From centuries-old cultural traditions to world-renowned international events, discover the diverse celebrations taking place across Asia throughout December.
The Chichibu Night Festival (2-3 Dec, Japan) is the festival of Chichibu Shrine in Chichibu, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo. One of the festival’s main attractions is a two-and-a-half-hour fireworks display. Additionally, the streets are lined with stands selling festival foods and amazake (sweet rice wine) to combat the cold December night.
The That Inghang Festival (5 Dec, Laso) takes place at one of Laos’ most sacred Buddhist stupas in Savannakhet Province. Pilgrims gather to pay their respects through prayers, offerings, and merit-making ceremonies, creating one of southern Laos’ most important religious celebrations.
The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (6 Dec, Cambodia) is the 31st edition of this internationally recognised charity race, raising funds to support victims of landmines in Cambodia. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Angkor temples, the event attracts runners from around the world while promoting health, peace, and humanitarian causes.
The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (6 Dec, Thailand) is one of Thailand’s premier running events. Participants follow a scenic city-centre course passing many of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks, with distances ranging from 3.5 km to the full marathon. The event attracts both elite athletes and recreational runners from around the world.
The Wonderfruit Festival (10-14 Dec, Thailand) is an annual gathering for art, culture, music, and nature at The Fields at Siam Country Club, outside Pattaya in Chonburi Province, Thailand. The event features a farm, musical performances, art and architectural installations, talks, workshops, wellness activities, and feasts.
Tomorrowland Thailand (11–13 Dec, Thailand) marks the festival’s first full-scale edition in Asia, bringing one of the world’s most iconic electronic music festivals to Wisdom Valley in Chonburi Province. Across three days, internationally renowned DJs, spectacular stage productions, immersive art installations, and world-class entertainment come together with Thai culture, cuisine, and creativity to create an unforgettable festival experience.
The Hagoita-Ichi, or Battledore Fair (17-19 Dec, Japan), takes place near the main hall of Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo. Around 50 open-air stalls sell beautifully decorated hagoita paddles, kites, shuttlecocks, and traditional New Year decorations. Dating back to the Edo period, the fair remains a popular way to celebrate Japanese craftsmanship and welcome the New Year.
The Winter Solstice Festival (22 Dec, Hong Kong) has its origins in the Chinese concept of yin and yang, which represents balance and harmony in life. It’s believed that the yin qualities of darkness and cold are at their most powerful on the shortest day of the year, but also at their turning point to give way to the light and warmth of yang. For this reason, the Winter Solstice Festival is a time for optimism.
The New Year’s Eve Countdown (31 Dec, Thailand) transforms Bangkok into a vibrant hub of celebration with spectacular fireworks, live entertainment, and lively street festivities. ICONSIAM hosts one of the city’s largest countdown events, attracting thousands of locals and visitors along the Chao Phraya River.
Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve Countdown (31 Dec, Hong Kong) is renowned for its spectacular fireworks, synchronised music, and dazzling harbourfront displays. A giant countdown clock on the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre marks the final moments before midnight, as Victoria Harbour lights up to welcome the New Year.
The Doi Tung Festival (Weekends throughout December & January, Thailand) celebrates the rich traditions of northern Thailand’s hill tribe communities through local cuisine, cultural performances, artisan markets, and freshly brewed Doi Tung coffee. Held every weekend, the festival offers visitors an authentic insight into the region’s diverse cultures and craftsmanship.
Hong Kong Winterfest (Throughout December, Hong Kong) is a series of festive events, held over the Christmas and New Year period. It features a giant Christmas tree in Statue Square, harbourfront pyrotechnic shows, and various festive markets, stalls and wonderlands to explore. The festival ends with a jubilant fireworks display that rings in the New Year and lights up the night sky over Victoria Harbour.
Lovely December (Throughout December, Indonesia) is an annual cultural festival held in Tana Toraja. The month-long celebration showcases the region’s traditions through music, dance, art exhibitions, cultural performances, and community events, offering visitors an authentic insight into Torajan heritage.
Christmas on a Great Street (Throughout December, Singapore) is a spectacular display of Christmas lights along Singapore’s famed shopping belt, Orchard Road. With no shortage of exciting events, Instagram-worthy sights, and a myriad of retail and restaurant choices, there’s no better place to embrace the season of joy.
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