4 art festivals you need to check out during this winter in Bangkok
Cool weather is a rare gift in Bangkok, but when it finally arrives, we absolutely must go out and make the best of everything the city has to offer. And during this year-end time, it's not just the eye-popping illuminations from Christmas trees and neon signs celebrating the festive spirit—we also have a fantastic line-up of art festivals that you totally can't miss. Let's see what incredible events are running from now until early 2026!
It's back, back, and back again! The city’s most anticipated lighting installation festival, Awakening Bangkok, is returning with the charming new theme, “LOVEVERCITY.” This romantic motif wants you to feel overwhelming love in the air, delivered through a huge host of uplifting light installations placed across multiple locations in the historic Phra Nakhon district.
Awakening Bangkok 2025 is scheduled to light up the city from December 12–21, 2025. Don't miss this opportunity to see the district transformed!
Bangkok Design Week has officially announced its comeback date in 2026, scheduled to begin on January 29 and run until February 8.
For the 2026 edition, the festival will tackle the compelling new theme, “Design S/O/S.” This theme signifies the power of design art to help us survive—not just the universal code for asking for help that you might initially understand!
The host has broken down the meaning of the three letters:
- The first “S” (Secure Domestic) refers to the strategy of advocating for local design work and elevating it to international standards.
- The “O” (Outreach Opportunities) suggests design work that opens new avenues for local artists and connects them to global platforms.
- The final “S” (Sustainable Future) invites design enthusiasts to brainstorm and collaborate on finding innovative ways to navigate future challenges.
Bangkok Design Week 2026 will take over a total of eight major neighborhoods in the capital, including: Charoenkrung-Talad Noi, Phranakon, Pak Khlong Talat, Yaowarat, Bang Pho, Phrom Phong, Hua Lamphong, Bang Lamphu-Khaosan, and Phra Khanong-Bang Na. Even better, other new areas across the Thai capital will be added to the line-up this year for additional activities!
The idea is fun already! You can hop on Thailand’s iconic tuk tuk from gallery to gallery across Bangkok during this fun-focused Galleries’ Nights festival. This 12th edition is huge, seeing over 80 art venues and 200 artistic talents join the festival to showcase the incredible growth of the country's art scene.
There’s no need to rush! All participating galleries will open late during the festival, which runs from November 21–22.
The Night at the Museum Festival is another perfect event for night owls in town! Returning with the theme “Bloom into the Night: Night at the Museum, where culture comes,” the 2025 run promises a truly unique experience.
This year, the festival will see over 50 participating museums and learning centers across the entire country opening their doors until late, allowing visitors to learn and enjoy the rich culture of Thailand after dark. Normally shut away at sundown, the country’s finest historical treasures emerge to dazzle visitors with special light displays, interactive exhibits, and unique activities.
The Night at the Museum Festival is on from December 1-31, 2025.
