Bangkok Airways Round Up
- Celebrating New Year 2026 in Chiang Mai offers a modern vibe that smoothly blends with the historical Lanna culture, making the city a highly attractive countdown destination among travelers. The highlights are the live concerts from Thai artists and the firework display that comes alive at midnight across the whole city.
- Visit the CAD Cultural Center Lanna to join the magical sky lantern ceremony. Or join the Amazing Chiang Mai Countdown, where spectacular fireworks light up the sky over the golden royal pavilion. Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the mountain, where you can make merit and join the Midnight Chanting ceremony for good luck.
Celebrating New Year 2026 in Chiang Mai is an unparalleled experience, as the modern festivities blend perfectly with the deep-rooted culture, making the city one of the most attractive New Year destinations. Get ready for the magical fireworks displays and vibrant concerts featuring famous Thai artists. Bangkok Airways has listed the top 8 countdown spots in Chiang Mai, carefully catered for people of all ages.
Top 8 Countdown Spots in Chiang Mai for New Year 2026
1. Chiangmai CAD New Year Countdown 2026 at The CAD Cultural Center Lanna
Hop into the Chiangmai CAD New Year Countdown 2026, where festive vibes and culture meet. As the CAD Cultural Center Lanna, it is recognized as the largest lantern release spot in Chiang Mai.
The highlight of the event is when thousands of golden lanterns are released into the night sky alongside the massive fireworks and celebration music in the background, creating a breathtaking panoramic scene and majestic atmosphere.
Here is a list of things you should do at the event.
- The Grand Fireworks Show: Watch one of the largest fireworks shows.
- Mass Lantern Release: Write your wish on a floating lantern and release it into the sky as a symbol of a fresh start filled with hope and happiness together with thousands of other lanterns soaring across the sky.
- Lanna Culture: Dive deep into Lanna culture by appreciating traditional Lanna performances, such as the Lanna Orchestra and the Classical Dance.
- A Collection of Cuisines: Savor a variety of Lanna dishes and the international buffet at night.
Joining the Chiangmai CAD New Year Countdown 2026 is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Lanna and create an unforgettable memory with your family and friends, surrounded by the festive atmosphere full of thrill and joy.
Entrance Fee:
- Standard Seat: 4,800 THB
- VIP Seat: 6,400 THB
- Premium Seat: 6,900 THB
- Elite Seat: 15,500 THB
- Observer: 159 THB (for watching fireworks, shopping, and buying food)
- Lanna Shabu: 3,000 THB (for Lanna-style shabu with snacks, fruits, and drinks, plus 2 sky lanterns, but unavailable for entering the Chedi Zone.)
2. Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2026 at Chiang Mai PAO Park
Let’s celebrate the New Year in the middle of a huge flower field at the Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2026 with the theme “The World Heritage of Lanna.” The event is held at Chiang Mai PAO Park, where thousands of flower species from around the world, such as colorful tulips and uncommon orchids, are displayed across the area alongside vibrant illuminations. The festival also features numerous photo spots, like a huge light tunnel and a grove of trees decorated with glowing ornaments for some memorable shots.
Make sure to watch the Musical Fountain Show, accompanied by fantastic lasers, music, and effects, as well as the traditional Khon performance called the Light of Glory Show.
- Musical Fountain Show: 7.00 p.m. / 8.00 p.m. / 9.00 p.m. / 10.00 p.m.
- Light of Glory Show: Fri–Sun and special days (3 shows daily: 7.00 p.m. / 8.00 p.m. / 9.00 p.m.)
Event Dates & Time: 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026, 08.30 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
Entrance Fee: Free
3. Singha Winter Fest 2025
Singha Winter Fest 2025, taking place at MAYA Square Chiang Mai, will spread fun for the whole two weeks, from 15 to 31 December 2025. At the venue, stroll along the festive road filled with joyful music and laughter of people having the time of their lives. Grab some food to boost your energy while vibing along to live performances from famous artists, including INDIGO, SL MUSIC, ZOM MARIE, and ZEAL.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, have a blast with the countdown event featuring sparkling fireworks shot up over the cheering crowd, creating a bright, electrifying atmosphere.
4. Tha Phae Gate
If you are looking for a historical landmark to spend your New Year’s Eve, visit Tha Phae Gate, one of the main entrances to Chiang Mai’s Old City. Here, the activities begin in the morning, when the venue turns into a huge party hub filled with energy and excitement from both locals and travelers. At midnight, get to the Nawarat Bridge for the best countdown experience, as it is where you can watch the fireworks reflecting on the calm water of the Ping River.
