January Festivals
Bo Sang Umbrella Fair: celebrating Chiang Mai's famous colourful parasols at this crafts centre in San Khampeng, east of the city.
Baan Tawai Wood Carving Fair: takes place in January and showcases the fine craftsmanship of these artisans, who have put Chiang Mai on the map for furniture and wood products. Great specials and deals along with exhibitions and food. January/February Festivals
Chinese New Year: is celebrated here and supported by a large ethnic Chinese - Thai community, with dragon parades, plenty of drum-banging and fireworks, and a range of activities centred on the colourful Inthakin city pillar, near the Flower Market. April Festivals
Chiang Mai Arts and Crafts Festival: occurs around the city promoting the arts, which have a particularly strong presence in Chiang Mai thanks to an active university crowd. All sorts of creative wonders are on display for sale at markets and exhibitions. Early April. Songkran: the famous Thai water festival celebrates the New Year and breaks the heat of April. It is best enjoyed in Chiang Mai, where the entire moat area and Old City lanes becomes one massive water fight. Traffic comes to a standstill, water cannon vendors pop up everywhere and mischievous kids drench unsuspecting tourists. Plenty of fun, but it can be a little too much for some. November Festivals
Loi Kratong: a national festival of light, where sins of the past year are washed away by floating delicately crafted kratongs down the Ping River and other rivers. Glowing balloons, known as khoms, are also let off into the night sky, creating a magical effect. December Festivals
Nimminhemin Crafts Festival: brings the well known soi 1 (lane) to life with a busy weekend of home decor and crafts on display, along with a number of activities. Small, intimate and great for shopping. Beginning of December. | 
