Christmas is approaching and Hanoi is filled with a warm and festive mood. Even though Christmas is not an official holiday in Vietnam, many Vietnamese people, especially the young ones, are eager to join the celebration.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a wonderful destination for tourists who want to enjoy Christmas. The weather in Hanoi at this time is cool, dry, and crisp. It is perfect for walking around and feeling the holiday spirit. From early December, the whole city is adorned with sparkling Christmas patterns and decorations that make you feel welcome. If you are in Hanoi during Christmas, you will have a great time. Here are some suggestions from Vietnam Travel for the best places to celebrate Christmas in Hanoi.
1. St. Joseph’s Cathedral
This is the oldest and most splendid church in Hanoi, where thousands of people gather to celebrate Christmas. The church is decorated with a large Christmas tree and many sparkling lights, creating a cozy and joyful atmosphere. You can join the mass, listen to the choir, or just admire the beauty of the cathedral.
Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
2. Hang Ma Street
This is a lively and colorful street in the heart of the Old Quarter, where you can find a variety of ornaments and decorations for Christmas. You can shop for souvenirs, enjoy the street food, or take photos with the festive displays.
Address: Hang Ma Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
3. Hoan Kiem Lake
This is the iconic and scenic lake in the center of Hanoi, where you can enjoy a romantic and peaceful walk around the water. The lake is surrounded by many landmarks, such as the Turtle Tower, the Ngoc Son Temple, and the The Huc Bridge, which are illuminated with lights and lanterns. You can also watch the water puppet show, a traditional art form of Vietnam.
4. Cua Bac Church
This is a beautiful and historic church in the Ba Dinh District, where you can find a festive German Christmas Market during the holiday season. The market has many charming stalls selling Christmas food and handicrafts, such as gingerbread, mulled wine, and candles. The highlight here is a Christmas concert performed by the National Symphony Orchestra and local choirs.
Address: 56 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
5. Ham Long Church
This is a cozy and elegant church in the Hoan Kiem District, where you can enjoy a more intimate and serene celebration of Christmas. The church is decorated with a simple but elegant Christmas tree, and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can join the mass, listen to the carols, or light a candle for your wishes.
Address: 21 Ham Long Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
6. Shopping Malls
If you are looking for a more modern and luxurious way to celebrate Christmas, you can visit some of the shopping malls in Hanoi, such as Vincom Center, Lotte Center, or Aeon Mall. These malls are decorated with impressive and extravagant Christmas themes, such as snowmen, reindeer, and Santa Claus. You can shop for gifts, enjoy the entertainment, or dine at the restaurants
Vincom Center: No 191 Ba Trieu Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Aeon Mall Long Bien: No 27 Co Linh Street, Long Bien District, Ha Noi
7. Hanoi Opera House
If you are looking for a more cultural and artistic way to celebrate Christmas, you can visit the Hanoi Opera House, a stunning and historic building in the French Quarter. The opera house hosts many performances and concerts during the holiday season, such as ballet, opera, and symphony. You can enjoy the show, admire the architecture, or dress up for the occasion.
Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
8. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
If you are looking for a more unique and fun way to celebrate Christmas, you can visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a famous and traditional theater in Hanoi. The theater showcases the water puppet show, a folk art form that depicts the stories and legends of Vietnam. You can watch the puppets, listen to the music, or laugh at the jokes.
Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
9. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
If you are looking for a more lavish and extravagant way to celebrate Christmas, you can visit the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a legendary and luxurious hotel in the French Quarter. The hotel offers a variety of Christmas packages and events, such as buffet, gala, party, and spa. You can indulge in the food, drink, and service, or pamper yourself with the treatments.
Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
10. West Lake
If you are looking for a more relaxing and tranquil way to celebrate Christmas, you can visit the West Lake, the largest and most beautiful lake in Hanoi. The lake is surrounded by many temples, pagodas, and villas, which are decorated with lights and flowers. You can rent a bike, a boat, or a swan pedal to explore the lake, or enjoy the sunset and the breeze.
I hope you like the suggestions I have given you for the best places to spend Christmas in Hanoi.
Additionally, we have some possible options for your holiday are:
7-day tour package to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024 in North Vietnam