5. One Nimman
One Nimman is a popular spot to celebrate New Year in Chiang Mai thanks to its picturesque, trendy vibe, making it highly Instagrammable. This year, the Glow Countdown event, taking place from 27 to 31 December 2025, comes with the “Global Sounds, Thai Soul” theme, which will turn the square into a glowing party area.
The event features plenty of renowned Thai artists, music bands, and DJs, namely Jarb Cat, Sun Der, Kalio & The CM Crew, Joy Monster, The Funkster, Chiangmai Blues, Super Rich, AFL Band, and DJ Jui Juis.
Savor the tasty meals served by a collection of gourmet stores, ranging from a Thai Michelin-starred restaurant to international cuisines. Get lost in the decorative ambient lighting that glows up the whole open-air venue, along with the clock tower standing at the center.
Event Dates & Time:
- 27 – 30 December 2025, 3.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.
- 31 December, 3.00 p.m. – 12.00 a.m.
Entrance Fee: Free
6. Central Festival Chiangmai
Central Chiang Mai Countdown is one of the grandest New Year celebrations in Northern Thailand, held at the outdoor area of Central Festival Chiang Mai. The exhilarating concerts and performances with a long list of the country’s top singers and stars kick off in the evening, ensuring that all partygoers can burst with joy and excitement.
The main highlight of the event is, of course, the magnificent fireworks show that goes off at midnight, a delightful welcome for the fresh start of the new year 2026.
7. Nawarat Bridge
Visit the Nawarat Bridge near Tha Phae Gate on New Year’s Eve to take a snap with the sparkling lights that illuminate the entire bridge, transforming it into an artistic photo landmark, organized by Chiang Mai Municipality.
The lighting display, which looks incredibly photogenic when glistening on the gentle flow of the Ping River, is a combination of the Colonial-Gothic design blended with the Lanna architecture, making it a romantic countdown destination to wander around with your companions.
8. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Apart from grand fireworks displays and vibrant concerts, Chiang Mai also offers a unique countdown experience for those seeking a spiritual retreat. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s iconic temple, which is located on the mountain 15 kilometers away from downtown, is another popular countdown spot in Chiang Mai, where Thai people opt for the Midnight Chanting ceremony.
In this event, a group of participants is invited to join Buddhist monks in chanting that starts at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and ends after midnight. This is an alternative for anyone wishing to welcome the new year 2026 with a calm mind and blessings, surrounded by peaceful nature.
Q&A about Celebrating New Year 2026 in Chiang Mai
Does Chiang Mai have fireworks on New Year’s Eve 2026?
Yes, many places in Chiang Mai hold events that feature grand fireworks displays at midnight, especially popular spots such as CAD and Central Festival Chiang Mai. Most fireworks shows even come with festive performances, live music, and lighting effects.
Is Chiang Mai crowded during the New Year?
Absolutely. As Chiang Mai is known to be one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand, it gets even more crowded during a long holiday like New Year’s Eve. The town becomes extremely bustling and busy, but still full of joy and excitement.
What local traditions can I experience on New Year’s Day?
You can experience local traditions by visiting Buddhist temples to make offerings to Thai monks, paying respect to Buddha statues, and meditating together with locals. The recommended temples in Chiang Mai are Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Chiang Man.
What food should I try during New Year in Chiang Mai?
Some of the iconic dishes you should try are Khao Soi, a noodle soup rich in coconut milk and aromatic herbs that claimed the second-best spot in the Top 10 Best Rated Curries 2023 by TasteAtlas; Gaeng Hung Lay, a braised pork curry with creamy sauce; and Sai Ua, a northern-style sausage blended with herbs.
Are sky lanterns allowed in Chiang Mai during the New Year 2026?
Sky lanterns are allowed at the CAD Cultural Center Lanna. Do not release lanterns outside the restricted areas under any circumstances, since it is strictly illegal and can lead to imprisonment and fines.
Interesting Places in Thailand to Celebrate New Year
- Phuket New Year’s Guide: Best Places to Celebrate & Travel Tips
- Best Spots to Celebrate New Year in Bangkok for a Wonderful Countdown
Choose Bangkok Airways for the Best Experience
Visiting Chiang Mai during the New Year offers not only beautiful nature but also a deep dive into Lanna culture and an amazing countdown experience. To get the best start, choose Bangkok Airways as your travel companion for the smoothest flight and the best service for the most joyful year in 2026.
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