Escape to Fiji for Christmas and enjoy unique celebrations and magical experiences.
Why not celebrate Christmas in Fiji this year and enjoy a stress-free holiday where every detail is handled for you? Christmas in Fiji is more than just a festive escape. It’s a blend of island charm, local traditions, spectacular resort celebrations, and soul-soothing surroundings.
Below, our Fiji travel specialists have highlighted what makes travelling to Fiji for Christmas so special and unique.
What to expect when you spend Christmas in Fiji
Resort festivities – Magical experiences for all guests.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Fiji for Christmas, you’ll find that the resorts go to great lengths to make it a magical experience for all guests. You can expect thoughtfully curated festive programs designed to balance luxury, fun, and Fijian culture.
Many Fiji resorts and hotels host Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, carol nights, beach parades, and beautifully decorated displays. And of course, Santa always makes an appearance, arriving island style by speedboat or even jet ski!
Resorts design their programs so families can enjoy a perfect mix of relaxation and festive joy. Children of all ages are well catered for with beach games, poolside fun, craft sessions, Christmas movie nights, Santa meet-ups, and themed treasure hunts. Couples can indulge in private beachfront dinners, sunset cruises, couples’ spa experiences, and romantic villa décor. Luxury, adults-only resort Tokoriki Island Resort, for instance, hosts beachfront celebrations featuring a giant Christmas tree, live entertainment, and exquisite festive cuisine.
Feasts filled with exotic Fijian flavours
One of the most memorable parts of Christmas in Fiji is the food, and Fijians love a feast!
At the heart of many celebrations is the lovo, a traditional Fijian earth oven. Meats, fish, root vegetables, and starches are wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted underground, infusing the food with smoky, tender flavours unlike anywhere else. Common dishes include pork, chicken, fish, cassava, dalo (taro), and sweet potatoes, all cooked together to create a communal banquet.
Another festive favourite is palusami, meat wrapped in taro leaves and baked in rich coconut cream. Resorts often include this delicacy in their Christmas buffets.
Fresh seafood, sashimi, tropical fruit platters, grilled fish, and island-inspired desserts are staples of the Fijian Christmas table, often served alongside traditional Western dishes like ham, roast turkey, and Christmas pudding.
While not exclusive to Christmas, kava (yaqona) is often part of festive gatherings. Guests are invited to share in the ceremony, sipping from a traditional bilo bowl and joining in the rhythmic clapping that symbolises community and respect. Kava adds an authentic local dimension to the holiday experience, creating a cultural bridge between visitors and Fijians.
A celebration of faith and community
In Fiji, Christmas is above all a celebration of faith. Many Fijians are Christian, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are centred around church services, carol singing, nativity plays, and devotion.
Families across the islands dress in their Sunday best and gather in local churches to worship together. Unlike in many parts of the world, Christmas in Fiji extends well beyond a single day. Festivities often span several days or even weeks, with community gatherings, meke performances (traditional dances), music, and shared meals leading up to New Year’s celebrations.
Fijian hospitality shines especially bright at this time of year. Visitors are warmly welcomed to join in village festivities, or simply observe and soak in the joyful atmosphere.
Island-style decorations and classic symbolism
Throughout Fiji, you’ll find a beautiful blend of island creativity and classic holiday décor. Expect driftwood Christmas trees, coconut shell ornaments, colourful lights, and Fijian-inspired designs using masi (barkcloth) and other natural materials.
In Suva, the lighting of the Christmas tree at Albert Park is a major annual event, drawing locals and visitors from across Viti Levu to celebrate together.
Where to stay for Christmas in Fiji
Choosing the right region or island can shape your Christmas in Fiji experience. Below we’ve shared our top Christmas resort recommendations:
Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands
For true island escapism, choose a boutique or luxury private island. Think VOMO Island Resort, Tokoriki Island Resort, Musket Cove, or Castaway Island Resort. These destinations create an intimate, secluded Christmas atmosphere that is perfect for couples and families alike.
Coral Coast & South Viti Levu
Easily accessible and rich in local culture, the Coral Coast offers resorts that host festive dining, traditional performances, and day trips for guests. A great choice for families wanting a balance of convenience and authenticity.
