Christmas events in Hanoi
December is here, and you know what that means: it’s Christmas season. While the occasion is not an official holiday in Vietnam, in recent years, more and more people are treating it as a chance to unwind and have fun after a long year.
So if you’re unsure of what to do in Hanoi this Christmas, here we have summed up 8 places and events you might be interested in.
1. Celebrate the birth of Christ at the Grand Cathedral
Image credit: @hy_vn2019
The St. Joseph’s Cathedral of Hanoi – or simply the Grand Cathedral, if you will – is one of the major hubs of Catholic activities in the city. It comes as no surprise that this would be the first destination anyone will think of when it comes to celebrating Christmas in Hanoi.
People taking pictures with statues demonstrating the birth of Christ in front of the cathedral.
Image credit: VNExpress
On the days leading up to Christmas Eve, you will already see the cathedral decorated with a huge Christmas tree, as well as props and statues commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Image credit: @enentran07
On Christmas Eve itself, expect the venue to be packed as everyone, Christians and otherwise, flock here to take pictures and watch live music performances featuring Christmas-themed songs and choirs at the cathedral’s front yard.
Address: 40 Nhà Chung Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
2. Immerse in the festive atmosphere at the Hoàn Kiếm Walking Street
Image credit: Hà Nội Mới
The most iconic landmark of Hanoi, the Hoàn Kiếm Lake, is Hanoians’ go-to gathering spot for any major events and festivals – Christmas included. There are no special events and no announcements, but everyone just goes here by default, knowing they’ll have a good time.
Image credit: Công An Nhân Dân
This year, Christmas also coincides with the weekend, which means the streets around the lake will turn pedestrian-only. All vehicles are banned from entering, leaving the roads wide open for street performances, games such as Jenga, and any fun activities anyone can think of.
Image credit: Công An Nhân Dân
Come here on Christmas Eve, buy reindeer horns or glowing sticks from street vendors to add to the vibrancy around, and just immerse in the festive atmosphere!
3. Take Christmas-themed pictures and shop for decorations at Hàng Mã Street
Image credit: @byy54
For the longest time, the Hàng Mã Street in Hanoi Old Quarter has been famous for its many shops selling toys and ornaments that change seasonally. With Christmas just around the corner, the street has taken on a colorful red-and-green tone.
Image credit: @mai.hueanh
Visit even right now, and you can already see that shop owners here have displayed artificial Christmas trees, colorful LED lights, Christmas balls, and other ornaments for sale, turning the entire street especially dreamy at night.
Image credit: @thuhuong85999
Naturally, the beautiful backdrops attract many shutter-happy folks looking to add a few shots to their album. Do note that this is also still a business area, so be considerate towards the shopowners. Buy a couple of trinkets from the owners, and most of them would be more than happy to let you pose and snap at their shopfronts.
Address: Hàng Mã Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
4. Dreamy Christmas Fair at Complex 01 – with shops and Tarot-reading booths
Image credit: Dreamy Christmas Fair
Ever since its establishment in late 2020, Complex 01 has remained a popular shopping & entertainment hub for Hanoi youths. For this upcoming Christmas, the complex continues to deliver with Dreamy Christmas Fair.
Image credit: Dreamy Christmas Fair
The full-day event begins from 8am, 24th December 2022, and goes all the way until 9pm. It features over 30 booths and stalls selling all sorts of goods, from fashion and accessories to cosmetic products.
Tarot-viewing at Complex 01.
Image credit: Dreamy Christmas Fair
There are also going to be food and drinks aplenty, as well as entertainment activities. Take your significant other here for a Tarot-viewing session, or color cute little statues together.
Dreamy Christmas Fair at Complex 01
Address: 29 Alley 31, Lane 167, Tây Sơn Street, Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Date: 24th December 2022
Time: 8am-9pm
Admission: Free
5. Christmas Emporium at ARCH Café & Bar – fair, art exhibitions, kids’ workshops, and more
Image credit: ARCH. Café Bar & Rooftop
Christmas Emporium is another fair you can attend this Christmas, but this one comes with a twist. In addition to having clothing, accessories, and handicraft products from local craftsmen for sale, the event is also an art exhibition, featuring art pieces from international artists.
