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Magical December in Asia: Seven Unmissable Festivals!
In December, Asia comes alive with a multitude of vibrant festivals and celebrations, marking the festive season with unparalleled grandeur. Experience the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China, where colossal ice sculptures and illuminated ice castles create a winter wonderland. In Japan, revel in the Sapporo White Illumination, a mesmerizing display of lights. The Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines showcases dazzling lantern displays, while Thailand’s Chiang Mai Flower Festival offers a riot of colors and floral beauty. Finally, witness the serene beauty of Loy Krathong in Thailand, where floating lanterns light up the night skies and waterways.
1. Christmas
The celebration of Christmas takes place on the evening of December 24th and on December 25th in many countries across Asia, extending beyond the Christian community.
From December onward, Christmas trees and decorations emerge in shopping centers and public spaces in major metropolises like Singapore, Bangkok, or Tokyo. In Japan, Christmas is regarded as a second Valentine's Day, focusing more on romance than religion: it's an opportunity for lovers to exchange gifts.
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In the Philippines, the Asian country with the highest number of Christians, churches are filled for Christmas masses. The Latin culture inherited from Spanish colonization influences the celebrations, especially the Christmas Eve feast, known as Noche Buena, celebrated with family after the mass.
Vietnam also embraces Christmas in a unique and authentic way. Despite its Christian origins, this celebration has become very popular among the entire Vietnamese population, especially the youth.
Christmas is seen as an opportunity for entertainment, exchanging gifts, and wishing each other good luck and prosperity for the new year. The initial religious dimension has faded, giving way to a festive, friendly, and secular celebration that reflects the Vietnamese culture's ability to integrate foreign traditions.
Thus, the magic and lights of Christmas make their presence felt in many countries across Asia, transcending cultural and religious differences.
First-time traveler to Vietnam? Explore our comprehensive Vietnam Travel Blog!
- Where: Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea, etc.
- When: December 24 - 25
- Activities: Spend time with family and friends, decorate homes and streets, visit the mall, exchange gifts, set off fireworks, attend parades and street performances, go to church or mosque.
2. Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Thailand
Chiang Mai, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Among these, three stand out: the mesmerizing festival of lights (Loy Krathong), the joyous Thai New Year (Songkran), and the city's very own Chiang Mai Flower Festival. While primarily celebrated in February, festive flower displays and events start appearing as early as December, adding a splash of color to the winter months.
>>> For more information, please read: Chiang Mai, Thailand: Discovering The Rose Of The North 🌸
The highlight of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival is the grand street parade, which takes place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, starting around 9 am. The parade is a slow procession that pauses frequently, allowing spectators to get a good view. By 10 am, head to the city moat for the best vantage point.
The parade features around 25 flower floats, each beautifully decorated with thousands of flowers, petals, and plants. These floats are interspersed with marching bands, traditional dancers, and performers, including schoolchildren. Many floats showcase Buddhist and typical Chiang Mai themes, including vibrantly colorful elephant idols.
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Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
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When: Primarily in February, with flower displays starting in December
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Activities:
- Parade: Enjoy a grand street parade with 25 flower floats, marching bands, traditional dancers, and school performers.
- Decorations: Marvel at beautiful floral decorations throughout the city.
- Festival Grounds: Visit Suan Buak Haad Public Park to see the floats up close.
- Prize Ceremony: Attend the award ceremony for the best floats and flower displays.
- Queen of the Festival Contest: Watch contestants compete in traditional dance and beauty performances.
- Food and Refreshments: Enjoy a variety of local foods and drinks at the festival grounds
3. Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Loy Krathong, celebrated on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, often falls in December. However in 2024, it will be on November 15. This festival, meaning "floating basket," involves releasing banana leaf krathongs decorated with flowers, candles, and incense onto water bodies, honoring the water goddess Pra Mae Khongkha.
