Latest Events in Mae On(May Updated)

The Yi Peng or Yee Peng Lantern Festival is a traditional celebration in northern Thailand, originating over 700 years ago in the Lanna Kingdom as a way to give thanks for the harvest at the end of the rainy season. The Chiang Mai Lantern Festival stands out as particularly grand and spectacular, being the historical heart of Lanna culture. On the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai lunar calendar, people craft colorful lanterns and gather to light them together. Thousands of lanterns carrying wishes for merit-making and dispelling misfortune ascend into the night sky, creating a breathtaking sea of dreamlike lights. During the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, beyond participating in the lantern release activities at various venues, you can fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. You may choose to stay and explore traditional music and dance performances, local art and cultural exhibitions, or witness sacred ceremonies led by monks at temples. You can also join the free Loy Krathong festival activities, which typically coincide with Yi Peng. Locals decorate krathongs (floating baskets) and release them into rivers and lakes to pray for good fortune. The 2026 Chiang Mai Lantern Festival will be held at multiple venues on November 24 and 25 (see admission ticket details for specific times). For example, the CAD Cultural Center venue—a highly popular traditional celebration site—features grand scale and vibrant festivities.

The Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Celebration 2025 is organized by CAD and this year’s event will be held on 30th and 31st December 2024. Immerse yourself in the rich Lanna Thai culture with traditional performances, vibrant parades and local music, as well as stunning fireworks, cultural dances and various festive activities, culminating in the biggest firework display. Amazing Chiang Mai Countdown 2025 New Year's Eve Stars: 30th SLAPKISS, ซานิ, 31 Bambam. Performance Area (31st New Year's Eve) 20.00-22.30 Performances 1st Lanna Symphony Orchestra Performance 2nd Lanna Performance Dance Show 3rd International Dance Performance 22.30-23.30 Contemporary Performance or Drama Performance 4th Boat Parade Performance 23.30-23.59 Prepare for countdown and release of lanterns - light and sound show 2025 1 After 0:00 am on New Year's Day on January 1 Fireworks show schedule 0.00-0.05 The first show: Glory of Lanna 0.05-0.10 The second show: Light of Love 0.10-0.15 The third show: Light of Faith 0.15-0.20 The fourth show: Light of Hope 0.20-0.25 The fifth show: Light Up My Life 0.25-0.30 Show the sixth light on the horizon

This year’s theme cleverly combines the purity of nature with light art and digital design, transforming the misty hot springs into “The Magic of Spa Night: Onsen@Sankamphaeng – The Light of Nature”. Ten immersive installations reinterpret Chiang Mai’s landscape, culture and geothermal energy through vibrant lighting, fluid motion and richly layered sound effects. In addition to the light installations, the event also offers a wealth of interactive activities. In the Health and Wellness Zone, visitors can explore traditional Thai wisdom through herbal compress workshops and An Tai Community’s spa products, and even experience a unique “Chicken Coop Spa.” The American Hospital offers free basic health services such as blood pressure and weight checks. Every evening, four rounds of contemporary cultural performances accompany the musical fountains. Royal music is also played to the rhythm of the fountains. The Retro Funfair area invites visitors to enjoy nostalgic fun, including classic carnival rides and gamessuch as a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a ring toss game and traditional archery. Special exhibition areas trace the history of the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, giving visitors a deeper understanding of this unique geothermal site.

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) is Thailand's traditional festival, typically held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, symbolizing reverence and gratitude to the water goddess. People craft exquisite floating lanterns to release into rivers or lakes, praying for good fortune, love, and happiness. Simultaneously, sky lanterns are released, illuminating the night sky in a breathtakingly spectacular display.