How to Spend Christmas in Niue

What’s it Like to Celebrate Christmas in Niue?

Looking for something different to do this Christmas? Escape to Niue, a small yet stunning tropical island in the South Pacific. It’s a place where Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm, from the harmonious carol singers echoing from the quaint village churches to the Christmas parties happening in the centre of the nation’s tiny capital. You can feast like a Niuean with fellow travellers or escape it all in your own quiet corner of this tranquil island. The choice is yours, but we’ll lay out your options in this guide on how to spend Christmas in Niue. Monuina e Kilisimasi!

Things to Do for Christmas in Niue

Stuff yourself like a Christmas turkey at the Scenic Matavai Resort’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch and dinner events
See what Christmas events are happening at the Alofi Commerical Centre
Listen to the gorgeous singing of carols at one of the Christmas church services
Go on a self-guided tour of the island, checking out the amazing sea tracks and snorkelling spots
Enjoy Christmas in your own quiet corner of Niue

For elaboration and more ideas, see the 7 Reasons to Travel to Niue this Christmas.

How Do Niueans Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is a time for family in the Niuean culture. Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 26) are both official public holidays in Niue, meaning that many businesses are closed on the island for locals to spend time with their loved ones.

As a devout Christian country, Niue observes Christmas as an important time in the church calendar. Although a Sunday church service is part of the weekly routine for many Niueans, the Christmas Mass service is a special event that visitors are also welcome to attend. Niuean church services involve beautiful harmonious singing of carols from the locals, which is well worth experiencing for yourself.

Check out some of the recommended churches to attend in Niue in the 5 Best Churches in Niue to Experience as a Visitor. Plus, learn more about Niue and Christianity in The Guide to the Religions in Niue.

What Christmas in Niue Means for Tourists

Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays in Niue where many businesses close on December 25 and 26. This often means there is less choice in restaurants, while many tour operators will also be closed. With that in mind, it’s best to plan some independent activities for Christmas and Boxing Day in Niue – similar to what we suggest in the 10 Things to Do in Niue on a Sunday.

Christmas Events in Niue

Niue does know how to throw a good party, with Christmas being no exception! Christmas on the Rock is an event that has been happening in Niue for the past few years, typically held in the Commerical Centre in Alofi on dates leading up to Christmas Day. For instance, there are festive karaoke competitions, live music, a children’s Christmas party on Christmas Eve and more. Ask at the Visitor Information Centre for the upcoming events during your visit at Christmas.

Niue’s only resort, the Scenic Matavai Resort, also hosts special dinners for Christmas Eve and Christmas each year. There is often live entertainment and dancing, as well as a Niuean buffet where you can try Niuean-style food for Christmas. Note that bookings are usually essential.

Other Public Holidays in Niue

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

January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 2 – Takai Commission Holiday
February 6 – Waitangi Day
Friday before Easter Sunday – Good Friday
Monday after Easter Sunday – Easter Monday
April 25 – ANZAC Day
First Monday in June – Queen’s Birthday
October 19 – Constitution Day
October 20 – Constitution Day Holiday
October 21 (or October 22 if falls on a Sunday) – Constitution Day Holiday
October 22 – Peniamina Gospel Day
December 25 – Christmas
December 26 – Boxing Day

For more information on Niue’s holidays, see Public Holidays in Niue (& Other Important Dates).

More About Christmas in Niue

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Niue. She knows the island inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Niue’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page