Home » Indonesia Travel News » Jakarta Joins Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang, Makassar, Medan, Batam, Denpasar and More in Indonesia for Vibrant Christmas and New Year Travel Celebrations Published on
December 5, 2025Jakarta joins Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Semarang, Palembang, Makassar, Batam, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, and more as top Christmas and New Year travel destinations in Indonesia, offering dazzling fireworks displays, live events, and festive hotel packages for an unforgettable holiday experience. Each city provides a distinct celebration, blending local traditions with modern festivities, stunning cityscapes, and tropical charm. Whether you’re enjoying Jakarta’s bustling city parties, Bali’s beachside countdowns, or Yogyakarta’s cultural performances, Indonesia offers something for every traveler. From spectacular fireworks to vibrant Christmas markets and cultural shows, these destinations promise a magical holiday experience for all.Jakarta: Urban Spectacle and Waterfront FireworksThe nation’s capital becomes a grand stage for December festivities, with malls, entertainment districts, and cultural venues creating an atmosphere filled with lights and attractions. Christmas trees, musical performances, and themed decorations appear across iconic malls such as Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, drawing families and tourists seeking immersive displays. Jakarta’s New Year countdown is among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia, centred around the bustling Sudirman and Thamrin corridors, where road closures allow for concerts, festivals, and a massive street party. Fireworks over Ancol Dreamland and the Jakarta Bay coastline add a coastal glow to the night, making the city one of Indonesia’s top holiday destinations.Advertisement Festival Guide:Christmas & New Year’s Eve: Mall light displays, waterfront concerts, midnight masses.Viewing Spots: Bundaran HI, Ancol Beach, SCBD area.Main Attraction: National Monument, Jakarta Cathedral, Grand Indonesia Mall.Nearby Airport: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).Hotels: Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pullman Jakarta.Hotel Deal: The Ritz-Carlton offers rooftop fireworks and festive gala dinners.Surabaya: Vibrant City Lights and Waterfront CelebrationsSurabaya offers a more relaxed but equally charming December spirit. Hotels, cafes, and lifestyle centres in West and Central Surabaya host festive dinners, Christmas buffets, and themed musical shows, with families flocking to enjoy seasonal menus. The city’s New Year celebration is lively, especially around Tunjungan Plaza and the Suramadu Bridge area, where colourful fireworks paint the night sky. Surabaya also incorporates cultural elements, with traditional music and local craft exhibitions adding a distinct East Javanese touch to the yearend atmosphere.Festival Guide:Christmas & New Year’s Eve: Mall decorations, Kenjeran Park countdown, live performances.Viewing Spots: Tunjungan Plaza, Galaxy Mall, Kenjeran Park.Main Attraction: House of Sampoerna, Suramadu Bridge, Submarine Monument.Nearby Airport: Juanda International Airport (SUB).Hotels: JW Marriott Surabaya, Hotel Majapahit, Sheraton Surabaya.Hotel Deal: Waterfront gala dinner at JW Marriott with fireworks viewing.Bandung: Cozy Highland FestivitiesBandung blends cool mountain weather with vibrant creative events, turning the city into an artistic haven during Christmas and New Year. Decorations appear along Dago, Riau, and Asia Afrika Street, supported by stylish cafes and boutique hotels offering festive packages. Christmas markets, art corners, and winter themed popups are common, fuelled by Bandung’s strong design and culinary scene. New Year celebrations in Lembang and Dago Pakar attract holidaymakers with city views illuminated by fireworks, creating one of the most picturesque countdowns in Indonesia.Advertisement Festival Guide:Christmas & New Year’s Eve: Holiday markets, craft fairs, street performances.Viewing Spots: Braga City Walk, Alun-Alun Bandung.Main Attraction: Tangkuban Perahu, Kawah Putih, Trans Studio Bandung.Nearby Airport: Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO).Hotels: Padma Hotel, Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung, The Trans Resort.Hotel Deal: New Year’s gala dinner and mountain view fireworks at Padma Hotel.Medan: Batak Traditions and Modern Festivities …