Denarau & Nadi Area
Convenient for international arrivals, Denarau Island is home to luxury resorts like the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, offering festive events, exceptional dining, and easy access to Nadi’s attractions.
Savusavu, Vanua Levu & Remote Islands
For those seeking a more secluded celebration, head north. Expect fewer crowds, authentic village experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. While these areas offer simpler festivities, the warmth of local hospitality and the serenity of the surroundings make it truly unforgettable.
Planning your Fijian Christmas getaway
To make your Fiji for Christmas holiday seamless and stress-free, keep these practical tips in mind:
Book Early
Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit Fiji, with resorts, flights, and island transfers booking out well in advance. We recommend securing your accommodation as early as possible to guarantee your preferred dates, especially if you have your heart set on a specific resort or island.
As dedicated Fiji travel agents and Matai Specialists, we can advise which destinations still have festive availability and help you lock in the best rates and inclusions. Talk to us about your travel plans and we’ll help you find the perfect location in the Fiji Islands for your Christmas escape.
Expect Tropical Weather
December in Fiji falls within the wet season, which means you can expect warm, humid days with occasional tropical showers. These bursts of rain are usually short-lived and followed by plenty of sunshine, creating the lush, green landscapes Fiji is famous for.
The rain can also bring cooler evenings and stunning sunsets, making it a wonderful time for relaxing spa treatments, beachside cocktails, or exploring Fiji’s vibrant marine life between showers. We’ll help you choose a resort and island known for good weather patterns during this time of year.
Check Resort Programs
Each resort in Fiji celebrates Christmas in its own special way. Some offer grand buffets and live entertainment, while others focus on traditional Fijian celebrations and cultural performances.
Our travel specialists can provide you with up-to-date information on which resorts host Christmas Eve dinners, Santa visits, themed kids’ programs, carol nights, or special New Year’s celebrations. Whether you prefer an intimate beachfront celebration or a lively family atmosphere, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your holiday style.
Respect Local Customs
In Fiji, faith and community are deeply woven into the Christmas season. When visiting local villages or attending church services, modest dress is appreciated. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and beachwear is best kept for resort areas.
If you’re planning to attend a church service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, pack your Sunday best and immerse yourself in the warmth of Fijian worship. It’s a beautiful way to experience Fiji’s faith, music, and heartfelt sense of community.
Shop Early
Most Fijian shops and markets close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so it’s best to plan your shopping early. If you’d like to share locally made gifts, allow time before Christmas to browse Fiji’s markets, handicraft centres, and boutique stores.
We can recommend the best places to find authentic handmade crafts, woven baskets, wood carvings, masi (tapa cloth), jewellery, and Fijian sarongs (sulus), as well as where to go for modern retail experiences with international brands and air-conditioned shopping centres. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or Christmas presents, we’ll help you find the perfect gifts to take home.
Engage with Culture
One of the most rewarding parts of spending Christmas in Fiji is experiencing the culture and community spirit that defines the islands. Attend a church carol service, watch a meke performance (traditional dance), or join a kava ceremony for an authentic connection with the Fijian way of life.
We can arrange these experiences before you travel, or your resort’s staff will be happy to help you plan them once you arrive. Participating in these moments allows you to go beyond the resort and discover the warmth, generosity, and joy that make Fiji for Christmas truly unforgettable.
Ready to spend this Christmas in Fiji?
Why not enjoy an unforgettable Christmas in Fiji this year? Whether you’re travelling as a family, couple, solo adventurer, or group of friends, our team of Fiji Matai Specialists can help you plan a stress-free, seamless, and truly magical festive escape.
Our team can handle every detail of your Christmas holiday, from resort bookings and transfers to festive dinners, cultural experiences, and event scheduling. Whether you dream of a luxury villa on a private island, a family-friendly resort packed with fun, or a laid-back cultural celebration, we’ll create a Christmas holiday that’s anything but ordinary.
Contact us today and discover why so many travellers choose Fiji for Christmas, where the only thing you need to do is relax and enjoy paradise.
Talk to one of our Fiji travel specialists
- Telephone (AU): 1300 131 669
- International : +61 2 9979 2403
- sales@fijiislands.com.au
- Request a travel quote »