From lantern-lit rituals to warehouse raves, here is your curated guide to the city’s top 2026 countdowns
New Year’s Eve in Chiang Mai doesn’t stick to just one script – and that’s why we’re sharing a bit of everything to get you in the mood.
You can do the full movie-style moment under fireworks, lanterns and stage lights, dance your way into 2026 in a sweaty club corner, clink glasses over a long dinner or head for the hills to chant your way into a calmer, more enlightened version of yourself. Either way, Chiang Mai delivers every option for an end-of-year send-off that’s as varied as it is memorable – second only to the Thai New Year just a few months down the line.
From big-ticket countdowns and neighbourhood festivals to lantern-lit rituals and rooftop celebrations, here’s how Chiang Mai is welcoming 2026. Choose wisely. Or don’t. It’s only New Year’s Eve.
The classiest jazz bar in town is gearing up for their pre-New Years party on 30 December, which, knowing them, promises to be as elegant an affair as ever. Swig cocktails, graze on sharing plates and get comfy as performances from singer Lily Timer, modern outfit the KOB Trio and classic swing jazz band The Stolen Moment set the mood. It’s set to be a busy one so give them a shout for advance booking to secure a stool.
Dec 30. Free. The Mellowship. 7pm-midnight
Our favourite reappropriated warehouse space in the city is parking their usual business (cafe, co-working space and even a chocolate factory by day) and opening their high-ceilinged space for an all-singing, all-dancing New Year’s Eve party. Their resourceful crew have secured a smashing soundsystem for a roster of DJs to get people in the mood and the makeshift dancefloor swaying until the wee hours – but be sure to get down there early and snag a few pre-boogie snacks before the kitchens close.
Dec 31. 600B. Weave Artisans Society. 7pm-1am
If your new year isn’t seen in until you’ve seen a proper firework display, this one’s for you. The Ping River is the place to see the best gunpowder show in town and Sala Lanna’s elevated Rooftop Bar will view it all, above the hustle and bustle of crowds below. Their sophisticated spot has assembled DJs to set the mood and will be serving their usual delectable cocktails and fine wines, but it’s the unforgettable view we’re most excited about.
Dec 31. 990B. Rooftop Bar, Sala Lanna Hotel. 6pm-1am
The red bricks of One Nimman are no stranger to action, with festivals, markets and snazzy events in their courtyard all year, so we’re sure their New Years do will be a good one. They’ve booked a countdown celebration packed with Thai, international and Isan flavours at the food market and a musical mix of authentic country vibes spliced with pop, rock and hip-hop featuring Jaab Cat, Sun Der, Kalio & The Chiang Mai Crew, Joy Monster, Saenluang, The Funkster, Chiangmai Blues, Super Rich, AFL Band and DJ Juicy. Come for dinner, wiggle to the tunes and stay for the countdown.
Dec 31. Free. One Nimman. 3pm-12am
InterContinental Chiang Mai rolls out a full New Year’s Eve programme this Thursday with multiple ways to celebrate. On the roof, book a seat at HONG’s Sky Bar for their legendary ‘Red Party’ with DJs, entertainment, lucky draws and a Chiang Mai fireworks finale – yes, the dress code is red and luxurious. Alternatively, keep to the lower floors and opt for an elegant gala dinner at The Gad Lanna, or settle in for a refined Chinese set menu at HONG’s Chinese Restaurant. Mix, match – or, if you’re anything like us, go all in!
Dec 31. B2,688, inclusive of B1,000 food and beverage credit. InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping. 7pm-1am
If you’re after a New Year’s Eve that’s more local than luxury, Hang Dong’s community countdown delivers exactly that. Head to the Premium Outlet just past Kad Farang for a fun, community-focused countdown that’s high on our list of go-tos for the New Year. Live bands and DJs carry the night through, followed by a midnight fireworks display, lucky draws with big prizes, a family zone filled with games and food, plus a ton of help-yourself sparklers, wishing trees and fireside corners that just fizz with festivity. The best part? It’s officially a BYOB-friendly event – so you can drink and party the way you want to. This is New Year’s done without the big concert fences.
Dec 31. B399 (kids under 6 free). Chiang Mai Premium Outlet. 5pm-late
Although locals may baulk at the ticket prices, CAD lantern events are one of northern Thailand’s most spectacular events, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Much like the famous Loy Krathong event, the celebration blends Lanna culture with festive vibes under a million lanterns that make for some amazing photos. This New Year, it’s a little more interactive than last, with a traditional market and fun fair you can wander and enjoy, folk music and performances and impressive light and sound shows – all followed by the release of sky lanterns as the clock ticks toward midnight. As we hit 2026, a huge firework display will light up the sky among the thousands of dancing sky lanterns. It doesn’t get more New Yearsy than that.
Dec 31. B4,800 to B15,500. CAD Cultural Centre Lanna. 6pm-midnight
For a New Year’s Eve far removed from fireworks and countdown chaos – because we know some do prefer to start with a clean soul instead of a hangover – one of the city’s most serene celebrations takes place high above the city at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Each year, locals and visitors gather and join Buddhist monks in a chanting ceremony that begins at 10pm and carries gently into the new year. Surrounded by forested hills, temple bells and candlelight, it offers a calm, reflective way to step into 2026 with intention, blessings and a clear mind.
Dec 31. Free. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. 10pm-midnight
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