Where to celebrate New Year in Chiang Mai this year

While the Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival continues strong, this festive season event gears up for a colourful countdown in the middle of a flower field – a great place for all the family and a true Thai New Year experience. They’re promising the biggest firework display in all of Northern Thailand and a lineup of famous bands including Tum Warawut, CGM48, Patrickananda, Sarah.salola, Ping Pong Sisat and Patcha. While the countdown is a special, one-day event, the festival continues till Jan 5, packed with flower displays, carnival rides, food, drinks, shows and performances. Dec 31. Free. Chiang Mai PAO Park. 8.30am-11pm.

Get ready to welcome in 2025 on the rooftop of Stay With Nimman and enjoy an unforgettable countdown party where the glamour of the roaring 20s meets the magic of a modern New Year’s celebration. Live bands, DJs and a saxophonist will set the scene as you indulge in signature cocktails and complimentary buffet food. Dress the part and be sure to enjoy the fireworks that will no-doubt light up the entire Nimman area. Dec 31. B550 per person. Stay With Nimman Rooftop Bar. 7.30pm-late. 

Central Festival always guarantees a big party and this year is no exception. As one of the biggest countdown parties in the north, this is an easy choice for those who just want a good time. Their event promises over 2,500 firework explosions and a full lineup of some of Thailand’s favourite artists performing live, including Boy Peacemaker, 60 Miles and Nap A Lean x Purplecat. If you’re into Thai celebrity culture, go early and join the Meet & Greet event with famous stars from Channel 3 – Great Warintorn, Toey Phongsakorn and Kob Songsit. The main event area is for over 20s only, but the market and activity area (with views of the countdown projector) is open to all ages. Dec 31. Free. Central Festival Chiang Mai. 5pm onwards. 

From the same organisation that brings you the spectacular lantern releasing festival during Yi Peng, CAD Chiang Mai has organised a countdown that promises an exciting lineup of activities and performances. Blending tradition with a more traditional countdown event, expect cultural dances and music performances, as well as fireworks, countdown screens and thrilling contests with cash prizes totaling over B800,000. Held at the CAD Land Wonderland of Lanna in Mae On District, the event runs for two days with a range of ticket prices ranging from standard observer tickets to elite guest tickets that include transfer, exclusive dinner and cashback to spend in the event. Dec 30-31. Tickets range from B159-B10,000. Book here. CAD Cultural Center. 5pm-late. 

Book yourself into a room or just come for the evening as one of Chiang Mai’s nicest hotels opens its lawns to revellers in search of a fun but sophisticated countdown party this year. Basic tickets include a complimentary drink, or opt for the Sip & Savor adult ticket for exclusive access to the fourth floor Pool House with free-flow drinks and tapas. The event promises live music and a lawn party countdown that runs till three in the morning. Dec 31. B500-B2,000. Tickets here. Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. 9pm-3am. 

Head out of town to Royal Park Rajapruek for this special year-end celebration with special countdown performances by Por Unnop, Songkarn Rangsan and the famous BamBam Kanpimuk (AKA BamBam GOT7, the Thai-born Korean artist who's inspires travelers as part of the Amazing Thailand campaign). The event will also host ILLUMIDESTINATION, a light show that takes over the gardens. If you can’t make it there for the countdown itself, events and shows are running from Dec 21 up until the 31st, so you can always swing by before and catch the party before the countdown too. Either way, expect a lively atmosphere and exciting Thai style experience at this massive and beautiful park. Dec 31. Free. Royal Rajapruek. 5pm-12.30am. https://northernth.com/en/chiang-mai-countdown-2025/

The trendy One Nimman is bound to impress with their New Year countdown extravaganza, this year titled ‘Glow’ – likely due to their new fancy light mapping system that illuminates the entire central plaza and clock tower. The Glow event runs from Dec 27-31, with a roster of top jazz acts like Chiangmai Blues, Jazzenger, Super Rich X Ming The Voice, and Ake Wild Sax, plus energetic tunes from DJ PK Piyawat Khemchat to keep you dancing till countdown. The usual food market will also be there along with a huge fireworks display at midnight Dec 31…obviously! Dec 27-31. Free. One Nimman. 4pm till late. 

Still in Nimman you’ll find a huge roadside party at Think Park – a strong contender for your countdown if One Nimman isn’t doing it for you. With a huge stage setup right at the junction, it’s hard to miss the party with a line up of EDM DJs and live band performances from Dec 27-31, including You know me, illi band, Wolverboys, Cool Hi, Khanomcrape, SML BAND, Newgen, DJ Muninn, DJ Yada, DJ BASZU, and many more. There’s also over 30 booths selling food and drinks, and the first ever firework display from Rincome Junction itself. Dec 27-31. Free. Think Park. 7pm till late.

1st Press is a well known bar in the vinyl DJ scene in Chiang Mai and although this Dec 31st party is their last night under the name 1st Press, the bar plans to go out with a big bang on New Years Eve before rising in the new year like a phoenix. This alternative countdown party will have five guest DJs spinning hip hop, city pop and many other genres, while the friendly owner also opens his decks to you, the guest, inviting all who come to bring records and spin your own music together till midnight. Dec 31. Free. 1st Press, Sanpakoi Road. 5pm till late.