Loy Krathong UK Festival of Lights Events & Where to C

What is Loy Krathong?

Loy Krathong (ลอยกระทง) is Thailand's festival of lights, celebrated on the full moon of the 12th lunar month — usually November. "Loy" means to float, and "krathong" is a small decorated basket made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. Millions of Thais float these krathongs on rivers, lakes, and ponds to pay respect to the water goddess (Phra Mae Khongkha), let go of misfortunes, and make wishes for the coming year.

In the UK, Loy Krathong is celebrated at Thai temples — most notably at Wat Buddhapadipa in Wimbledon, which has its own lake. It's smaller than Songkran but arguably more beautiful. Candles floating on dark water, traditional Thai music, the smell of incense and street food — it's one of the UK's most photogenic cultural events.

🔍 Why this page exists

We searched for "Loy Krathong UK" and found almost nothing useful — a few outdated Facebook events and one temple page. For one of Thailand's most famous festivals, UK coverage is nearly non-existent. If you've been looking for where to celebrate Loy Krathong in the UK, you now have your answer.

Where to Celebrate in 2026

Estimated date: Sunday 15 November 2026 (based on the full moon). Confirmed dates will be published by temples from September.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 London

Wat Buddhapadipa

UK's Premier Loy Krathong

The jewel in the crown. The temple's lake transforms into a sea of candlelit krathongs. You can buy or make your own krathong on-site (typically £5–10). Traditional dance performances on a lakeside stage, Thai food stalls surrounding the temple grounds, and spectacular lantern displays. Arrive by late afternoon — the best experience is watching daylight fade as hundreds of candles appear on the water. The most Instagram-worthy Thai event in the UK. Free entry.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Runcorn

Wat Phra Singh UK

Northern England's Loy Krathong

Candlelit ceremony in the temple grounds, krathong floating, Thai food, and cultural performances. Smaller than London but with a warm community feel. The temple's new development work is ongoing — this is a special time to visit and see the temple evolve. Free entry.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Midlands

Wat Mahathat UK

Countryside Lights

The Staffordshire countryside provides a dark-sky backdrop for Loy Krathong. The temple grounds have a pond for floating krathongs. Intimate atmosphere — fewer crowds than London, more time to participate in the ceremony. Free entry.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 National

University Thai Societies

Student-Led Celebrations

University Thai societies at SOAS, Imperial, UCL, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, and others often host smaller Loy Krathong events. These are usually open to the public, affordable, and great if you're near a university city. Check individual society social media from October for 2026 dates.

How to Make a Krathong

Most UK temples sell pre-made krathongs (£5–10), but making your own is part of the tradition. Here's how:

Base: A slice of banana tree trunk (available at Thai grocers) or a biodegradable circular base. Do NOT use polystyrene — it harms wildlife and is banned at most temples.
Leaves: Wrap banana leaves around the base, folded and pinned with small wooden sticks or toothpicks. No metal pins — they rust and pollute the water.
Flowers: Orchids, marigolds, lotus, or any bright flower. Arrange them in layers on top of the leaves.
Candle & incense: Three incense sticks and one small candle in the centre. These are lit just before floating.
Personal touches: Some people add a coin (for prosperity), a strand of hair (to float away troubles), or a small written wish tucked under the flowers.

When you float it, make a wish. Tradition says if the candle stays lit until your krathong floats out of sight, your wish will come true.

Loy Krathong vs Yi Peng

Many people confuse Loy Krathong with Yi Peng — the sky lantern festival in Chiang Mai. They happen around the same time but are different festivals:

Loy Krathong = floating krathongs on water. Celebrated across Thailand and at UK temples.
Yi Peng = releasing paper sky lanterns. Specific to northern Thailand (Lanna culture). Rarely celebrated in the UK due to fire safety regulations — most UK temples do not allow sky lanterns.

In the UK, what you'll experience at temples is traditional Loy Krathong — water floating only. The photos you see online of thousands of lanterns in the sky are from Thailand.

Visitor Tips

Dress warmly — it's a November evening in the UK. The temple grounds get cold. Layers and a coat.
Bring cash — most temple food stalls and krathong sellers are cash-only. ATMs near Wimbledon are a 15-minute walk.
Arrive early — the best krathongs sell out. The sunset-to-darkness transition is the magic hour for photos.
Dress modestly — temples require covered shoulders and knees. This applies even during outdoor events.
Take photos, then put the phone away — the candles on water are genuinely beautiful. Get your shot, then just watch.
Bring a torch — temple grounds are dimly lit for atmosphere. You'll need light to navigate paths and read food stall menus.

Loy Krathongin the UK