CAD Chiang Mai New Year's Eve Sky Lantern Festival Ticket 2026.12.31

Legend and Origins of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Legend has it that releasing sky lanterns is a way for the Lanna people to express their cultural customs and lifestyle. The Lanna people believe that by lighting and releasing sky lanterns, they can pay homage to the Buddha in the heavens and pray for peace and happiness for the Lanna community!!

◇◆ Welcome Gate: 1‑2 days before the Lantern Festival, both ancient Lanna residents and modern‑day Chiang Mai locals traditionally set up an arched gateway at the entrance of their homes, temples, company offices, or any other location.  This arch is constructed using banana tree trunks, sugarcane, and a variety of auspicious fresh flowers. The arch is decorated with many traditional lanterns and local Thai flowers, resembling a gateway to a forest, which is why we call this arch the "Welcome Gate". Because the Lanna people hold a strong devotion to listening to senior monks expound on Buddhist teachings, building this forest arch is meant to welcome the Buddha as he travels from the forest into the bustling city. Therefore, wherever a "Welcome Gate" is placed, he will go there!!

◇◆ Candle Lights: Since the Lanna people believe that lighting candles is a way to worship and express gratitude to those things and beings that have shown them kindness—such as doorways, walls, windows, and stairs—simultaneously, they believe that the light of the candles inspires wisdom within people and guides them forward. Therefore, during the Lantern Festival, alongside releasing sky lanterns, lighting candles has also become one of the Lanna acts of worship. The entire city surrounded by candlelight is a magical and beautiful sight!!

CAD Lantern Festival Highlights

On December 31, join the large‑scale khom loi (sky lantern) release event, witness together as the night sky is illuminated, and celebrate the exciting moment of welcoming the New Year.

Celebrate the countdown to 2027 in a magical environment filled with joy, tradition, and community spirit.

Enjoy spectacular fireworks displays brought by top Thai firework teams in the night sky of Chiang Mai, and experience the breathtaking wonder of the starlit sky.

Discover unique arts and crafts at the local exhibitions, and participate in hands‑on workshops to create your very own souvenir.

Savour authentic Thai cuisine, with a variety of traditional dishes freshly prepared throughout the festival.

Enjoy live performances of traditional Lanna music and dance, and witness the spiritual rituals that inherit the rich cultural heritage of Northern Thailand.

— Itinerary —

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

‑ Visitors holding Elite tickets, Platinum tickets, Gold tickets, and Standard tickets, please proceed to the Chiang Mai Airport Centre (in front of the Go Wholesale car park) for assembly. We will arrange transport to take you to the Chiang Mai Lanna Cultural Centre.

‑ Visitors holding Lanna Shabu tickets, please make your own way to the Chiang Mai CAD Lanna Cultural Centre.

6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Arrive at the event venue, complete electronic ticket check‑in, and collect your physical lanyard. Enjoy various activities, snacks, and refreshments at CAD Village and the Lanna Ancient Market.

6:30 PM to 9:30 PM: Dining area opens; you can relax, play games, and explore the activity zones.

— Pagoda Zone —

9:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Gates open

10:00 PM – 10:30 PM:

‑ Lanna Performance: "Light of Faith, 730 Years of Lanna Glory"

‑ Lanna Orchestra Performance 11:00 PM – Mesmerising Lanna Orchestra performance

11:30 PM – 11:59 PM: Countdown preparations, including a light and sound show, followed by the release of sky lanterns

——After Midnight——

12:00 AM to 12:30 AM: Grand fireworks display. After the fireworks show, please board the vehicle at the Chiang Mai Airport assembly point, ready to head towards the Night Bazaar, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, or Chiang Mai Airport Centre. Please select your drop‑off location before boarding at the assembly point: MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

The above itinerary is for reference only; please refer to the actual travel arrangements.

— Important Information —

Event Date: December 31, 2026

Event Location: Lanna Cultural Centre

Pick‑up Point:

‑ Travellers holding Elite tickets, Platinum tickets, Gold tickets, and Standard tickets, please head to the Chiang Mai Airport Centre area, assemble in front of the Go Wholesale car park.

‑ Audience members holding Lanna Shabu tickets, please proceed directly to the Lanna Cultural Centre.

Drop‑off Point:

‑ MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre

‑ Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Standard tickets include regular vehicle services, while Elite, Gold, and Platinum tickets provide air‑conditioned premium vehicle services.

Children under 8 years old can enter for free, but please note that seating and sky lanterns are not included. Ticket links will be sent to you via email within 7 working days after booking. Please be patient and check your inbox.

Please click the link in your voucher to download your electronic ticket to your device in advance, as the internet connection at the event site may be unstable.

The name of at least one traveller on the ticket must match the name on a valid identification document. Please prepare a photo of your ID for verification on the day of travel.

Assembly Point for Transfer Services

◇◆ Outbound Assembly Point: Holders of Elite tickets, Platinum tickets, Gold tickets, and Standard tickets: Chiang Mai Airport Centre Station (opposite the Go Wholesale car park); Purchase of Lanna Hot Pot tickets: Chiang Mai CAD Lanna Cultural Centre

◇◆ Outbound Assembly Time: Please arrive promptly at the assembly point by 17:30 on the day, queue for boarding, and depart once full (latest departure at 18:00)!!

◇◆ Return Assembly Point:

After the evening event concludes, locate the parking area where on‑site event staff will assist in guiding you to queue for boarding. Buses will depart once full and drop you off at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre or Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, concluding the tour!!