How to Spend Christmas in Samoa
Posted by Maris on 27th Nov 2023
What Is It Like to Have Christmas in Samoa?
Looking for something unique to do this holiday season? Travel to Samoa, a beautiful group of tropical islands in the South Pacific. It's a place where Christmas is celebrated with zeal, from carol singers to feasts in the islands' villages. But what can visitors do in Samoa for Christmas? In this guide to spending Christmas in Samoa, we'll lay out your alternatives. Congratulations, Manuia le Kerisimasi!
5 Christmas Activities in Samoa
Fill up like a Christmas turkey at one of Samoa's Christmas Day lunch and dinner events.
Examine the colorful decorations in Apia and the surrounding villages (and construct your own coconut palm-frond Christmas tree).
Listen to the beautiful carol singing at one of the Christmas church sessions.
Attend a Christmas event in Apia this year, such as a Santa parade at Christmas on the Waterfront.
Staying at a beach fale or resort allows you to spend Christmas in your own secluded piece of Samoa.
Is it a good time to visit Samoa around Christmas?
We may be a little prejudiced, but Christmas is a fantastic time to visit Samoa. The weather is pleasant, with a maximum average temperature of 30°C / 86°F and plenty of sunshine in this tropical paradise. However, Christmas in Samoa falls during the rainy season, so plan accordingly.
While most motels and resorts do not charge a premium for the Christmas holiday (it is officially part of the low season), flights are a touch more expensive during this time and book up quickly.
Is it possible to shop in Samoa during the holidays?
Know that Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) are public holidays, which means that stores, as well as many businesses and restaurants, are closed. Some tourist destinations, such as the To-Sua Ocean Trench, may have shortened hours. It is best to plan your self-catering requirements at least one day before Christmas. Resorts, on the other hand, will continue to operate normally, including their restaurants.
What Do Samoans Do for Christmas?
Samoa, as a devout Christian country, enthusiastically observes this Christian holiday. Going to church is one of the most important ways Samoans celebrate Christmas across the islands.
Christmas Church Events in Samoa
On the days leading up to Christmas, many churches and denominations host festivities such as Nativity Play performances, Midnight Mass, and a church service on Christmas Day. Even if you are not a frequent churchgoer, the celebrations are compelling, with melodious singing from the locals that will elevate your spirits even if you do not consider yourself a spiritual person.
The "13 Days of Christmas" is a popular church event, so much so that it is televised, in which numerous choirs perform at Vaitele Uta's Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas with the family
Samoans frequently spend time with their families after church on Christmas. Many families celebrate with a to'ona'i, a special meal prepared in an umu (earth oven). Samoans are also known to exchange gifts. Some families also participate in games like kilikiti (Samoan cricket) and volleyball.