Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is not just an exotic cultural destination, but a family-friendly gem with numerous festivals and activities throughout the year. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of events you can enjoy with your kids, ensuring fun, cultural immersion, and a chance to experience Thailand’s unique traditions!
Each event is selected with family needs in mind, offering something for toddlers, elementary-aged kids, pre-teens, and teens. Whether you’re looking for traditional Thai festivals, unique experiences, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age.
January
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (Third weekend of January)
- Overview: Known for its vibrant handmade umbrellas, the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival offers colorful parades, live performances, and umbrella-painting workshops. It’s a visual feast for kids!
- Location: Bo Sang Village
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 3 days
- What’s to Bring?: Sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes.
- Practical Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and allow kids to participate in umbrella-painting activities.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival (First weekend of February)
- Overview: Although primarily in February, some floral preparations begin in January. The entire city is in bloom, with flower displays, parades, and cultural shows—a sensory delight for kids who love nature.
- Location: Chiang Mai City Center
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 2-3 days
- What’s to Bring?: Comfortable shoes for walking, sunblock, and a camera.
- Be Careful: Streets can be crowded—hold hands with younger children.
February
Chiang Mai Flower Festival (First weekend of February)
- Overview: A continuation from January, this festival transforms Chiang Mai into a paradise of blooms. Float parades, beauty contests, and music performances make it a family-friendly spectacle.
- Location: Buak Hard Public Park and City Center
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 3 days
- What’s to Bring?: Camera, light snacks, water, and sun protection.
- Practical Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid the peak crowds.
Makha Bucha Day (Mid-February)
- Overview: This important Buddhist festival commemorates the Buddha’s teachings. While spiritual in nature, families can observe candlelit processions and visit local temples to introduce children to Thai traditions.
- Location: Temples across Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1 day
- What’s to Bring?: Modest clothing to respect temple customs.
March
Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival (First week of March)
- Overview: Hot air balloons from around the world gather in Chiang Mai for a colorful spectacle that will leave children in awe. Kids can also enjoy music, food stalls, and family-friendly activities.
- Location: Chiang Mai Gymkhana Golf Club
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free to view, Balloon rides available for a fee.
- Duration: 2 days
- What’s to Bring?: Comfortable seating (blanket), snacks, and a camera.
- Practical Tips: Check the weather forecast as balloon flights are weather dependent.
Poy Sang Long Festival (End of March)
- Overview: This colorful coming-of-age festival for Shan boys sees boys dressed as princes paraded through the streets. It’s a unique cultural experience that older children will appreciate.
- Location: Various temples in Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 3 days
- What’s to Bring?: Camera, and dress modestly if entering temples.
April
Songkran Festival (April 13–15)
- Overview: Songkran is Thailand’s famous water festival, celebrated with massive water fights. Families will love this chance to cool off and have some fun. It’s Thailand’s New Year, so expect traditional parades and temple visits too.
- Location: Old City, Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 3 days
- What’s to Bring?: Water guns, waterproof bags, and a change of clothes.
- Be Careful: Watch out for slippery streets and rowdy water fights!
Chiang Mai Sand Pagoda Festival (April 14)
- Overview: During Songkran, visit the temples to see locals building sand pagodas as a symbolic gesture. Kids can help build and decorate these intricate structures.
- Location: Wat Phra Singh and other temples
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1 day
- What’s to Bring?: Small gardening tools if your kids want to participate.
May
Visakha Bucha Day (May Full Moon)
- Overview: One of the holiest days in Buddhism, Visakha Bucha celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Families can visit local temples to observe candlelit ceremonies and introduce kids to Thai Buddhist culture.
- Location: Doi Suthep Temple and various temples across Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1 day
- What’s to Bring?: Modest clothing, donations for the temple, and respectful behavior.
June
Inthakhin Festival (Mid-June)
- Overview: A centuries-old festival dedicated to the city’s guardian spirit, this event involves ceremonies and offerings. It’s a great way to expose kids to the spiritual side of Chiang Mai.
- Location: Wat Chedi Luang
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 7 days
- What’s to Bring?: Offerings for the temple (flowers or incense).
July
Khao Phansa Day (July – start of Buddhist Lent)
- Overview: Khao Phansa marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent, a time when monks retreat to temples for meditation and study. This spiritual event is a wonderful opportunity for families to visit temples and witness religious ceremonies. Older kids can learn about Thai culture and Buddhism.
- Location: Temples across Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1 day
- What’s to Bring?: Modest clothing, as this is a religious event.
- Practical Tips: Respectful silence is expected during ceremonies, making this more suitable for older children who can remain quiet.
Yipeng Lantern Preparation Workshops (Mid-July)
- Overview: While the famous Yipeng Lantern Festival happens in November, local artisans begin preparing lanterns months in advance. Some workshops allow visitors to participate, where families can create their own sky lanterns, a fascinating craft for kids.
- Location: Various craft centers and temples in Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Varies (usually around 100-200 THB for materials)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- What’s to Bring?: Patience and creativity!
