Not your average silent night: Alternative ways to celebrate Christmas in Chiang Mai

Join the Look Inside team at their living room-esque bar space for a festive Christmas Eve get-together. The homey spot is keeping it merry with a secret Santa exchange (to participate, bring a wrapped B200 gift to submit at the bar) and family-style potluck – simply bring a dish to share, or just enjoy what’s on offer. There are also drink specials and fun giveaways throughout the night, with resident tarot readers on duty and, as always, good tunes soundtracking the evening.

Dec 24. Free Entry. Look Inside. 7pm-late

One of the stalwarts of the city’s music scene, 7 Pounds opens the doors to its grassy garden, restaurant and bar this Christmas, with a host of local talent gracing their stage. Raise a glass over soulful sounds from local talents North Lover Company, Born in Burma Arts, RJ Blues, King Cobra and Nash-Nana Kim, before things get a bit more festive with a gift exchange ceremony around the campfire.

Dec 24. Free. 7 Pounds. 7pm-midnight

It’s a two-in-one Christmas party at Shine On this Christmas Eve. Things start off relaxed and easy with live music and a not very festive menu of Mediterranean and Thai flavours at this artfully hip restaurant and bar, before the night gets ramped up with DJs spinning Afro-Latin tech house guaranteed to get their dancefloor heaving. If you’re joining at 6pm for dinner, drop them a line to reserve a table, this place always gets busy! 

Dec 24. Free. Shine On. 6pm-late

One of Chiang Mai’s longest-running hangouts happens to celebrate their birthday a day before Jesus, this year hitting the 27-year milestone. A fixture of the city’s late-night culture since the ’90s, Sudsanan has long been the go-to for live local music and unpretentious good times. Spend the evening raising a glass with locals, night owls and ageing hippies with a lively, nostalgia-tinged night that honours nearly three decades of music, memories and Chiang Mai nightlife history.

Dec 24. Free. Sudsanan. 5pm-late

You may know of our favourite renaissance farmers Skugga for their delectable, home grown coffee and chocolate creations sold in their cafes around the old city but on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day they’re upping the ante and turning their out-of-town vineyard and courtyard space into a fine dining experience to celebrate the big day. Indulge in a four-course or seven-course menu, over lunch or dinner on either day, surrounded by the sprawling Mae On countryside and gorgeous views.

Dec 24-25. Skugga Estate Vineyard. 11am-11pm

Nothing says ‘it’s Christmas’ like gifting yourself a slice of luxury and the good folks at Anantara are seeing to it that your day starts off right. Their incredible chefs are whipping up a Christmas Day brunch like no other, with lavish servings of beef wellington, tender lamb, wagyu steaks, fresh seafood, oysters on ice and even a chocolate fountain – because what’s Christmas without copious amounts of chocolate? Santa has confirmed he’s making a special pit stop too, while a lucky draw from the Anantara team gives him a run for his money with exuberant prizes such as an all-expenses-paid dinner on their heavenly golden river cruise boat.

Dec 25. B3,400. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. 12pm-3pm

If you’re on a health flex this December break, the thoughtful chaps at Old City Spa are offering yoga every day of the week. Stretch out any aches and pains and let the work of last year melt away, even if you do decide to go all out on the 25th – we’re not judging. And in the spirit of giving, they’re knocking down their prices to just B300 a class for this week only. So, float along to see the year out in a zen cloud, pet their resident cats and be sure to make use of the sauna and steam rooms after you’ve had enough of stretching.

Dec 22-28. B300 per class. Old City Spa. 5pm-6.15pm

Yoda’s CNX Gallery goes big for Christmas Eve with a free-entry, two-floor party packed with DJs, live music and festive fun. Their line up is absolutely genre-hopping, with DJ Duck Step throwing down the best house and dance, alongside the rocking tunes of MLMLSM Live Band and special guest DJ Rebel Rhythm from the UK. If you’re skipping the quiet night in, leave cookies out for Santa before you head out and party your way into the big day instead.

Dec 24. Free. Yoda's CNX Gallery. From 8.20pm-late

Melia Chiang Mai serves up two festive ways to spend Christmas Eve, whether you’re in the mood for a lavish feast or a rooftop party – or why not both? Start the evening at their awesome Laan Na Kitchen with a generous dinner buffet featuring roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, unlimited poke bowls, sushi and sashimi (plus a boat-load of handcrafted Christmas desserts), as well as live music and a surprise visit from Santa for the kids. Then as night falls, head sky-high to MAI The Sky Bar, Chiang Mai’s highest rooftop bar where complimentary festive cocktails and city views set the scene for a rooftop celebration. You may even see Santa in the sky if you stay out long enough! 

Dec 24. Buffet dinner B2,799, bar entrance B600. Melia Chiang Mai. 6pm-midnight

Why Not? keeps things deliciously flexible this Christmas Eve with a no-fixed-menu, no-fixed-price celebration that lets you eat exactly what you love. Order freely from the menu or dive into fantastic specials, from French oysters and premium cheese platters to squid ink fettuccine, tiger prawn risotto and grilled Wagyu ribeye. Alternatively, save your cravings for the big day and enjoy a Christmas buffet of pasta, lamb, seabream and unlimited parma ham. Sure, it may not be absolutely traditional, but add in a bottle or two of great wine and you’ve got an easygoing Italian alternative to your mother-in-law’s dry turkey.

Dec 24-25. Menu pricing, B1,690 for the buffet. Why Not? Italian Restaurant. 5pm onwards

Swap sleigh bells for the sound of steel drums at Tiki Torch’s Jungle Bells Christmas Party. Don your best santa-themed Hawaiian shirt, keep things tropical and bask in live world music and island percussion, take in a fire show, limbo under candy canes and make merriment with an easygoing crowd of tourists and locals. Positioned as one of Chiang Mai’s more welcoming alternatives to the traditional Christmas do, it guarantees all the fun without the eye-rolling winter themes we all secretly get sick of. They even have a special serving of eggnog and mulled wine, tiki style. 

Dec 24. Free. Tiki Torch. 5pm-midnight

Slow the pace after your Xmas binge with a four-hour heart-led journey blending sound, cacao and voice. Beginning with a guided sound relaxation, ease into the afternoon before taking part in a heart-opening cacao ceremony followed by a playful, no-pressure voice practice designed to deepen connection and intention. It closes with a free immersive kirtan inside a massive projection dome – so be sure to practice your Hare Krishna mantra. Limited seats means booking in advance is recommended. 

Dec 26. B450-600. 360 Art Centre. 3pm-5.30pm and 5.30pm-7pm