Guide to celebrating Christmas in Hanoi: What to do and where to go

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There are many beautiful places to enjoy Christmas in Hanoi waiting for you to explore (Source: Collected)

Christmas in Hanoi is a highly anticipated holiday in December. During this time, many entertainment venues in Hanoi are brightly decorated with Christmas trees, reindeer, and sparkling lights. If you are planning to visit Hanoi during this Christmas season, be sure to make a note of the following exciting spots to have memorable experiences with friends and loved ones on your Vietnam travel.

1. A glance at Christmas in Hanoi Vietnam

Although Christmas is known as a Western holiday, now it has become familiar to Vietnamese people. In the chilly winter weather, from the streets of Hanoi to shopping centers, amusement parks, and even high-rise buildings, everywhere is decorated with Christmas trees, Santa Claus sleighs, and colorful gift boxes to create a joyful atmosphere. On Christmas Day in Hanoi, thousands of people go out into the streets to enjoy the lively festival atmosphere. No longer rushed and busy like normal days, Vietnam capital welcomes Christmas with warmth.

Have fun in Hanoi Old Quarter during Christmas (Source: Collected)

>>> Check out this guide for Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City also!

2. Where to enjoy Christmas in Hanoi: 8 must-visit places

Christmas in Hanoi is an occasion for families and young people to go out and enjoy the atmosphere of this special holiday. Here is a list of the most attractive destinations that you can consider:

2.1. Hanoi Old Quarter

Talking about must-visit places to go for Christmas in Hanoi, Hanoi Old Quarter has to be mentioned. During this time, the Old Quarter is adorned with various beautiful decorations, such as Santa Claus costumes, Christmas trees, reindeer stickers, decorative items, and string lights. This is an ideal location often chosen by young people to take sparkling photos. Additionally, it is a place where tourists can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and choose meaningful gifts for their friends and family on this special day.

2.2. The walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake

The walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are always a place that attracts young people on any holiday. On Christmas Eve, it becomes even more enchanting as it is adorned with sparkling lights and beautiful models. You can leisurely stroll along the walking streets, visit the night market with its unique items, and participate in activities organized for Christmas in Hanoi. This is also a romantic place for couples who want to spend Christmas night together.

You can participate in many activities organized for Christmas in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

2.3. Shopping malls in Hanoi

Another suggestion for places to have fun during Christmas in Hanoi are shopping malls. About half a month before Christmas, these malls begin to decorate their premises with giant, intricate, and beautiful Christmas trees and Santa Claus models. Visiting these malls during Christmas, besides strolling around and taking photos, tourists can also indulge in shopping, dining, and enjoying end-of-year mega promotional events. Some shopping malls that tourists may consider include Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh, Vincom Center Ba Trieu, Aeon Mall Long Bien, Lotte Center Hanoi, Trang Tien Plaza, etc.

>>> Unveil the paradises of Hanoi shopping streets!

2.4. St. Joseph’s Cathedral – The best place to enjoy Christmas Eve in Hanoi

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a 120-year-old Roman Catholic Cathedral built in the neo-Gothic style. It serves not only as a place for religious activities but also as a familiar gathering spot for the young during the Christmas season. At this time, the cathedral is often adorned with numerous Christmas trees, dazzling lights, and beautiful decorations to welcome the important Catholic holiday. At Christmas in Hanoi, both religious and non-religious individuals come here to participate in various enjoyable activities, such as cultural performances and hymn singing.

Visitors often visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral to take photographs on Christmas Eve (Source: Collected)

2.5. Ham Long Cathedral

Besides St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ham Long Cathedral is also one of the most beloved places to enjoy Christmas in Hanoi. This cathedral was designed and completed in 1934. It has a large space and motifs decorated with ropes that reflect both antiquity and modernity. During Christmas, the two church facades sparkle and shine in the lights, attracting many young people to take photos and participate in many exciting activities. This destination will undoubtedly bring you memorable experiences on your Hanoi itinerary.

>>> Learn more about Vietnamese Christmas decorations and where to buy them!

2.6. North Gate Cathedral

North Gate Cathedral, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Hanoi, was constructed in the North Gate area of Thang Long from 1931 to 1932. It was designed by a French priest/architect in a rectangular shape that combined Asian and European architectural styles. On its grounds, elaborate miniature scenes of Jesus’ birth are decorated, creating a sense of peace for visitors when entering. This promises to be a perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Hanoi with your loved ones. Moreover, at North Gate Cathedral, a German Christmas Market is organized to offer handmade gifts and musical performances for the locals, so that people can learn and appreciate the traditions of other cultures.

