Traditionally, Christmas is not seen as a public holiday in Vietnam. Even though Catholicism is one of the major religions in Vietnam, it took a long time for Christmas to be celebrated widely and publicly due to the complications of religious practice during the Vietnam War. Likewise, New Year’s Eve is not a long-established tradition as the Lunar New Year has always been a deep-rooted holiday for the locals.
However, as the years go by, more and more people welcome the holiday as it makes for a perfect occasion for friends and family get-together. And for expats and foreign tourists coming to Vietnam’s capital during the holiday season, there is no lack of jolly activities to enjoy. We have compiled below a small list of where to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Hanoi.
Where to Spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Hanoi: Places to Celebrate Christmas
In Hanoi, the weather will be much colder compared to the Southern part of Vietnam, and the temperatures will continue to drop towards nightfall during the holiday season. Be sure to pack a winter jacket to brace the chilly air when taking an outing around the city. The holiday spirit can be easily observed as the city is brightly decorated with festive lights at every corner. However, some places are worth making a detour towards to enhance your experience.
Hang Ma Street
Christmas trees and ornament on the corner of Hang Ma Street
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street is lavishly decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments. Filled with vendors and restaurants displaying brightly attractive storefronts, taking a stroll here will invoke a feeling of Christmas cheers.
Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral brightly decorated for Christmas
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District
The famous St. Joseph’s Cathedral always draws a crowd on a daily basis but is especially popular during the Christmas holiday. On Christmas Eve and Christmas night, you can expect a more extensive gathering of locals and tourists here looking to be a part of the celebration.
Cua Bac Church
The German Christmas Market at Cua Bac Church
Address: 6 Phan Dinh Phung, Quan Thanh, Ba Dinh District
At Cua Bac Church, you can find a festive German Christmas Market hosted here during the holiday season. It has many charming stalls selling a variety of Christmas food and handicrafts. The highlight here is a Christmas concert performed by the National Symphony Orchestra and local choirs of the city.
The market is open from the 13th to the 15th of December with the concert held on the 19th. There will be an entrance fee of about US$ 5.
Ham Long Church
The interior of Ham Long Church during the Christmas season
Address: 21 Ham Long Ward, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoan Kiem District
Ham Long Church is a suitable alternative to the vastly more crowded St Joseph’s Catherdral during the holiday season. Ham Long Church is more fitted if you want to experience a more local atmosphere during Christmas.
Where to Spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Hanoi: Activities During Christmas
In a bustling city such as Hanoi, there are plenty of things to do during the Christmas season such as enjoying a musical performance. During Christmas Eve and Christmas night, the Hanoi Opera House will have a Christmas line-up to expect. Holiday shopping is a common activity as many holiday sales are happening and is also a great way to see more Christmas decorations. Shopping centers in Hanoi such as Parkson, The Garden Center, Vincom Plaza Tower, and Trang Tien Plaza are some notable mentions.
Having a hotel Christmas dinner is a luxury experience that is definitely worth the price. Some of these fancy dinners are accompanied by a Christmas performance to ensure that your evening will be a spectacular experience.
Where to Have a Christmas Dinner in Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
The front main entrance of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Ward, Hoan Kiem District
Here at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, you have the options of three different culinary-themed restaurants. Choose from the fine French dining of Le Beaulieu, the Vietnamese cuisine of Spices Garden, or the styled bar atmosphere of Angelina.
Pan Pacific Hanoi
The Pacifica restaurant inside of the Pan Pacific Hanoi
Address: 1 Thanh Nien Street, Ba Dinh District
The Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel has many restaurants, bars, and stores that make for an interesting visit during your holiday season. The Pacifica restaurant here offers an extensive buffet selection suiting all taste preferences. The Song Hong Bar here also makes for a great place to enjoy a cocktail during the Christmas holiday.
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
One of the many open service counter at the Cafe Du Lac inside the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Address: 5 Tu Hoa Ward, Quang An Street, Tay Ho District
Located within the expat district of Hanoi, the atmosphere here is relaxed and friendly. The Cafe Du Lac here is similar to a French brasserie and has open service counters, serving an international menu as well as including a buffet with a wide range of food from all over the world.
Check reviews and prices of hotels in Hanoi below:
Where to Spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Hanoi: New Year’s Eve Parties And Events
When it comes to New Year’s Eve parties in Hanoi, you can easily find a location celebrating the event. Just about every nightlife establishment in Hanoi will be celebrating the New Year with their own events. Bars and pubs in Hanoi featuring a music venue or an open rooftop section are trendy places to welcome in the new year.
Hanoi Rock City
Address: 27/52 Duong To Ngoc Van, Quang An, Tay Ho District
Hanoi Rock City is an exceptional place to celebrate New Year’s Eve if you are looking to party and welcoming the new year to live music. Being the host of the Quest Festival, a celebration of music and arts, Hanoi Rock City has guaranteed itself as one of the places to be to have a grand evening during New Year’s Eve.
Where to Spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Hanoi: New Year Countdown
New Year’s fireworks over The Huc Bridge of Hoan Kiem Lake
In Hanoi, there will be plenty of New Year countdown parties. The yearly New Year countdown event is held at the Ly Thai To Flower Garden, featuring live music and performances. On top of this event, other large sponsored New Year countdown parties are happening simultaneously, giving you some options in what sort of event you want to partake in.
Heineken Countdown Party
Address: 7 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem
Held at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, next to the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the Heineken Countdown Party features flashy light shows and upbeat live DJ sets and performances.
Bia Saigon Countdown Party
Address: Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem
Another large countdown event is held directly in front of the Hanoi Opera House at Cach Mang Thang Tam Square. This New Year countdown event features a combination of live music and DJ sets.
Notes:
- Because of the holiday, the streets will be crowded, so be extra careful of scams and pickpocketing.
- Keep in mind that COVID-19 is still prevalent, and it’s best to wear a mask during public outings (as it is now a public mandate in Vietnam), especially in large crowds. Check out more COVID updates in Vietnam here.
Conclusion of Where to Spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Hanoi
Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Vietnam is a beautiful experience, especially in Hanoi’s capital city. Make a special holiday plan in Hanoi during the festive season and get involved in the holiday spirit!
Check out our blog on Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City.