Pattaya events and festivals 2026–2027: dates and tips

Pattaya's calendar gets packed from late November, and the biggest weekends sell out fast. Here are the key dates for the coming season, with tips for each. Event dates can move, so always check the organiser's announcement before you book flights.

November 2026

Loy Krathong: 24 November (expected)

Thailand's festival of lights, held on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. People float small decorated baskets, krathongs, on the sea and lakes to let go of the past year. In Pattaya, head to the beach after sunset, or the calmer lakes and parks if you prefer. Choose a krathong made of banana leaf or bread rather than foam.

Pattaya International Fireworks Festival: 27–28 November

Pattaya's biggest weekend of the year. Teams fire displays over the sea from Pattaya Beach on two nights, and the whole bay fills with people.

• Book your hotel early, because rooms near the beach sell out.
• Get to the beach well before the show starts, or book a rooftop table in advance.
• Expect road closures and heavy traffic on Beach Road. Walking is the easiest way around.

December 2026

Tomorrowland Thailand: 11–13 December

The first full Tomorrowland festival in Asia comes to Wisdom Valley, Pattaya, with more than 50,000 people expected each day. If you have tickets, sort your hotel and transport early; festival packages include shuttles from some hotels.

Christmas and New Year's Eve

Malls and hotels decorate from early December, and Pattaya holds countdown parties and fireworks on New Year's Eve. The two weeks from Christmas to New Year are the busiest and most expensive of the year.

February 2027

Chinese New Year: 6 February

Pattaya celebrates with lion dances, red lanterns and food stalls, especially around the city's Chinese shrines and markets. Expect lots of visitors from across Asia.

April 2027

Songkran: 13–15 April

The Thai New Year water festival. Expect water fights everywhere, from Beach Road to Second Road. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch and wear clothes you don't mind soaking.

Wan Lai: around 18–19 April

Pattaya extends Songkran with its own Wan Lai celebrations a few days later, with more water fights, especially around Naklua and the beach. Check the city's announcement for exact dates.

Planning tips

• Book early for the fireworks weekend, Tomorrowland week and Christmas to New Year.
• Book direct with the hotel. You can message the team about early check-in, late check-out or a quieter room.
• Stay walkable. On event nights, roads near the beach close or jam, so a hotel near the action saves hours.