Things to Do in Bangkok in December 2026: Concerts and Races

Looking for things to do in Bangkok in December 2026? This is the busiest month of the year on the city's calendar. The cool, dry season is in full swing, the big international tours land at Rajamangala and IMPACT, the beach-side festivals near Pattaya draw crowds from all over Asia, and almost every weekend has a road race. December also has two public holidays and ends with Christmas and the New Year countdown. Arriving earlier? See things to do in Bangkok in November 2026 for Loy Krathong and the marathon.

This guide rounds up what we could confirm for December 2026, with dates checked against organiser and ticketing listings. Plans change, so check the event page before you buy tickets or travel. For the full list day by day, open the December 2026 calendar.

Last checked: October 2026.

Weather and public holidays in December 2026

December is the coolest, driest month in Bangkok. Expect daytime highs of around 31 to 32 C, nights in the low 20s, low humidity and very little rain. It is peak tourist season: hotels cost more, and popular restaurants, river cruises and rooftops need booking on weekends.

Two national holidays fall in December 2026, plus New Year's Eve:

• Saturday 5 December: King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Birthday, also National Day and Father's Day. Because it lands on a Saturday, Monday 7 December is the substitute day off, giving a three-day weekend. Expect ceremonies and decorations around Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Avenue, and yellow flags across the city.
• Thursday 10 December: Constitution Day. Banks and government offices close. Many people take Friday 11 December off for a long weekend, so roads out of town get busy.
• Thursday 31 December: New Year's Eve, followed by Friday 1 January 2027, both holidays.

Government holiday announcements can add extra days at short notice. Check the official Thai cabinet announcements in late November if you are planning around them.

Christmas Day (Friday 25 December) is not a public holiday in Thailand, but the city goes all-in on decorations. We cover the lights, markets and church services in our Christmas in Bangkok 2026 guide.

Big concerts in December 2026

BTS at Rajamangala National Stadium (3, 5 and 6 December)

The headline show of the year. BTS bring their ARIRANG world tour to Rajamangala National Stadium for three nights: Thursday 3, Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. Face-value tickets ran from about THB 3,300 to 7,800 and sold out within minutes of going on sale in June. If you do not have a ticket, be very careful with resale offers: buy only through the promoter's official resale channel if one opens.

Rajamangala is in Bang Kapi, east of the centre, with no rail station at the door. Plan on a taxi or Grab, or the Airport Rail Link to Hua Mak and a taxi or motorbike-taxi ride from there. Leaving after a stadium show takes a long time, so agree a pickup spot a few streets away.

More shows through the month

• William Est: Reign Together Concert at IMPACT Arena, from Saturday 5 December (details), listed from THB 2,000.
• Anyma presents ÆDEN at MCOT Land, Saturday 5 December (details). Listed tiers start at THB 4,300.
• Chaliang: Nang Len Nang Lao, the much-loved Thai band, at Sphere Hall in EmSphere on Saturday 5 December (details).
• Singha Life presents BOYdKO Christmas Concert at IMPACT Arena, from Thursday 10 December (details), listed from THB 1,900.
• Tattoo Colour: Tattoo Stadium, the Thai band's stadium show at Rajamangala, on Saturday 19 December (details).
• The Nutcracker by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre at Siam Pic Hall, Siam Square One, on 24 and 25 December (details), listed from THB 980. A good pick for families.

Kings of Convenience close the Maho Rasop concert series on 1 December at Siam Pic Hall, if you are in town at the very start of the month (details). For the wider picture of 2026 and 2027 tours, see our concerts in Bangkok 2026–2027 guide.

Music festivals near Bangkok

December is festival season in Thailand, and the three big ones are all within a few hours of the city.

• Wonderfruit 2026, 3 to 7 December, at The Fields at Siam Country Club near Pattaya (details). Music, art, talks and food over five days, with camping on site.
• Tomorrowland Thailand 2026, 11 to 13 December, at Wisdom Valley in Chonburi (details). The first Thai edition of the Belgian dance festival. Tickets are listed as sold out.
• Big Mountain Music Festival returns as Big Mountain Music Village on 12 and 13 December 2026 at Farm Chokchai 3 in the Khao Yai area. Check the organisers' official channels for the full line-up and shuttle details (see our music festivals guide).

We compare them all, with transport and ticket tips, in our music festivals in Thailand 2026–2027 guide.

