The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is transforming the Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade into a festival of international prominence under its Signature Event Thailand initiative. Scheduled from 20–24 December 2025 in Tha Rae Municipality, Sakon Nakhon, the five-day celebration will feature expanded programmes, richer storytelling, and immersive lighting and drone spectacles, designed to enhance visitor engagement while generating sustainable benefits for local communities.

Celebrated for over a century, the Christmas Star Parade is a cornerstone of Sakon Nakhon’s cultural identity and one of Northeastern Thailand’s most distinctive Christian traditions. Inspired by the guiding star of the Nativity, the procession has grown into a powerful symbol of spiritual devotion, artisanal creativity, and strong community bonds.

TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that the festival embodies the enduring spirit and imagination of the Tha Rae community. By elevating its narrative and visitor experiences, TAT aims to introduce this unique tradition to global audiences while ensuring tourism delivers meaningful value at the local level. With its deep cultural roots and contemporary creative elements, she said, the parade has the potential to stand alongside Thailand’s most iconic cultural events worldwide.

For 2025, TAT has woven modern creative elements into the festival while respecting its spiritual foundations. Immersive lighting installations will highlight key heritage landmarks, including the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel and Tha Rae’s century-old stone houses, enhancing the area’s historic atmosphere.

Across the five days, visitors can enjoy AI-powered photo spots, sustainability-focused creative workshops, a family-friendly snow experience, and Amazing Thailand–branded illuminated star vehicles. Interactive activities such as cupcake decorating, star ornament crafting, and recycled-material jewellery workshops encourage hands-on participation while promoting responsible, community-led tourism.

From 20–22 December, and during daytime activities on 23 December, events will take place along the walking street and Martino Pavilion, creating a continuous festive environment that blends culture, heritage, and everyday community life. Activities begin at 14.00 on 20 December, and from 10.00 on 21–23 December. Visitors can explore local indigo textiles, artisanal products, regional cuisine, and guided heritage walks through the historic Christian quarter.

Local musicians, schools, and youth groups will animate the festival with performances throughout the day, while evening variety shows start from 19.00. A major visual highlight on 22 December is the public display of large illuminated star vehicles along Ratcharoen Road from 17.00. Programmes from 20–23 December run until 22.30 each evening.

The festival’s main highlight takes place on the evening of 23 December. Float registration opens at 15.00, followed by formation at 16.00 at the Martino Pavilion. At 18.00, the illuminated star procession begins, with elaborately decorated star vehicles parading along the route before returning at 20.00. Festivities continue with Christmas performances by local schools and communities, leading into the official opening ceremony at 20.30. The evening includes Christmas blessings, a candy shower, gift exchanges, a sacred nativity drama, awards for outstanding illuminated star floats, live music, and TAT’s signature drone light show.

On 24 December, the celebration shifts to a more traditional and sacred Christmas Eve observance. A handheld star procession gathers at 18.00 at the Martino Pavilion and departs at 18.30, circling the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel before entering the church. The evening continues with Christmas Mass, followed by a nativity performance by local youth at the Grotto of the Infant Jesus, concluding after religious services in keeping with long-held tradition.

By positioning the Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade within Thailand’s expanding portfolio of culturally distinctive festivals, TAT seeks to raise global awareness of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage. This effort builds on the international recognition of Songkran as a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage and the growing global appeal of Loi Krathong as one of Asia’s most enchanting light festivals, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to sharing authentic, community-rooted cultural experiences with the world.