Can you imagine that 2024 is just around the corner? If you aim to tidy up leaves before the year concludes, wish to check off one more festival from your bucket list, or are in the mood for a brief escape, it’s the perfect time to secure those tickets.
This year, music festivals are making a comeback with a bang, and there’s a lineup of exciting festivals in December where you can unwind. If you’re fortunate, expect good music, tasty food, and perhaps a touch of local art and culture. Check out our top 8 recommended festivals for an unforgettable way to wrap up 2023.
Wonderfruit (Chon Buri, Thailand)
Starting December 14th
Every year, Thailand’s Wonderfruit brings together art, music, and nature in a grand celebration that rivals many European and North American festivals. In 2023, this 20,000-capacity event, set in the picturesque Siam Country Club in Pattaya, presents a diverse lineup featuring DJ Stingray 313, Helena Hauff, Jennifer Cardini, Terry Riley, and Space Afrika.
Wonderfruit takes sustainability seriously, making it mandatory for all attendees to bring their own cups, preventing around 200,000 cups from being discarded yearly. This commitment to environmental responsibility adds to the festival’s unique charm.
Before we move on to the next festival, let’s talk a bit about tickets. Lottoland blog suggests to know the venue layout and check out available ticket options beforehand. This way, you’re ready for the final purchase, allowing you to move swiftly to the checkout. Keep your payment card handy for a smooth transaction. Remember, knowledge is critical.
Magnetic Fields (Rajasthan, India)
Starting December 15th
India’s Magnetic Fields festival offers a unique setting combining history and a lineup blending contemporary electronic beats and traditional local sounds. This festival, attended by discerning dance music enthusiasts, captures a fascinating contrast with its ancient charm.
The theme for the ninth edition revolves around “preservation,” urging the crowd to safeguard and revive their surroundings both at the festival and in their everyday lives. The lineup includes notable artists such as Mixtress, Unnayanaa, Kareem Ali, Nosedrip, and Jennifer Loveless. Furthermore, Numbers will mark its 20th anniversary with Spencer and Hudson Mohawke and Resident Advisor’s annual takeover on Saturday night will showcase Amaliah back-to-back Danielle along with local talent Dotdat. This edition promises a vibrant mix of music and a call to preserve the essence of the festival and its surroundings.
Mareh (Fortim, Brazil)
Starting December 26th
The state of Ceará in northern Brazil, known for hosting the Mareh festival, boasts beautiful beaches. At this cozy event, mostly set on the beach, attendees can feel the soft white sand under their feet, play in the sparkling turquoise sea, and enjoy breathtaking ocean views with distant wind turbines on the horizon. This year’s lineup features a vibrant mix of house, disco, and other Balearic sounds, featuring artists like Carrot Green, Ruby Savage, Cecyza, Paulete Lindacelva, and Vermelho. In addition to the music, Mareh also offers wellness classes for dancers and a chance to savour local cuisine.
Beyond The Valley (Wingeel, Australia)
Starting December 28th
Barunah Plains in Australia, the Beyond The Valley camping festival’s setting, is a scenic spot and a sought-after wedding venue. Spanning from December 28th to January 1st, this New Year’s Eve festival, now in its eighth year, is the largest in the country and offers a stellar lineup. DJ Heartstring, Jayda G, Lady Shaka, and Overmono are just a few of the talented artists featured in a program filled with stars. Over the four-day event, DJ sets and live performances will unfold on architecturally designed stages equipped with cutting-edge sound and production.
Likdo On The Beach (Phú Quốc, Vietnam)
Starting December 29th
Established in 2022, Likdo stands as a platform dedicated to covering Asia’s vibrant dance music scene. As the year comes to a close, the team is gearing up for a unique New Year’s festival on the pristine shores of Phú Quốc island in Vietnam. This four-day extravaganza will showcase a blend of local and international talent from Japan, Thailand, South Africa, and beyond. Attendees can anticipate breathtaking sunsets, three nights of beachside dancing, and additional pleasures such as dining at a floating restaurant. International guests include Manfredas, Powder, Alex Kassian, and Kim Ann Foxman, while homegrown talents like Di Linh, Ouissam, Manikk, and Zwi will be gracing the stage.
Northern Bass (Mangawhai, New Zealand)
Starting December 29th
New Zealand proudly displays its affection for bass music. Located in a lush rural setting an hour north of Auckland, Northern Bass gathers some of the top figures from the bass music scene for a three-day New Year’s celebration. Festivalgoers groove under the trees while taking in panoramic views of the rolling hills. The diverse lineup spans genres like jungle, drum & bass, UK garage, bassline, and dubstep, featuring renowned artists such as Loefah, Dillinja, and Youngsta (who will share the stage with J:Kenzo) alongside local favourites like Half Queen and State of Mind.
Forever Midnight (Los Angeles, United States)
Starting December 30th
Forever Midnight emerges as a fresh New Year’s festival with a dual-city celebration in Las Vegas and the expansive Los Angeles Convention Centre, one of the largest venues in the United States. The convention centre transforms into a warehouse-style party location at the city’s heart, boasting top-notch production. The debut lineup features a roster of the globe’s most sought-after DJs, with Âme going back-to-back with Dixon alongside Jamie xx, Kaytranada, Carlita, DJ Tennis, and Chloé Caillet.
Beneath the Baobabs (Kilifi, Kenya)
Starting December 30th
Marking a decade in existence, Beneath the Baobabs (formerly known as Kilifi New Year Festival) is back to celebrate with an outstanding two-day and night musical extravaganza as the New Year unfolds. Set against the captivating backdrop of a plateau in Takaungu Creek, the musical lineup seamlessly weaves together Techno, Amapiano, Afro house, Alté, Gengetone, and many live performances. In collaboration with local environmental organizations Komaza and Wildlife Works, the festival takes steps to offset its carbon footprint and engage in sustainable forestry practices. Encompassing 50 acres with five stages and various hang-out zones, the event seamlessly blends natural beauty with an environmentally conscious ethos, providing a vibrant platform for showcasing East African music, art, and culture.
