[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”about” module_class=”vertical-pos” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”0px||60px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”60px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px|” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Festive Season Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font_size=”18px” header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”68px” header_2_font=”|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”48px” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|phone” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Here is a guide to selected events, culture, and things to do this festive season in Siem reap, Cambodia.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”0px” custom_padding=”5px||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you’re planning to spend the holidays exploring the ancient temples of Angkor, you’ll find that Siem Reap offers a truly memorable blend of Western festive cheer and unique Cambodian culture. The city transforms during December, with grand hotels hosting spectacular galas that often feature the best of Khmer artistry, including the legendary Phare, The Cambodian Circus. There are many ways and places you can join the Phare artists to ring in the new year. By all means, start the evening at Phare’s iconic red big top with shows nightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/tickets\/” button_text=”Book Phare Tickets” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#00FF40″ button_border_radius=”5px” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”0px” custom_padding=”5px||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row – Events and Activities” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Temple-dinner-by-Amansara_C172.jpg” alt=”Elegant table settings in front of Kravan temple for an Amansara temple dinner with Phare Circus performing” title_text=”Temple dinner by Amansara at Kravan” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image – Amansara” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
This festive season, explore Cambodia’s royal past with Amansara\u2019s enriching calendar of culinary and cultural experiences, designed to bring loved ones together.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.aman.com\/resorts\/amansara\/festive” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”MORE INFO” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#00FF40″ button_border_radius=”5px” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Park-Hyatt-New-Year.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image – Park Hyatt” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Park Hyatt offers a variety of events and activities throughout the Festive Season, including a New Year’s Eve gala with Phare Circus performing into the New Year.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.experienceparkhyattsiemreap.com\/festive-celebrations-at-the-park\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”MORE INFO” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#00FF40″ button_border_radius=”5px” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row – Events and Activities” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/New-Years-Eve-Sofitel-web.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image – Sofitel” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Make the end of the year sparkle with our delightful gourmet experiences! Celebrate the season by gathering your friends and family at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/my.sofitel-angkor-phokeethra.com\/product-category\/wine-dine\/festive-season-2025\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”MORE INFO” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#00FF40″ button_border_radius=”5px” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Raffles-Grand-Hotel-Angkor-Christmas-Tree-Lighting.webp” alt=”Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor poolside Christmas Tree Lighting event” title_text=”Raffles Grand Hotel Angkor Christmas Tree Lighting” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image – Raffles” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Discover the magic of Christmas with heartwarming traditions, festive dishes, family activities and unforgettable celebrations.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.raffles.com\/siem-reap\/experiences\/festive\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”MORE INFO” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#00FF40″ button_border_radius=”5px” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ height=”0px” custom_padding=”5px||5px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you are a traveler from the West, it\u2019s important to know what the holiday season means in Cambodia:<\/p>\n
Christmas is Not a National Holiday<\/strong> On December 25th, the vast majority of Cambodians will go about their normal, daily lives. However, thanks to a large number of Western expatriates and continuous tourism, you will still find plenty of cheer:<\/p>\n The “Real” Cambodian New Year<\/strong> Therefore, the December 31st New Year’s Eve celebration is entirely geared toward international travelers and the expatriate community. It is a time for sharing great food, dancing, and looking forward to the possibilities of the coming year.<\/p>\n New Year’s Eve in Siem Reap is primarily celebrated with extravagant parties hosted by the luxury hotels. These events are designed to be spectacles, combining world-class dining with the best of Cambodian performance arts.<\/p>\n If you are looking for an artistic and socially conscious way to celebrate, Phare, The Cambodian Circus is arguably the heart of the festive season in Siem Reap.<\/p>\n The artists of Phare, who train at the Phare Ponleu Selpak non-profit school, are an integral part of the city’s New Year’s Eve landscape:<\/p>\n By celebrating with Phare or attending a hotel gala where they perform, you are directly experiencing and supporting Cambodia’s contemporary arts scene.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Blog Post Author – Craig Dodge” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” global_module=”24999″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Craig-Dodge-Phare-Circus-Director-of-Sales-and-Marketing.webp” alt=”Craig Dodge , Phare Circus Director of Sales and Marketing, presenting at Arival Activate conference” title_text=”Craig Dodge – Phare Circus Director of Sales and Marketing” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” border_radii=”on|50%|50%|50%|50%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Craig Dodge<\/a> is the Director Emeritus of Sales and Marketing (retired) for Phare Performing Social Enterprise<\/a>, parent company of Phare, The Cambodian Circus<\/a> and Phare Creative Studio<\/a>. Craig gets great satisfaction by applying his travel industry experience to Phare’s missions of sustaining jobs in the arts and funding artistic and academic education at Phare Ponleu Selpak<\/a> non-profit school. He is also driven to promote the unique experiences awaiting visitors to Cambodia. Since he’s retired, you can most often find Craig cycling or hiking in Angkor park. Craig continues to serve as a Citizen Liaison Volunteer for the US Embassy Phnom Penh.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Have a Phare Circus Christmas and New Year Holiday Here is a guide to selected events, culture, and things to do this festive season in Siem reap, Cambodia.If you’re planning to spend the holidays exploring the ancient temples of Angkor, you’ll find that Siem Reap offers a truly memorable blend of Western festive cheer and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":11654,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[522,484],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25411","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-holidays-in-cambodia","category-siem-reap-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25411"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25411\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11654"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharecircus.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Cambodia\u2019s leading religion is Theravada Buddhism. The closest national celebration to Christmas in Cambodian culture is Vesak (Vesakha Puja), which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha and is typically held during the full moon in May or June.<\/p>\n\n
The national, cultural New Year in Cambodia is Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), celebrated for three days in April, marking the end of the harvest season. This is the time when the entire country takes holiday and families gather.<\/p>\nHow to Ring in the New Year (Western Style) in Angkor<\/h2>\n
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Phare Circus: The Centerpiece of the Siem Reap Celebration<\/h2>\n
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About the Author – Craig Dodge<\/h2>\n