While Christmas does leave its mark on Chiang Mai this weekend, the city doesn’t shy away from a lot of other non-festive celebrations to strike a balance between local and international fun.
One minute, you’re sipping free-flow wine at the 1921 House Wine Club party in full ‘20s regalia, the next you’re dancing to jungle drum and bass until the sun rises deep in the jungle. That’s not to mention all the music festivals and parties happening in town, from absolute classics blasted across villages at Doi Saket’s end of year festival to modern must-see touring artists, including India’s hypnotic Da Minot and UK club legend Danny Rampling.
A true legend of the UK club scene, Danny Rampling brings his genre-shaping sound to Red Bar CNX as one of the original architects of Britain’s acid house and rave movement makes his way east. Igniting the scene in the late ’80s through his iconic Shoom nights in London, he still plays a defining role in shaping global dance culture, with residencies in Ibiza and other DJ hotspots worldwide. If this is your jam, it’s not to be missed.
Dec 19. B300, tickets here. Red Bar CNX. 10pm-late
Sky Flip Festival makes history as the first-ever Thai–Myanmar collaborative music festival in Chiang Mai, bringing together artists, creators and communities to flip perspectives and celebrate music between cultures. Borderless and energised, the artists and organisers are taking to the stage with rhythm, voice and a shared sense of unity and expression in the face of stirring changes to the local psyche. While focusing on youth artists, the festival unites both young and old from diverse backgrounds and fields, giving you a chance to listen, meet and mingle with the best local and regional artists, DJs and rappers all in one place.
Dec 20. B399, VIP tickets B699. Old Chiangmai Cultural Center. 4pm-late
Freedomland turns wild with an all-night jungle party set deep under the trees just south of Doi Suthep mountain. Trees rustle with the hypnotic bass of house, techno, DNB and psytrance, soundtracking a full-sensory escape complete with fire shows, body glow paint, tarot readings and performances that blur the line between rave and ritual. With food, drinks and late-night transport sorted, this is one for night owls ready to dance ‘til sunrise.
Dec 20. B600. Jungle Freedomland CNX. 8pm-sunrise
Just in time for Christmas, the fourth edition of Muan Muan Market is here with over 600 local and international makers for four days of quality gift shopping fun. Meet real artisans from across the region, browse beautifully made handmade goods and fuel your desire for overpending with plenty of food and drink along the way. It’s a rare chance to shop well, eat well and enjoy one of Chiang Mai’s most feel-good markets, especially with gift giving season right around the corner.
Dec 18-21. Free. Jing Jai Market. 11am-9pm (6.30am-9pm on the weekend).
This three-day community festival shines a spotlight on San Pulei – a culture-rich sub-district of Doi Saket – with food, fun and full-throttle local entertainment. You know the drill – sure there’s a lively market packed with street eats and OTOP products, kids’ zone and exhibitions showcasing the area’s craftsmanship, but it’s the evening stage performances that are the real highlight. Friday kicks off with a youthful luk thung competition and local bands, while Saturday and Sunday go fully amplified with grand light-and-sound shows, retro Thai folk and live performances from bands that include SL Music and Tu Daranee. A proper slice of Doi Saket, best enjoyed after dark.
Dec 19-21. Free. San Puloei Subdistrict Municipality, Doi Saket. 4pm onwards
The Wine Club – a monthly party at Anantara Resort’s 1921 House – is going back in time with a dress up and dance party that channels the best of the roaring twenties. Dial into old-school glamour and drink free-flow curated wines with unlimited buffet eats and a sophisticated social buzz that has turned this party into an institution. Soundtracked by the one and only DJ Jerome, throw on some pearls and join good company for a night of fun, fashion and festivities. Just what you need to get in the holiday spirit.
Dec 20. B1,291 per person, includes free-flow wine and canapes from 7-9pm. 1921 House, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. 7pm-midnight
360 Art Center swaps their mystical immersive experience for one far more festive one as they team up with Crafty Art Club to wrap the centre in festive wonder and incredible Christmas light shows for the whole family. Explore the festive atmosphere as the 360-degree domes are transformed into enchanting igloos or let little once dance under falling snow and get lost in the light-mapped northern lights that envelop the space. For more active folks, hands-on activities like DIY snow globe and ornament-making workshops scratch the itch. You can even meet Santa, then wind down with Christmas movies and hot chocolate. Who said Thailand doesn’t do Christmas?
Dec 21. B400 per person, family packages available. 360 Art Centre. 1-3pm, 3-5pm and 5-7pm.
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