Features

Festive Fun in Bahrain

by BTM

Wed, 11 December 2024

Festive Fun in Bahrain

If you’ll be staying in Bahrain this December, you’ll be thrilled to find that there’s plenty to do to make your time here special. As Bahrain lights up for National Day and venues gear up for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, enjoy festive events and activities with family, friends and visitors. From dazzling fireworks to desert camping, Edwin D’Souza explores the best ways to celebrate this special season.

Take in the Festive Winter Decor
Several spots around Bahrain set up enchanting winter decor, combining the magic of Christmas with National Day celebrations. Leading hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay and The Art Hotel & Resort will transform into winter wonderlands, with beautifully decorated stalls, twinkling lights, Santa appearances, and interactive activities for kids. Enjoy live music, traditional holiday treats, and craft stalls for an all-ages experience that captures the festive mood.

Drive Through Riffa and Enjoy the Atmosphere
Throughout December you’ll find that areas in Bahrain are lit up with spectacular lights as part of the Kingdom’s National Day celebrations. If you really want to experience the atmosphere of these celebrations to its full extent, venture down Riffa’s highways and around the iconic clock roundabout for beautiful lights, smiling faces and people waving Bahrain’s flag.

Indulge in a Delicious Bahraini Breakfast
A quintessential dining experience when visiting or living in Bahrain is indulging in a scrumptious Bahraini breakfast. There are several quaint restaurants in beautiful locations across the island which offer a spectacular spread. Get your friends and family together and indulge in tomatoes with egg, balaleet, hot samboosas, Nakhi (chickpeas), grated cheese, hot khubus, chai karak and more. Some of the crowd favourite restaurants that serve up a fantastic Bahraini breakfast in Bahrain include the renowned Haji’s Café located in Manama, Emmawash located in Budaiya, Foods @ Home also located in Budaiya and Freej bin Rashdan located at Arad Bay. 

Explore Pop-Up Events
Pop-up markets are a holiday staple in Bahrain, featuring everything from handcrafted ornaments to artisanal food. Community clubs including The Dilmun Club, Market Street and malls like Al Aali Mall host special markets in December, showcasing delicious eats, local vendors and unique holiday gifts. Strolling through these markets with friends and family, you’ll discover unique finds, tasty treats, and a delightful holiday atmosphere.

National Day Celebrations and Fireworks
Bahrain National Day, celebrated on December 16, is marked by grand celebrations and awe-inspiring fireworks displays. For details on the spectacular fireworks displays, check out our Happenings pages. It’s a great time to celebrate with loved ones, and is sure to be a great family outing.

Enjoy a Festive Brunch, Lunch or Dinner
Many hotels and restaurants offer special holiday brunches and dinners throughout December. In our dining section, you’ll find countless options for hotels that offer Christmas, New Year’s or National Day brunches, lunches and dinners. These festive meals provide a chance to relax, indulge, and celebrate in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Visit Bahrain’s Heritage Sites
Bahrain is known for its rich heritage. Visitors can learn a lot about Bahrain’s culture, traditions and practices while exploring forts, unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums and more. Visit the Bahrain National Museum for an astonishing experience and get to know more about Bahrain, you can also take a trip to Qalat Al Bahrain, a monumental fort built in 2300 BC. Bahrain offers a rich history dating back to a thousand years, so take a trip to some of the most memorable forts and get to know more about its beautiful history.

Desert Camping and Stargazing
As camping season begins in Bahrain, indulge in an unforgettable experience. Head to Sakhir with family and friends for camping under the stars. The cooler December weather makes it an ideal time to set up camp, enjoy a barbecue, and marvel at the desert’s serenity with a warm cup of tea.

#FESTIVAL #CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BAHRAIN #NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS #CHRISTMAS IN BAHRAIN #BAHRAIN NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION #BTM DECEMBER 2024