Samoa Christmas Ideas: How to Spend Christmas in Samoa

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Is Christmas a Good Time to Visit Samoa?

We might be a little biased, but yes, Christmas is an exceptional time to visit Samoa. The weather is warm at a maximum average temperature of 30°C / 86°F and there’s plenty of sunshine to be had in this tropical paradise. However, Christmas in Samoa is during the rainy season, so be prepared for that.

While most accommodations and resorts don’t charge a premium for Christmas holidays (it’s technically part of the low season), flights are a little more expensive during this time and are booked up well in advance, so get in there quickly.

Are the Shops Open at Christmas in Samoa?

Know that Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December) are public holidays, which means that shops are closed, as are many businesses and restaurants. Some tourist attractions, like To-Sua Ocean Trench, are likely to have reduced opening hours. It’s best to prepare your self-catering needs at least the day before Christmas. On the other hand, resorts will be functioning as normal; its restaurant and all.

See the Samoa Weather in December for more tips about visiting Samoa during the holiday season.

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How Do Samoans Celebrate Christmas?

As a devout Christian country, Samoa celebrates this Christian holiday with enthusiasm. Going to church is one of the most significant ways that Samoans across the islands celebrate Christmas.

Samoa Church Events at Christmas

There are many events organised by the various churches and denominations on the days before Christmas, including productions of the Nativity Play, Midnight Mass and a church service on Christmas Day. The events are captivating, even for visitors who are not regular church-goers, with harmonious singing from the locals that will uplift the spirits, even if you don’t consider yourself a spiritual person.

One popular church event, so much so that it’s televised, is the “13 Days of Christmas” where various choirs perform at Vaitele Uta’s Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in the lead-up to Christmas.

Family Time at Christmas

After church, Samoans at Christmas usually spend time with family. Many families have a to’ona’i, a special feast usually made in an umu (earth oven). Samoans usually exchange gifts too. Some families also play games such as kilikiti (Samoan cricket) and volleyball.

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Christmas Events in Samoa

So, what can visitors do in Samoa to join in on the Christmas celebrations? Well, there are plenty of events to dive into the holiday spirit.

Christmas on the Waterfront in Apia

The capital of Samoa, Apia, takes on an especially Christmassy vibe in the lead-up to Christmas, as well as hosting “Christmas on the Waterfront“. The date and time for the festival, which can sometimes last a few days, are usually displayed on banners all over town in December, as well as on the Samoa Tourism Authority’s events page. Over the past years, there have been outdoor cinema events and live music from local artists, church choirs and cultural dance groups. The highlight of the festival is the Christmas Parade led by Santa!

Christmas Events and Lunches at Samoa’s Resorts

Some of Samoa’s largest resorts put on special Christmas lunches and live entertainment each year. While the offerings can change year-on-year, the resorts that tend to offer Christmas functions for the public include:

• Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa
• Taumeasina Island Resort
• Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa
• Seabreeze Resort Samoa

Learn more about these resorts and many others in the Top 25 Resorts in Samoa.

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Other Public Holidays in Samoa

Christmas is just one of several public holidays in Samoa experienced throughout the year. Other public holidays in Samoa include:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• January 2 – Day after New Year’s Day
• Friday before Easter Sunday – Good Friday
• Saturday after Good Friday – Day after Good Friday
• Monday after Easter Sunday – Easter Monday
• Monday after the second Sunday in May – Mother’s Day
• June 1 – Independence Day
• Monday after the second Sunday in August – Father’s Day
• Monday after the second Sunday in October – White Sunday
• December 25 – Christmas
• December 26 – Boxing Day

Note that if any public holiday dates fall on a weekend, the next Monday (and Tuesday in some cases) is observed as the national public holiday. Learn more about what each day listed above entails in Public Holidays in Samoa (& Other Important Dates).