Christmas in Vietnamese culture
Vietnam is not a Christian-majority country, and most families practice ancestor worship as their main spiritual tradition. The true “family holiday” here is Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which combines the role of both Christmas and New Year in Western cultures and is celebrated on a much larger scale. re is only a small Catholic community, introduced during the French colonial era, that observes Christmas in a traditional religious sense.
That said, Christmas in Vietnam has become increasingly popular in recent decades. Hanoi, in particular, has embraced the holiday through festive decorations, lively community events, and commercial celebrations. The influence of social media, the city’s growing international outlook, and the influx of foreign visitors have all helped turn Christmas into a widely enjoyed occasion, more about atmosphere and fun than religious meaning.
Best things to do for Christmas in Hanoi
If you’re spending the holidays in Vietnam’s capital, you’ll quickly notice that there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy. From crowded shopping streets and decorated churches to cozy cafés and lively nightlife, the best things to do for Christmas in Hanoi are less about religious tradition and more about atmosphere, food, and fun. Here’s what to expect:
1. Explore Hang Ma Street & Christmas shopping streets
Hang Ma Street in the Old Quarter is the center of Christmas shopping in Hanoi. The street is packed with decorations, fairy lights, plastic trees, and ornaments in every color. It’s one of the most popular places for locals to shop and for tourists to take festive photos.
Be prepared, though: it gets extremely crowded in the evenings leading up to Christmas Eve, and the prices are not “local market cheap.” Most items are novelty imports, so you’re paying more for the atmosphere than for bargains. Still, if you want to feel the holiday buzz, Hang Ma Street is the place to go.
2. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral & Other Churches
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the epicenter of Christmas in Hanoi. The church is beautifully lit up with trees, lights, and nativity scenes, and on Christmas Eve it becomes the most crowded spot in the city. Thousands gather here, from Catholic locals attending midnight mass to young people who just come for the atmosphere.
If you want to go inside for the service, arrive very early—it’s standing-room only and can be overwhelming. Even if you’re not religious, the decorations outside and the buzz in the surrounding streets are worth experiencing. Other churches like Ham Long, Cua Bac, and Thinh Liet also hold festive services and put up lights, but St. Joseph’s remains the most iconic.
3. Enjoy festive atmosphere in the Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake
Beyond Hang Ma Street, the entire Old Quarter gets dressed up for Christmas. The walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are decorated with lights and sometimes host flower festivals, Santa parades, or open-air performances. It’s also where families and groups of friends gather to stroll and take photos.
Hotels, restaurants, and cafés in the area often join in with their own decorations, adding to the festive feel. Expect large crowds on Christmas Eve—part of the fun if you like energy, but less enjoyable if you dislike packed streets.
4. Cozy cafés with Christmas decorations
One of the most underrated Christmas activities in Hanoi is simply sitting in a decorated café with a hot drink. Many of Hanoi’s independent coffee shops and chains go all out with lights, trees, and festive décor.
On a cool December evening, ducking into a café for hot chocolate, mulled wine, or even the local classic egg coffee is a highlight. For many visitors, these cozy spots capture more of a “Christmas vibe” than the crowded outdoor events.
5. Book a Christmas Dinner
If you’re craving a traditional Christmas meal, Hanoi has options—but they require planning. High-end hotels like Sofitel Metropole, Melia, and JW Marriott put on elaborate buffets or gala dinners. A few Western or European restaurants also offer set menus with turkey, mulled wine, and desserts.
Reservations are essential, especially for Christmas Eve, and prices are higher than usual. Just keep in mind that this isn’t a Vietnamese tradition—you’re essentially joining an expat-style celebration. That said, for travelers missing home comforts, it can be a fun way to mark the holiday.
6. Christmas shopping & souvenirs
If you’re looking for gifts beyond tinsel and ornaments, Hanoi offers plenty of options. Popular choices include Vietnamese coffee, silk scarves, lacquerware, and other handicrafts that make meaningful presents to take home.