>>> Read more: Loy Krathong & Yi Peng Festival in 2024
Major celebrations occur in Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai features parades, traditional dances, and a spectacular display of krathongs on the Ping River. Sukhothai offers a historical backdrop with ancient temples and candle-lit rituals. The festival is a time for seeking forgiveness for water pollution and letting go of past negativities, symbolized by floating the krathongs.
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Where: Nationwide, especially in Sukhothai and Chiang Mai
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When: Full moon night of the 12th lunar month, often falling in December (December 15, 2024)
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Activities:
- Floating Lanterns: Release beautifully decorated krathongs made of banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense onto rivers and lakes.
- Decorations: Light up homes, streets, and temples with candle-lit decorations.
- Parades: Enjoy vibrant parades featuring traditional dances, music, and elaborate floats.
>>> Want an exceptional trip to Thailand? Discover our 2-week itineraries in Thailand! 😊
4. Hmong New Year - Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and China
This New Year celebration is distinctive to the Hmong, one of the largest ethnic groups in the mountainous region of northern Southeast Asia. The timing varies each year based on the rice harvest calendar. Traditional performances and games are enjoyed by the entire community, making it an ideal opportunity for singles from neighboring villages to encounter potential partners. The festivities are renowned for lasting over 6 weeks!
North Tours in Vietnam and North Tours in Thailand offer captivating journeys into the heart of these countries' cultural and natural wonders, including encounters with fascinating hill tribes such as the Hmong, Dao, and Karen, each with their own unique customs and traditions.
- Where: Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and China
- When: Approximately 1 month before the Lunar New Year. Typically falls in late December.
- Activities: Take part in traditional New Year festivities, play folk games, and admire the springtime mountainous landscape.
5. Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam
The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month when the moon is full. Colorful lanterns are hung throughout the old town, creating a magical atmosphere. This unique festival attracts many Vietnamese and foreign tourists.
During the festival, all vehicles and electric lights in the city are turned off from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can stroll and admire the lanterns, attend traditional performances, buy paper lanterns to release on the river, or savor the culinary specialties of Hoi An.
>>> For more information, please read: Explore Hoi An, Vietnam: 15 Activities You Must Experience
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- Where: Hoi An, Vietnam
- When: December 26
- Activities: Attend artistic performances, release flower lanterns on the Hoai River, explore Hoi An's distinctive cuisine, and admire the old town illuminated by colorful lanterns.
6. New Year (Shogatsu) in Japan
The Japanese New Year, known as Shogatsu, spans from December 31st to January 2nd. While the traditional celebration is based on the Lunar New Year, January 1st has been recognized as the official New Year's Day since 1873. The festival concludes with an address from the emperor on January 2nd, marking the second occasion of the year when the public is allowed to enter the palace.
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- Where: Japan
- When: December 31 to January 2
- Activities: Join the New Year Bell Festival, write New Year's greeting cards, visit a temple, offer lucky money, play traditional games, and savor distinctive Japanese cuisine.
7. Lights Festival at Morning Calm Garden, South Korea
The Morning Calm Garden, a breathtaking botanical haven located in South Korea, just a two-hour train ride from Seoul, features over 5,000 plant species against the scenic backdrop of Chungryeongsan Mountain.
From December to March, the Lights Festival magically transforms the 30-hectare garden. Countless sparkling bulbs illuminate the snowy pathways and trees, creating a captivating winter wonderland.
Visitors can stroll under colorful arches leading to different areas of the garden. Shapes of musical instruments and animals are also outlined with light garlands.
The Lights Festival is among the country's most popular winter attractions, offering a delightful outing for the entire family!
- Where: Seoul, South Korea
- When: Early December to late March
- Activities: Walk and admire light displays, enjoy artistic installations, attend a show, savor South Korean dishes and drinks.
>>> Related articles about Southest Asia:
- Tattooing In Vietnam: An Art Form Deeply Rooted in Vietnamese History
- How to Get Around in Thailand?
- Is Cambodia Safe To Visit? Don't Go Until You Know These 7 Crucial Things!
- Isan, Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide To The Region's Must-See Cities
Quiz: What do you know about Asia?
Quiz: What do you know about Asia?
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