The essentials
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Weather in late December | 14 to 22 °C, dry, sky often grey |
| 24 December | crowds in front of St Joseph's Cathedral |
| 25 December | ordinary day in Vietnam, hotels and malls decorated |
| 31 December 2026 | Thursday: countdown and fireworks, programme to confirm |
| 1 January | public holiday |
| Tet 2027 | Saturday 6 February (leave planned 4 to 10 February, to confirm) |
24 December: the cathedral and its neighbourhood
On Christmas Eve, St Joseph's Cathedral is lit up and the neighbouring streets are very busy; according to one guide, some are closed to traffic. Come on foot, early, and watch your belongings in the crowd (see scams and safety in Hanoi). Ask the parish for Mass times.
Decorations and atmosphere
Hang Ma Street, the Old Quarter and the shopping malls are covered in decorations. Cafés around the lake serve seasonal drinks. For views, see Hanoi rooftop bars.
31 December
- City countdown: in 2025 the city scheduled a countdown from 7 pm to midnight on Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and in the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone, with fireworks at five sites (including in front of the Central Post Office and Thong Nhat Park). The 2026 programme must be confirmed with the city.
- Hotel gala dinners: the big hotels hold a Christmas dinner on the 24th and a gala on the 31st. As a guide, the Sofitel Legend Metropole listed Eve dinners at 3.5 to 5.9 million dong per person for the 2025 edition; 2026 rates must be requested.
- Bars and rooftops: book a table and ask the price of the fixed menu.
Where to stay
Book early around 31 December and Tet. The Old Quarter is lively but noisy; see where to stay in Hanoi and hostels.
What to do between Christmas and 1 January
- Street food: the cold makes you want soup, see the street food tour and Vietnamese dishes to try.
- Culture: Temple of Literature, water puppets and Hoa Lo.
- Excursions: mist is frequent in Ha Long Bay, see the day cruise and Ninh Binh.
Activities that sell at this time
- Street food tour with Train Street: the most booked, useful in cool, dry weather.
- Walking tour of the landmarks: good for day one.
- Ha Long Bay day cruise: book with flexible cancellation because of mist.
- Ninh Binh in a day: less sensitive to mist.
Before Tet
Flower markets and red decorations appear from January. See Tet in Hanoi and Vietnam in December.
FAQ
Does Hanoi celebrate Christmas?
Yes, mostly in the street and around the cathedral; it is not a public holiday.
Are there fireworks in Hanoi on 31 December?
In 2025 yes, at five sites. The 2026 programme must be confirmed.
What is the weather like at Christmas?
14 to 22 °C, dry but often grey: bring a jacket.