Image credit: ARCH. Café Bar & Rooftop
DJs and live music performances of popular Christmas songs are to be expected. There will be open mic sessions for all visitors to show off their musical talents as well.
Image credit: ARCH. Café Bar & Rooftop
The event is also kid-friendly, with a dedicated kid zone equipped with workshops for the little ones to create their own paintings and handicraft products.
Image credit: ARCH. Café Bar & Rooftop
In terms of food and drinks, a sumptuous feast is promised. We don’t know the details yet, but if past events from the same organizers are any indication, you can expect roasted pig, chicken, garlic bread, and mulled wine, all included in a VND400,000 (~USD16.31) combo.
Christmas Emporium at ARCH Café & Bar
Address: 143 Nhật Chiêu Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Date: 25th December, 2022
Time: 8am-6pm
Admission: Free
6. Bar-hopping across some popular venues in Hanoi’s West Lake area
Image credit: Beer TayTa
For hardcore party-goers, Christmas is one of the best times of the year to go on a bar-hopping spree. If that sounds like your cup of tea – or beer, or cocktails, or wine, whatever your taste might be – save the date of 17th December 2022 on your calendar, as there will be a bar-hopping train going on.
Image credit: Fig Tree Garden
The event will take you across several bars and pubs in Hanoi’s West Lake area, known for its many international food and drink outlets. Expect each location to have its own preparations to welcome guests as well.
There’s Beer TayTa with an expansive menu of local beer and foosball & pool tables, and then there’s Fig Tree Garden with a lovely garden providing a chill and relaxed atmosphere, and more.
Follow the event’s page on Facebook to keep yourself updated!
Date: 17th December 2022
Time: From 2pm
7. Đêm Việt Nam 8 – music event featuring celebrities
Image credit: Viet Art Show
For years, Đêm Việt Nam has been a concert that music lovers in Hanoi look forward to each Christmas. Now, after a 3-year hiatus from Covid-19, the show is slated to make a return, much to fans’ delight.
Image credit: Viet Art Show
Head over to the National Convention Center on Christmas Eve to catch live music performances from famous singers. This year’s lineup includes all the big names, including Tuấn Hưng, Quang Lê, Quang Dũng, Như Quỳnh, and more.
Book a ticket from VND800,000 (~USD32.63) here.
Đêm Việt Nam 8 at National Convention Center
Address: 57 Phạm Hùng Street, Nam Từ Liêm District, Hanoi
Date: 24th December 2022
Time: 8pm
8. Hobby CFC – a cosplay convention for anime fans
Image credit: Duc Anh Đặng
Hobby CFC is not exactly a Christmas-themed event, but it is something anime lovers in Hanoi can look forward to this Christmas Day.
Image credit: Mộc Trà
The event is a playground for all cosplay enthusiasts in Hanoi to gather and flaunt the costumes they’ve worked hard on. So, don the outfit of your chosen fictional character, and meet up at the venue to discuss with people who share the same hobby.
Image credit: Kiều Anh
Of course, you don’t have to be a cosplayer yourself either. As long as you have an interest in cosplaying or just anime in general, feel free to drop by and take pictures with your favorite characters brought to life and make some new friends.
You can buy tickets online here or on-site on the day of the event. Both options will set you back VND60,000 (~USD2.45) for each ticket.
Hobby CFC at the West Lake Water Park
Address: 614 Lạc Long Quân Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Date: 25th December 2022
Time: 8am-6pm
8 Christmas events in Hanoi to check out for a memorable holiday season
Christmas is no doubt a major celebration for the Catholic and Christian population of Vietnam, but even for non-religious folks, it’s still an occasion to spend time with our friends and families, exchange gifts, and just have a good time.
Hopefully, our suggestions of these 8 things to do in Hanoi with Christmas will help you plan a memorable day out with your loved ones.
For more things to do in Hanoi, check out:
- 7 adventure sports to do in Hanoi
- 23 winter comfort foods in Hanoi
- Hanoi House – a bar inside an old mansion
- 10 photogenic spots in Hanoi
Cover image adapted from @mai.hueanh, Viet Art Show, and ARCH. Café Bar & Rooftop