Alistair Sims fans will likely scoff at the remake, but we think it’s pretty cool.
Step 5: Order a big bird
Traditionally, Thai homes don’t have ovens. The heat those babies generate just isn’t pleasant when you’re already baking in a 30-degree Celsius room. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a traditional Christmas feast in the privacy of your home.
As soon as possible, order your Christmas turkey from any Tops Supermarket. They whip up a mean Christmas feast that includes a Butterball turkey (you choose the size), gravy and stuffing, which you pick up at your desired hour.
Step 6: Check out the lights
Bangkok’s malls, hotels, office towers and even some homes hold nothing back during the holidays. Bangkok’s most famous set of decorations is at Central World, where Thais can be seen posing happily in front of the giant tree and other larger-than-life Christmas décor. But we’ve seen some other cool photo-worthy Christmas décor around the city too, from Sathorn’s Empire Tower to the Pullman King Power near Victory Monument.
Step 7: Book your Christmas Day brunch now
It’s Christmas morning, the gifts are open and Santa was incredibly kind. Keep the good vibes flowing at one of Bangkok’s famous five-star brunches, on at hotels like The Peninsula and the Oriental. Santa makes the rounds, there's all the usual traditional Christmas activities and you’ll stuff yourself so full that the turkey you ordered will have to wait till Boxing Day.
Step 8: Give something back
'Tis the season of giving, and it wouldn’t be Christmas without helping some of the less fortunate in Bangkok. And we all know there is no shortage of less fortunate in this city. For a full list of Thai charities, check out the roster at Thaicharities.org. Donate your time or money. Every little bit counts.
Step 9: Throw a party
Crank up the Bing Crosby, turn on the Christmas tree lights and invite your closest friends over for a night of partying. Unfortunately, Bangkok doesn’t sell ready-made egg nog. So make your own with this simple recipe, throw in some ice cream and spike it with a bottle of Sangsom. Then, let the good times roll.
Step 10: Gloat
No snow? Who cares when you’re living in the tropics. Email your friends in cold weather countries a nice pic of you poolside holding an obnoxious drink with an umbrella in it, wearing nothing other than your swim suit and a Santa hat. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
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