Christmas
Despite December 25 being a regular working day in Thailand, the country hosts various events to celebrate the traditional European Catholic Christmas. While Orthodox Christmas isn't widely recognized, there is a growing presence of visitors from the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) in Thailand.
Starting from December 22, major cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket begin holiday sales, and the streets light up with festive decorations. Shopping traditionally starts in the afternoon and continues until late at night. The Christmas atmosphere starts winding down by December 31.
New Year's Eve
On New Year's Eve, major tourist centers in Thailand set up impromptu stages where local performers put on concerts. The celebrations are often capped off with spectacular fireworks displays, which can last for over 20 minutes.
For travelers seeking the comfort of home on New Year's Eve, it's a good option to spend the night in a hotel room, watching special broadcasts like the president's speech on cable TV, or dine in a hotel restaurant, which usually offers its own New Year's Eve show.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Pattaya
In Pattaya, the Central Beach area, extending to Walkin Street, transforms into a bustling fair from December 20. You can find a wide range of souvenirs, sweets, jewelry, clothes, and other gift options here.
At Bali Hai Pier, a stage is set up for Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. Starting on Christmas Eve, guest pop singers perform daily from 6:00 pm to midnight. The concert program includes interactive performances, and one of the highlights of Pattaya's New Year's Eve is the musical dancing cars.
Phuket
Phuket hosts its Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations on its two largest beaches, Patong and Karon. Patong caters to tourists who prefer local Thai performers and national music, while Karon invites renowned foreign DJs and popular artists. Karon even features a foam party for revelers.
Bangkok
The Thai capital, Bangkok, celebrates Christmas and New Year's Eve in grand fashion. From December 24 to January 2, the city lights up with fairs and concerts. The main celebration area is the Asiatik Embankment along the Chao Phraya River, where the New Year's Eve fireworks display takes place.
Spending the holidays in Thailand offers a fantastic experience with vibrant celebrations, and it requires minimal planning, ensuring a great mood for all!
