Planning a trip to Vietnam this December? While you’re in a tropical paradise, you can still experience the warmth and charm of Christmas in some unexpected places. From midnight mass in Sapa to festive fairs in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve got a handy list of ideas for Christmas. Plus, check out our top picks for New Year parties across the country. Happy Holidays!

Experience the Magic of Hanoi During the Holidays

Hanoi is enchanting year-round, but it becomes especially romantic during the holiday season when temperatures can dip to around 10 degrees Celsius. Bundle up and join the locals for tea, street food, and evening strolls around the city’s picturesque lakes.

Get Crafty for the Holidays

Making your own ornaments, cards, and decorations can truly get you into the holiday spirit. This December, Hocket Haus + Crafts offers workshops where you can create your own watercolor wreaths, linocut cards, and more. Families are welcome to join in the fun.

Step into a Winter Wonderland at the Metropole

The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi goes all out each year with its Christmas displays and activities. This elegant heritage hotel is a must-visit if you’re staying in Hanoi. This year, a twinkling, 15-meter pine tree soars above the leafy rooftop garden, and impressive gingerbread replicas of the hotel are available at L’Epicerie.

Plan your holiday visit to Hanoi and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere!

Catch a Christmas Concert in a Church

St. Joseph Cathedral is the heart of Christmas celebrations in Hanoi on December 24. Locals gather at this neo-gothic church for festive activities, chorale singing, and the annual Christmas mass from 11 PM to midnight.

Taste Classic Christmas Cooking in Hanoi

Relish a traditional Christmas meal at The Fat Pig, a lakeside restaurant offering a five-course feast featuring roast turkey and ham with all the trimmings. Enjoy the holiday with family and friends, complemented by a complimentary glass of mulled wine or house beer.

Experience Christmas in Sapa’s Enchanting Landscape

Sapa’s foggy peaks and stunning valleys provide a magical backdrop for Christmas in the Far East. December can bring sunny, clear days or foggy, wet weather, and occasionally even snow. Regardless of the weather, stay warm as you explore mountain markets, villages, and tea fields.

Hear Midnight Mass at Holy Rosary Church

The stately stone Holy Rosary Church is the perfect place to soak up the Christmas spirit in Sapa. On December 24, join locals from all around Lao Cai province as they gather at the church grounds in high spirits, ready to mingle and listen to the Christmas sermon.

Celebrate Christmas by the Beach in Da Nang

Who says you need a white Christmas? If you’re spending the holidays by the beach, Da Nang offers a festive lineup to keep you entertained this year. Get into the Christmas spirit with these exciting events.

Explore Craft Markets and Street Festivals

Relax and enjoy some quality retail therapy at an arts and crafts market at Rainforest Cafe on December 20. The same weekend, a holiday street festival will kick off along An Duong Street, featuring live music, a gingerbread house-making competition, and more.

Feast Along the Han River

Experience tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas Eve dinners, and Christmas Day brunches at Da Nang’s top hotels and resorts, such as Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort, Furama Resort Danang, and InterContinental Sun Peninsula Resort. Visit their websites for full menus and prices.

Embrace the Holiday Magic in Hoi An

Don’t let December’s changing weather deter you; Hoi An is stunning year-round, and its charm is even more pronounced during the holiday season. This picturesque town will captivate you with its serene countryside and lantern-lit nights. Ever spent Christmas by the rice paddies? This might be the perfect year to start.

Enjoy a Christmas Buffet by the Beach

Celebrate Christmas by the beach with a delightful afternoon at Salt Pub on An Bang. Enjoy free-flowing drinks, delicious food, games, and a visit from Santa Claus. DJs will start spinning at 3 PM, and a raffle will be held to raise funds for flood relief efforts in the region.

Watch a Vietnamese Nativity Play

Hoi An’s annual Christmas show attracts both Catholics and curious visitors to the church on Ly Thuong Kiet. This event, part musical and part nativity play, begins at 7 PM and includes carolling and a Christmas mass just before midnight. For an English service, return on Christmas morning at 9 AM.