Running races and sports

Road races every weekend

The cool mornings make December one of the busiest months for running. Almost all races start before dawn, between 3:30 and 6 AM, to beat the heat. A selection from our listings:

• Sat 5 Dec: International Anti-Corruption Day Run For Dad at Suan Luang Rama IX, and the evening Road To Give Bangkok at Rot Fai Park.
• Sun 6 Dec: Thai PBS Kingbridge Run from Kingsquare on Rama 3 (5, 13 and 21 km), plus the BCC Chongkho Run and Rajavithi Run For Life.
• Sat 12 Dec: BKK Dograthon at Benjakitti Park, with a 2 km category you run with your dog.
• Sun 13 Dec: Sportsmall Half Marathon from The Mall Bangkapi and the KU Run 6 at Kasetsart University.
• Sun 20 Dec: the 23rd Vertical Marathon at Banyan Tree Bangkok, a stair race up the Sathorn tower, the Santa Run Pansuk at Suan Luang Rama IX and Thonburi Run #2.
• Sun 27 Dec: Gatorade BKK Run (10 km and half marathon) and the Jingle Bells Run at Rot Fai Park.

Smaller races often sell out a few weeks before race day. Our Bangkok running races calendar 2026–2027 covers the season through to the 37th Bangkok Marathon in January, and the running page has every upcoming race.

Football, muay thai and padel

Thai League 1 keeps playing through December. Fixtures in our listings include Port FC vs Ratchaburi at PAT Stadium (12 December), Bangkok United vs Chonburi (13 December), BG Pathum United vs Port FC (20 December) and Port FC vs Uthai Thani on Boxing Day. Port FC also host Japan's Kashima Antlers in the AFC Champions League Elite in early December (details). Kick-off times are often confirmed only a week or two ahead.

For combat sports, ONE Friday Fights run every Friday evening at Lumpinee Stadium (4, 11 and 18 December), and ONE Fight Night 50 is listed for 19 December. Our muay thai guide explains tickets and getting there.

Padel clubs run open sessions and tournaments almost every day; see padel events and our padel in Bangkok guide.

Expos and shows

Thailand International Motor Expo (2 to 13 December)

The 43rd Motor Expo fills IMPACT Challenger in Muang Thong Thani for 12 days. It is one of the city's biggest consumer shows, with new car and motorbike launches and plenty of dealer deals. Entry is listed at THB 100. Weekends and the 5 to 7 December holiday are the busiest days, so go on a weekday if you can. The MRT Pink Line to Muang Thong Thani is the easiest way to reach IMPACT.

For trade shows and conferences, see business and tech events.

Markets, lights and family days out

The dry weather makes December the best month for open-air markets, night markets and park picnics. Malls and hotels put up their Christmas trees and light displays from late November, and many run weekend markets and kids' activities through to the New Year. Our weekend markets guide and free things to do in Bangkok are good starting points, and families can browse Bangkok events for families and kids.

Christmas and New Year's Eve

Christmas Eve falls on a Thursday and Christmas Day on a Friday in 2026, so expect a busy festive weekend across the malls, hotels and riverside. Then comes the countdown: New Year's Eve is a Thursday, and New Year's Day is a holiday Friday. See our New Year's Eve Bangkok countdown guide for the free CentralWorld countdown and river fireworks. For bars and clubs, head to Bangkok nightlife.

Practical tips for December in Bangkok

• Book early: December is peak season. Hotels, river cruises and Christmas brunches fill up weeks in advance.
• Plan concert transport: Rajamangala has no rail station at the gate, and IMPACT's MRT Pink Line station gets packed after shows. Leave extra time, and expect ride-share prices to surge after shows.
• Watch the holiday weekends: 5 to 7 December and 10 December are busy for travel out of the city, and road closures are common around Sanam Luang for ceremonies.
• Bring a layer: early mornings at races and evenings by the river can feel cool by Bangkok standards.
• Check for duplicate or fake tickets: for sold-out shows like BTS and Tomorrowland, scams on social media are common.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Bangkok?

Yes. It is the coolest and driest month, with clear skies and lots of events. The trade-offs are higher hotel prices and more visitors, so book ahead.

What public holidays are in December 2026 in Thailand?

King Bhumibol's Birthday on Saturday 5 December (with Monday 7 December as the substitute day off), Constitution Day on Thursday 10 December, and New Year's Eve on Thursday 31 December. Christmas is not a public holiday.

When is BTS playing in Bangkok?

BTS play Rajamangala National Stadium on 3, 5 and 6 December 2026 on their ARIRANG world tour. Tickets sold out on the first day of sales.

What festivals are on near Bangkok in December 2026?

Wonderfruit (3 to 7 December, near Pattaya), Tomorrowland Thailand (11 to 13 December, Chonburi) and Big Mountain Music Festival (12 and 13 December, Farm Chokchai 3, Khao Yai).

Are there running races in Bangkok in December?

Lots. There are races almost every weekend, from fun runs and Santa runs to half marathons and a stair race at Banyan Tree Bangkok. See the list above and our running page.

Where can I see everything on this week?

Use events this week or this weekend for the latest listings.