The best things to do in Chiang Mai this weekend (December 26-28)

Our favourite smoke spot Green Ganesha is flipping the script and has transformed into a full-blown hip hop karaoke stage, with more than 200 of your favourite tracks ready to go. From Biggie, Tupac, OutKast and Kendrick to Drake, Travis Scott, Cardi B and plenty in between, this is your chance to spit bars, belt out hooks or hype the crowd without taking yourself too seriously. No experience needed – just confidence, good energy and a firm grip on the microphone. 

Dec 26. Free. Green Ganesha. 8pm-11pm

One Nimman goes all out for New Year with a five-day countdown celebration blending Thai soul, Isan flavour and global sounds. Get in the mood early and catch day after day of pop, rock, blues and international grooves, plus wall-to-wall performances every night as our favourite plaza transforms into one of the city’s biggest end-of-year hangouts. Add excellent street food – from juicy grills and smash burgers to full Korean comfort classics – and you’ve got a festive atmosphere that runs deep into the night, right through to midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Dec 27-31. Free. One Nimman. 3pm–11pm (Dec 31 until midnight).

Inspired by Cliffton’s personal journey with vision loss, this blind social mixer is where you don low-vision simulation glasses and ‘see’ the world through someone else’s eyes and engage in conversation that goes beyond looks and first impressions. Whether you’re here to meet a future partner, a new friend or just try out something different, it's bound to be an ‘eye-opening’ experience. Best of all, proceeds support initiatives focused on optic nerve repair and empowering visually impaired creatives. 

Dec 19-Jan 31 (Fridays and Saturdays). B300, register here. RSVP for location. 7pm-9pm

Swapaholic is part treasure hunt, part wardrobe detox, and it’s been doing the rounds in Chiang Mai since 2013. Bring along gently loved fashion that you are ready to part with, then ‘shop’ for new-to-you pieces without spending a single satang. No counting items, no price tags, no pressure – just friends hyping each other up with ‘that looks amazing on you’ energy. Anything left behind gets donated to support refugees and Indigenous communities across northern Thailand and into Myanmar, so every piece of clothing is guaranteed a second life.

Dec 28. Free. Free Bird Cafe. 1pm-3pm 

Chiangmai Serenade String Orchestra brings theatrical drama to the concert hall with The Phantom in Concert – a symphonic celebration of iconic music inspired by the legendary opera ghost. Performed by a full orchestra of more than 20 musicians, complete with woodwinds, brass and strings, as well as some big-lunged opera singers, this rich, concert-style performance is built to give you goosebumps. 

Dec 27. B900-1,200. 75 Years Building, The Church of Christ in Thailand Chiang Mai. Register 6pm, concert 7pm-9pm

A rare, one-night-only collaboration lands in Chiang Mai as Chef Gig from MasterChef Thailand season six teams up with award-winning cocktail bar, Nalanla, for an intimate tasting experience. Expect four exclusive dishes created for the night, including sour, spicy fresh salmon, gambas al ajollo and her famous Hamburg pork larb – each dish expertly paired with signature beverages from the bar. However, with just 10 seats available, this front-row dining moment is made for serious food lovers with a penchant for quick table booking. 

Dec 28. B1,299, tickets here. Nalanla Bar. 7pm-10pm

Sunday afternoons are for wagging tails and easy hangs, especially after all that extra Christmas stuffing that makes it hard to get up and take your dog for a walk. So why not pop your pup in the car, head to Olio Homemade in Hang Dong and let the other dogs take care of the exercise. A big green lawn lets your pets run free, sniff butts and cool off with free treats and water bowls, while humans kick back to soft music and enjoy good company. Friendly dogs of all sizes are welcome. The same goes for their owners.

Dec 28. Free. Olio Homemade Restaurant. 4pm-6pm