Enjoy a Festive Christmas Escape in Da Lat

Da Lat’s crisp highland weather makes it the ideal Christmas getaway. Traveling with a loved one? Even better. Scenic lakes, cozy villas, and flower-lined streets all contribute to a European ambiance. Join the festivities around Xuan Huong Lake, share a steaming hotpot dinner, and spend leisurely hours in a hilltop café.

Catch a Mini Christmas Concert

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Da Lat at a mini-concert hosted by Lumen Choir in a small hilltop congregation. Titled “A Message of Peace,” the performance will take place on December 12 at 7 PM. Admission is free.

Take Afternoon Tea at the Dalat Palace

No visit to Da Lat is complete without exploring the grounds of the Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel. Enjoy Christmas High Tea on the elegant Terrace, featuring a towering tray of pastries, finger sandwiches, and luscious cakes, perfectly complemented by views of grassy hills, pine trees, and the lake below.

Experience the Festive Energy of Ho Chi Minh City

Like many things in Ho Chi Minh City, the Christmas season is full of energy. The southern Vietnamese enjoy snapping pictures at the glittering displays in the malls and riding in throngs under the Christmas lights.

TIP: Ditch the transport (traffic is intense anyway) and explore on foot. Better yet, seek out your own urban oasis and savor a moment of calm amid the bustle.

Hunt for Bargains at the Christmas Fairs

Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of farmers and flea markets year-round, but the holiday editions are extra special. BLOQ, a retail park in District 2, will host its Christmas market over the weekend of December 12. Entrance is free. Pop by and peruse the goods from a constellation of vendors from around the city.

Sail Away on the Saigon River

Feeling overwhelmed by the streets? Hop aboard a boat for a Christmas cruise and dinner on the water. Chances are you’ll cast off just before sunset, with the lights of motorcycles reflecting off the water and the outlines of skyscrapers standing out in the dusky sky. Just be sure to reserve in advance.

Splurge on a Five-Star Feast

There’s nothing quite like an exquisite buffet with friends to underscore the holiday season. In Ho Chi Minh City, luxury hotels such as the Hyatt and Intercontinental have long led the pack in lavish Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches. For something a little more specific, such as regional Italian cuisine or festive French fare, look no further than The Reverie Saigon.

Say Goodbye to the Old Year in Vietnam

Vietnam’s big cities – Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City – host massive countdown parties in the streets with live performances and fireworks. Here are a few of our favorite picks for New Year’s Eve:

New Year in Sapa

Up in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa is a cozy spot to ring in the new year. Enjoy a set dinner, half-priced spa services, and two nights in the lodge-style resort.

New Year in Hanoi

High above West Lake, The Summit offers riveting 360-degree views of the capital. This classy lounge hosts an elegant countdown party with canapés, drink specials, and live DJ sets.

New Year in Hoi An

Anantara Hoi An is hosting a Great Gatsby-themed gala dinner that is sure to lure guests to the picturesque riverside resort. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet and live entertainment along the Thu Bon River.

New Year in Nha Trang

Nha Trang’s party central, the Sailing Club, invites partygoers to a spectacular night on the sand with sets from the city’s top DJs, drink specials, and all-night dancing. This year’s theme is the roaring 20s.

New Year in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s buzzing southern hub will be brimming with opportunities for a rooftop cocktail at midnight. The Lighthouse will ring in the New Year with a lineup of 10 DJs spinning throughout the night. Modern Vietnamese restaurant and bar AnAn Saigon will celebrate with a festive menu and countdown party featuring a live DJ on the rooftop, a perfect spot to catch the fireworks at midnight. On New Year’s Day, the Social Club at Hotel des Arts Saigon will host a festive champagne brunch above the city.

New Year in Phu Quoc

The Sailing Club Phu Quoc will celebrate the end of the year with a gourmet five-course dinner, followed by a jam-packed entertainment lineup. DJs and fire dancers will keep the party going long into the night on Vietnam’s largest island.

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