The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (November 20-23)

Chiang Mai’s beloved Citylife Garden Fair returns with a full day of shopping, pre-Christmas cheer and family-friendly fun – all while raising funds for two incredible children’s charities. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, this humble fundraiser for tsunami victims started decades ago has transformed into the city’s biggest and most impressive garden fair in history. Hundreds of local vendors will be peddling their wares, along with a stage lineup of indie bands and performers and day-long silent and live auctions (starting 4.30pm, browse listings here) for amazing hotel, product and experience deals – think nights at the Four Seasons, Anantara, Marriott and Shangri-la; items from Georg Jensen, Jim Thompson and flights from AirAsia. There’s also a ton of food, from local tryouts to five-star hotel pop-ups. 100 percent of proceeds go to the Chiang Mai Children Foundation and the Burmese Children Medical Fund, and with nearly B800,000 worth of prizes and donated goodies up for grabs, plus free entry, it’s the happiest, feel-good fete we’ve ever seen.

Nov 22. Free. Boonthavorn Chiang Mai. 10am-10pm

Chiang Mai’s Royal Park Rajapruek bursts back into colour for another year of Flora Festival 2025 as the grounds are transformed in celebration of blossoms, biodiversity and breezy winter days out. Running for three months (essentially most of the winter), discover millions of cool-climate flowers, take to the skywalk for some evergreen views, admire Thailand’s famed orchids and join hands-on workshops in hilltribe markets that span themes from coffee culture to kids’ activities and even blooms to take home for Valentine’s Day (yes, you should already be planning). So, for the next few months, whether up for a stroll, want to learn or simply crave a little bit of colour, this is probably Chiang Mai’s brightest and most beautiful winter event you’ll want to keep in your calendar. 

Nov 17-Feb 28. Activities from B80. Royal Park Rajapruek. 8am-6pm

In spite of the clouds, Chiang Mai’s skies are seeing a serious glow-up right now as the CMBC Balloon Festival returns for its second year, bringing colourful hot air balloons, night glow shows, concerts, markets and mountaintop views (from the basket of a balloon, naturally) of Doi Saket. The sky is full of creatively shaped balloons with pay-per-go tethered rides and a load of local food stalls, bars, OTOP shopping, live music and photo sessions with the sweetest elephants in town. With daily giveaways, special postcards and the chance to float above the mountains at golden hour, this is one of Chiang Mai’s most magical year-end happenings that can’t be missed – probably because they’re literally in the sky. 

Nov 20-23. Admission from B100. Pang Chang Pang Dee Dee. 3pm-9pm

Thailand’s legendary international tattoo festival returns with some of the world’s most skilled artists wielding their buzzing needles for three days of live tattooing, body-art showcases and next-level inking. The event’s currently tight-lipped on who’s appearing but they promise master tattooists from across the globe and the electric energy of a true tat-lover’s gathering. Whether you’re adding to your collection, filling in that sleeve or just admiring the craft, this is the place to do it. 

Nov 21-23. Free entry, tattoos charged per artist rates. Chiang Mai Hall, Central Airport. 11am-9pm

Chiangmai Serenade Orchestra brings a full 20-piece string ensemble to the stage for an elegant two-part evening of classical favourites and Thai masterpieces. The night opens with La Classique, featuring iconic works by Vivaldi, Mozart, Sibelius, Haydn and Strauss, before shifting into a Thai classical set performed with soaring operatic vocals from soprano Chanika Wiriyanaratip and tenor Worrawee Saikhum. With a cosy venue, rich acoustics and a programme built for music lovers of every generation, this is understandably one of November’s most refined cultural outings. 

Nov 22. B900, B500 for kids and students. Chulalongkorn University Alumni, Northern Legion. Registration 6pm, concert 7pm

Slip into something mysterious and put on your best mask (we know you’ve got a few hidden in your wardrobe) for a night of quiet glamour at Anantara’s storied 1921 House, where shadows, mystery and champagne set the tone. This month’s special sees the Brit Bar transform into an elegant masquerade, complete with two hours of free-flow wine and canapes, banging beats from DJ Jerome and a dress code that calls for full ‘glamour behind the mask’ – make of that what you will. As one of the city’s finest wine club parties, whether you’re there to people-watch from two eye holes, dance with unknown strangers or simply revel in the high-class intrigue, be sure to dress the part. 

Nov 22. B1,291 per person. 1921 House at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. 7pm-midnight

Retro Recess and Soul House are back, this time for a more gentle, creativity-forward vision board series designed for makers, dreamers and anyone wanting a calmer, more intentional close to the year. For the next few weeks, these Thursday sessions invite you to slow down, reflect on the year and map out what you want to grow in 2026 through collage, colour, craft and guided intention-setting. Expect a warm, supportive space to play, plan and piece together the future you’re calling in. Now, breathe…

Nov 20-Dec 11 (Thursdays). B650 for two sessions, B1,100 for four. Soul House Chiang Mai. 5pm-7pm

Very much on-brand, Meliá Chiang Mai serves up what they know best from next week, kicking off a four-month celebration of Spanish cuisine, culture and wine. Starting November 17 (yes it’s next Monday, but that’s basically still the weekend, right?) grab a table on the rooftop at MAI The Sky Bar for a rotation of Michelin-acclaimed Spanish chefs. First up is Chef Sergio Nieto Garcés, whose illustrious career includes stints under Basque legend Martín Berasategui and accolades such as finalist in the ‘World’s Best Tapas’ competition. Serving his best all week, join for a fantastic meal (great for dates) or wait for next Friday for the Sky & Vine Finale – a one-night-only dinner pairing of Chef Sergio’s creations with curated wines. We’ll see you there. 

Nov 17-21. Free during the week, B899 on Friday, inclusive of six wine pairings. MAI The Sky Bar. 6pm onwards.