The city’s main shopping malls—Vincom, Lotte, and Trang Tien Plaza—go big with giant Christmas trees, festive displays, and seasonal promotions. They’re also a good option if you want a more comfortable shopping experience compared to the crowded Old Quarter.
For a full overview of the best malls, local markets, and practical tips on souvenirs, check out our guide to shopping in Hanoi.
7. Nightlife & Social Events
Christmas in Hanoi is also a social occasion, especially for younger people. Expat bars and beer streets like Ta Hien host themed parties, while clubs such as Savage or Hero Club put on Christmas events. Jazz bars like Polite & Co or Binh Minh’s Jazz Club are good alternatives if you prefer live music in a cozy setting.
The atmosphere is more about drinking, music, and socializing than family tradition. If you’re traveling solo, it’s one of the easiest times to meet other people and feel part of the festive buzz.
Weather in Hanoi at Christmas
Many visitors are surprised to find that Hanoi actually gets cold around Christmas. Vietnam might be a tropical country overall, but the north has a real winter season, and December is one of its chilliest months. Of course, there’s no snow, but the cool air, misty mornings, and bundled-up evenings give the city a touch of a more classic Christmas feeling.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 14–19 °C (57–66 °F), while nights can drop to 10–12 °C (50–54 °F). Because of the humidity and the fact that buildings aren’t equipped with central heating, it often feels colder than the numbers suggest. December is also one of the driest months of the year, with little rain but occasional fog, which adds to the cozy winter atmosphere.
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors in the evenings or attending midnight mass, bring a warm jacket, scarf, and extra layers. It’s not freezing by European standards, but it’s definitely not beach weather, and being prepared makes the experience far more comfortable.
Is Hanoi worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes — Hanoi is one of the most festive places in Vietnam to spend Christmas. You’ll see decorations everywhere: churches lit up with nativity scenes, hotels and shopping malls putting up giant Christmas trees, and streets around the Old Quarter glowing with lights. The cooler weather adds to the mood, giving the city a winter holiday feel that surprises many travelers.
That said, it’s not a traditional Vietnamese family holiday, so don’t expect the same cultural depth you’d find during Tet. The atmosphere is more about lights, crowds, and social gatherings than home celebrations. It can also feel very touristy at times, especially around St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Christmas Eve. Still, if you’re looking for lively streets, festive decorations, and a taste of holiday spirit while traveling, Hanoi is one of the best places in Vietnam to be.
Other Christmas destinations in Vietnam
While Hanoi is one of the best places to experience Christmas in Vietnam, there are other destinations that can give you very different holiday vibes:
- Sapa – If you want a true winter feel, head to the mountains. Sapa can be cold enough for frost at night, and many lodges have fireplaces, making it one of the coziest places to spend Christmas.
- Halong Bay – Spending Christmas on a cruise is a unique experience. Many boats put on festive dinners and you get to enjoy the holiday surrounded by stunning limestone islands.
- Phu Quoc – For a tropical twist, Phu Quoc offers warm weather, beach resorts, and Christmas dinners by the sea. December is one of the best months to visit Phu Quoc with very good beach weather here.
- Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s biggest city goes big with light displays, especially along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street. The atmosphere is more international, but expect heavy crowds and warmer, less “Christmas-like” weather. (Read more about: Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City)
Celebrating New Year in Hanoi
New Year’s Eve isn’t a traditional holiday in Vietnam — the real celebration is Tet, which takes place in late January or early February. Still, Hanoi has fully embraced the Western New Year, and the city puts on lively countdown events each December 31.
The main gathering point is around Hoan Kiem Lake, where walking streets fill with music, performances, and a massive crowd counting down to midnight. Fireworks are launched from central locations, and many bars and clubs across the city host special parties to ring in the new year.
If you’re staying in Hanoi after Christmas, it’s worth experiencing the festive atmosphere, even if it doesn’t carry the same cultural weight as Tet. For a detailed breakdown of events and tips, see our dedicated guide to New Year’s Eve in Hanoi.
