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.
Luang Prabang Blue Chair Film Festival (12 Dec, Laos), an international film festival featuring more than 30 Southeast Asian films. Lao and Thai films screen each night on a big screen in central Luang Prabang. During the day there are film screenings and public discussions with filmmakers. Short films can be seen around town at many locations.
Boun Pod Pi or Boun Kreu (Khmu New Year) (15 Dec, Laos) is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Laos. Celebrations take place at a different village each year on the outskirts of Luang Prabang where traditional clothing is worn and many Khmu games are played.
Boun Kin Chiang (Hmong Festival) (17 Dec, Laos) The Hmong are an ethnic group of people from the mountainous regions of Laos, Thailand, China, Myanmar and Vietnam. Every December the Hmong people celebrate festival includes a fun fair with rides for children as well as many market stalls that sell souvenirs and food
The Hagoita-Ichi or Battledore Fair (Date TBA, Japan) takes place near the Hondo or main hall of Senso-ji Temple. Some 50 open-air stalls selling hagoita (battledores), shuttlecocks, kites, and other New Year decorations stand huddled together with people visiting from all over the country. This is a traditional fair dating back to the Edo Period.
The Winter Solstice Festival (21 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.
Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show (Date TBA, Hong Kong) is an exhilarating multimedia light show including spectacular light performances, 3D projections, music, and sound effects. Held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Open Piazza, this display coincides with Hong Kong Winterfest.
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.
The New Year's Eve Countdown (31 Dec, Thailand) transforms the city into a vibrant hub of excitement and anticipation. The event includes stunning fireworks displays and lively street parties throughout the city with ICONSIAM becoming the focal point of festivities, hosting a large countdown event as the main attraction.
The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (Date TBA, Thailand) is the latest addition to Thailand's running calendar. Runners will enjoy a unique city-centric course that will take them past some of Bangkok’s amazing landmarks. Choose from a full marathon (42.195km), half-marathon (21.1km), 10 km, and 3.5 km.
Lovely December (Throughout December, Indonesia) is an event held by the government of Tana Toraja. It features a variety of artworks of Tana Toraja culture and customs.
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.
