Sakon nakhon: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to host the Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Festival 2025 under the theme 'Illuminated Faith: The Festival of Holy Stars.' The festival is scheduled from December 20 to 24, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM at the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Tha Rae Subdistrict, Sakon Nakhon Province. This event aims to elevate a local celebration into a contemporary national cultural tourism festival, combining cultural heritage with art, light, sound, and modern technology to attract quality tourists and stimulate tourism during the high season.
According to Thai News Agency, this festival is part of TAT's ongoing Event Marketing strategy, which promotes local events as signature attractions. The Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Festival, a significant tradition for Christians in the region, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and draws numerous Thai and international tourists. The festival aims to offer valuable and memorable travel experiences during the holiday season.
The event will feature a 3D Mapping and Lighting Show under the concept of "STAR OF ETERNAL JOY," narrating stories of faith, Christmas, stars, and the identity of Sakon Nakhon through projections on the cathedral's architecture. The nightly showcases will occur at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM. The cathedral, bell tower, and Nativity scene will be adorned with decorative lights, and attendees can enjoy various photo opportunities, including a 10-meter-tall illuminated Christmas tree and a simulated snow area available for viewing six times daily.
The opening ceremony on December 23 will feature a parade of illuminated Christmas floats from the Martino Pavilion in Tha Rae and a Drone Light Show with 100 drones forming illuminated letters at 8:30 PM. This show aims to create a captivating display, connecting stories of faith from the earth to the heavens.
The festival is not just a celebration but also serves as a model for developing cultural tourism festivals that enhance tourism value and boost the local economy, especially during the year-end peak season. TAT anticipates the event will attract at least 50,000 Thai and international tourists, generating an economic value of at least 30 million baht and providing tangible income distribution to the grassroots economy while elevating the image of Thai tourism festivals on an international scale.