- Practical Tips: Make reservations in advance as spots fill up fast. Perfect for a hands-on cultural experience.
August
H.M. Queen Mother’s Birthday (August 12)
- Overview: Celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand, this day sees special events like parades, cultural performances, and fireworks. Families can spend the day at public parks or join the evening celebrations with candlelight ceremonies honoring mothers.
- Location: Public parks, temples, and main squares across Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1 day
- What’s to Bring?: A picnic for the parks, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Practical Tips: Join in the evening candlelit ceremony at Thapae Gate for a magical experience.
Chiang Mai Jazz Festival (Late August)
- Overview: This small but vibrant jazz festival brings together local and international musicians for outdoor concerts. Kids who love music will enjoy the live performances in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Location: Thapae Gate and surrounding areas
- Age Groups: Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 2 days
- What’s to Bring?: A blanket for seating, snacks, and ear protection for younger children.
- Practical Tips: Arrive early for the best seating spots!
September
Traditional Lanna Dance Classes (All September)
- Overview: Learn the graceful Lanna dance, unique to the northern region of Thailand. Families can join these classes, where kids can get an immersive cultural experience.
- Location: Lanna Cultural Center and various schools in Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: 200-500 THB per class
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- What’s to Bring?: Comfortable clothing and a positive attitude!
- Practical Tips: Some classes offer discounts for families.
Chiang Mai Vegetarian Festival (Late September)
- Overview: This festival, celebrating vegetarianism, offers a fun way for kids to explore healthy eating. The city is filled with vegetarian food stalls, and many temples host ceremonies.
- Location: Various temples and markets across Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free (food prices vary)
- Duration: 9 days
- What’s to Bring?: An empty stomach! The food is the main attraction.
- Practical Tips: Great for families interested in healthy eating. Try visiting on the first day for the grand opening ceremony.
October
Awk Phansa (October Full Moon)
- Overview: Marking the end of Buddhist Lent, this festival is a colorful religious celebration with candlelight processions and boat races. Families can watch the traditional parades or visit temples for special blessings.
- Location: Wat Chedi Luang and riverside temples in Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1 day
- What’s to Bring?: Modest clothing for temple visits, cameras to capture the parades.
- Practical Tips: Evening processions are the highlight but can be crowded.
Chiang Mai Design Week (Late October)
- Overview: A showcase of creative arts, design, and craftsmanship from around Thailand. Families with older kids who are into arts and crafts will enjoy the various exhibitions and hands-on workshops.
- Location: Various galleries and public spaces in Chiang Mai
- Age Groups: Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 1 week
- What’s to Bring?: Comfortable shoes and curiosity for creativity.
- Practical Tips: Perfect for inspiring creative minds!
November
Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival (November Full Moon)
- Overview: Undoubtedly Chiang Mai’s most famous festival, Loy Krathong and Yi Peng see thousands of floating lanterns released into the night sky and krathongs (decorated floating offerings) into the rivers. A magical event for kids and adults alike!
- Location: Ping River, Old City Moat, Thapae Gate
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free to watch, small fee for purchasing lanterns/krathongs (50-150 THB)
- Duration: 2-3 days
- What’s to Bring?: Camera, a krathong or lantern (available for purchase), warm clothing.
- Be Careful: Supervise kids when launching lanterns or placing krathongs in the river.
- Practical Tips: Head to Thapae Gate or the Ping River for the best views, but expect crowds.
Chiang Mai Marathon (Mid-November)
- Overview: A popular annual marathon that welcomes runners from around the world. There’s a kids’ fun run option, making it a great opportunity for active families to join together.
- Location: Old City
- Age Groups: Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: 500-1,200 THB depending on the race category
- Duration: 1 day
- What’s to Bring?: Running shoes, water, and plenty of energy!
- Practical Tips: Register early as spots fill up quickly.
December
Chiang Mai Winter Fair (Late December – Early January)
- Overview: A fun fair with food stalls, games, and live performances, offering a delightful experience for the whole family. The winter fair is one of Chiang Mai’s oldest traditions, dating back over 50 years.
- Location: Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Entry is free; activities and food are paid separately
- Duration: 10 days
- What’s to Bring?: Cash for games and snacks, comfortable walking shoes.
- Practical Tips: Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds.
New Year’s Eve Lantern Release (December 31)
- Overview: Chiang Mai celebrates New Year’s Eve by releasing thousands of lanterns into the sky. It’s a breathtaking event for families looking to end the year with something memorable.
- Location: Ping River, Old City
- Age Groups: Toddlers, Early Elementary, Middle Childhood, Pre-Teens and Teens
- Cost: Free to watch; lanterns available for purchase (50-150 THB)
- Duration: 1 evening
- What’s to Bring?: Warm clothing, lanterns, and a camera.
- Be Careful: Supervise younger kids closely when handling lanterns.
- Practical Tips: Arrive early to get a good spot by the river.