Your guide to what’s on in Thailand during December 2020 with key events and festivals to look out for in Thailand plus Thai-themed events in the UK and Ireland.

UK & Ireland
December 8
Responsible Thailand Awards 2020
The Responsible Thailand Awards recognise and celebrate organisations in the travel and tourism industry who have made an outstanding contribution to growing Thailand as a sustainable destination. These awards are run by Wanderlust Travel Media on behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2020 were announced in a special online event held on 8 December.
More details here
Thailand
November 27-December 6
River Kwai Bridge Festival and Red Cross Fair, Kanchanaburi
The annual River Kwai Bridge Festival and Red Cross Fair is held in Kanchanaburi in late November through until early December with a light and sound show illuminating the famous bridge.
December 1-10
Suan Luang Rama IX Flower Festival, Bangkok
December 4-5
Hua Hin Jazz Festival
The annual Jazz Festival returns to Hua Hin this December. Showcasing different styles and eras of music, dozens of Thai and international performers will be appearing at the free festival.
More details
December 5
King Bhumibol Adulyadej Birthday Commemoration Day (public holiday)
King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej) was born on December 5 and this date is a public holiday in Thailand. The date is also celebrated as Father’s Day, and National Day.
December 5-6
Laguna Phuket Marathon
Phuket’s popular running event has been rescheduled from June to December. A shorter fun run and children’s event will take place on the evening of December 5 with the main marathon and half-marathon taking place the following morning.
More details
December 5-12
Chair is Share Arts Festival, Chiang Mai
Taking place at a picturesque location in the Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai, this creative festival features art workshops, exhibitions, musical performances and more. Free camping available on site.
More details
December 5 to January 3
Jim Thompson Farm Tour, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
The Jim Thompson Farm in North-East Thailand is open to visitors for the annual Farm Tour with this year featuring the ‘Isan Flowers Fest’. Tickets can be booked online here.
December 5 to January 31
Colours of Doi Tung Festival, Chiang Rai
Taking place at Doi Tung Development Project located around 35 miles from Chiang Rai city, this colourful event is being held every weekend from 5 December 2020 to 31 January 2021 (8am-6pm). Colours of Doi Tung celebrates the local culture of the ethnic hill tribe communities inlcuding Akha, Lahu, Tai Yai, Lue, and Lawa.
December 10
Constitution Day (public holiday)
December 11-12
Pattaya Music Festival
The popular music festival returns to the coastal resort town of Pattaya this December.
More details
December 11-20
Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair
Free entry to the Ayutthaya Historical Park with a light and sound display illuminating the ancient ruins in the evening.
mid-December to February
Concert in the Park, Bangkok
A series of outdoor concerts are held in Bangkok during the cool season months. Starting in December and going through until the end of February, the free concerts are hosted by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra at Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park.
December 31
New Year’s Eve (public holiday)
Firework displays are held in a number of Thai cities to welcome in the New Year. The biggest event takes place in Bangkok over the Chao Phraya River with the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2021’ being hosted at River Park, IconSiam. New Year’s Eve is also a time when Thai Buddhists attend merit-making ceremonies at their local temple.
Events in Thailand aren’t always confirmed until much nearer the time. We will add details of more events when dates are known.
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