Christmas by the Chao Phraya means celebrating with a dinner by the river, with the water and the lights of Rama 8 Bridge as your backdrop.

In 2026, Christmas Eve falls on Thursday 24 December and Christmas Day on Friday 25 December. This is the coolest time of year in Bangkok, perfect for sitting on a riverside terrace. If you'd like a dinner with the river and the lit-up Rama 8 Bridge behind you, Coco Chaophraya at 49/1 Phra Sumen Road, behind Baan Chao Phraya, is an easy walk from Phra Athit Road and Khao San.

When Is Christmas This Year, and What Time Should You Come?

  • Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 Dec — a working day; most people arrive after work, from around 19:00
  • Christmas Day, Friday 25 Dec — it runs into the weekend, so lots of people go out to celebrate
  • For an orange sky before dark — in late December the sun sets around 17:55–18:00 (timeanddate.com), so arrive around 17:15
Parma ham and mascarpone pizza for a Christmas dinner by the Chao Phraya at Coco Chaophraya

Sharing Dishes for Christmas Night

Christmas dinner doesn't always have to be turkey. What matters is sitting around a table and sharing food. To see what people eat for Christmas in the West, read 5 popular Christmas foods (in Thai).

CourseTry
To startTomato bruschetta, rocket and Parma ham salad, mushroom soup
Mains to shareMixed beef steak platter, grilled BBQ pork ribs, herb-roasted chicken
Pizza and pastaParma ham and mascarpone pizza, fettuccine with prawns in cream sauce
For Thai food loversTom yum goong in a young coconut, old-style sea bass luiy suan

See the full Coco Chaophraya menu.

Mixed beef steak platter to share on Christmas night by the Chao Phraya

Tips for a Smooth Christmas Dinner by the River

  1. Book ahead and ask for a riverside table — terrace tables go first on Christmas Eve
  2. Bring a light jacket — the river breeze in late December is cooler at night than you'd expect
  3. Take photos when the bridge lights up — the golden lights of Rama 8 Bridge make the best backdrop of the night for couple or family photos
  4. Coming as a group? — see how to plan in Riverside party restaurant on the Chao Phraya
Grilled BBQ pork ribs for a Christmas celebration by the Chao Phraya at Coco Chaophraya

Why a Riverside Christmas Suits Late December in Bangkok

Late December is the driest and coolest time of year in Bangkok. The sky is often clear, the sunset is vivid and the breeze off the river is pleasantly cool, so you can sit outside on the terrace longer than at any other time of year. A Christmas dinner by the river gives you atmosphere and a relaxed feel, with no need to dress up as for a hotel event, and it's easy to bring young children.

About us: Coco Chaophraya has been open for more than 10 years. We started at the front of Baan Chao Phraya before moving to the Chao Phraya riverside. Our chefs have more than 10 years of experience, and our professional baristas have more than 10 years of experience making coffee.

Summary: Christmas by the Chao Phraya 2026

  • Christmas Eve Thursday 24 Dec · Christmas Day Friday 25 Dec 2026
  • Arrive around 17:15 for the orange sky, then stay for the bridge lights
  • Sharing dishes: mixed steak platter, BBQ pork ribs, Parma ham pizza, creamy pasta
  • Coco Chaophraya is open daily 10:00–23:00; book on 02-281-9918 or LINE @cocochao