The church grounds are decorated with scenes of the birth of Jesus (Source: Collected)

2.7. VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium – An exciting place to spend Christmas in Hanoi

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium are undoubtedly must-mention places on the list of ideal Christmas destinations in Hanoi. At Vinpearl Aquarium Times City, you can immerse yourself in the ocean world to admire thousands of aquatic creatures gathered from all five continents. Not only that, you can also enjoy the mermaid show and watch unique fish-feeding activities.

Next to the aquarium, VinKE is a place that enhances children’s skills with career-oriented games, such as the police station, fire station, hospital, post office, and more. Additionally, VinKE has a modern game zone with fun activities like bumper cars, a mirror maze, 5D cinemas, etc. This promises to be where the whole family can enjoy refreshing moments during Christmas.

Experience many interesting activities at VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium

>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to enjoy many benefits for your upcoming fun journey!

2.8. VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park

VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park is one of the most exciting Christmas destinations in Hanoi. It is a brand new amusement complex located in the eastern part of the capital, featuring two distinct areas: VinWonders Wave Park and VinWonders Water Park.

At VinWonders Wave Park, besides immersing yourself in the largest saltwater lake in Asia and an artificial beach, you can also try many exciting water games. At VinWonders Water Park, you can take a refreshing swim, cool off in the four-season swimming pools, participate in numerous activities, join exciting events, and watch music performances.

VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park is a lively destination with a variety of exciting water activities

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to add more memorable experiences to your Christmas this year!

3. Ideal places to enjoy a Christmas dinner in Hanoi

3.1. Luxury restaurants

Christmas is a special occasion for gathering and celebrating with loved ones, so having a sumptuous dinner is a must. Here are some restaurants where you can enjoy a Christmas dinner with your loved ones:

• The Gourmet Corner: This restaurant has a spacious and luxurious space with mostly glass walls, making it a suitable place to enjoy the food while admiring the scenery. The dishes here are prepared by professional chefs, ensuring they satisfy even the most demanding guests.
• Al Fresco’s: With a diverse menu, the dishes here are prepared by professional chefs using authentic recipes, leaving a delightful impression on diners. Al Fresco’s also excels in arranging, decorating, and creating a warm, creative yet luxurious, sophisticated space.
• Jacksons Steakhouse: The European-style decor of Jacksons Steakhouse is perfect for an intimate Christmas party. In addition to its elegant ambiance, Jacksons Steakhouse offers fine dining in Hanoi with dishes such as lamb chops, beefsteaks, wine, and various seafood soups.
• Moo Beef Steak: This European restaurant for Christmas in Hanoi pays great attention to the decor, so on this occasion, you will be immersed in sparkling lights and a Christmas atmosphere. While the menu is not as diverse, the quality of the beefsteak is impeccable.

The luxurious and sophisticated space at Al Fresco’s (Source: Collected)

3.2. Local eateries

Besides having a sumptuous and luxurious dinner with your family, you can also savor delicious Hanoi cuisine in the vibrant streets. This will undoubtedly be an exciting experience for you to celebrate Christmas in Hanoi. Some dishes you should savor include bun cha, pho, nem chua, banh mi, spring rolls, dried beef salad, or hotpot.

>>> Read more: Hanoi street food tour: Explore some exquisite specialties

4. Useful tips when celebrating Christmas in Hanoi

To make your Christmas Day joyful and safe, before going out for Christmas in Hanoi, you should consider the following:

• Wear warm clothing: Hanoi weather in December is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from from 10°C to 23°C, and it can drop significantly at night. Therefore, if you are going out for Christmas Eve, you need to wear warm clothes to ensure your health.
• Find parking spots: Christmas often comes with traffic jams due to the large number of people going out to celebrate. To be able to take a closer look at the scenery or take satisfactory photos, you should park your motorbike somewhere nearby and stroll around on foot, especially in the Old Quarter.
• Don’t wear too much jewelry: Wearing a lot of jewelry can attract attention and make you a target for theft. Due to the crowded situation, you may get your items snatched, and it is very difficult to catch the culprit in this situation.
• Choose flat shoes or sneakers: For girls, Christmas is an opportunity to wear stylish outfits. However, to avoid discomfort from extensive walking, you should not wear high heels. Instead, flat shoes or sneakers are an ideal choice for a more comfortable experience.

Note these tips to make your Christmas Day joyful and safe (Source: Collected)

The Christmas season is approaching, bringing the lively and festive atmosphere of the year-end celebrations. Above are some beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly fun entertainment spots for Christmas in Hanoi that you can consider. So, invite your friends and family, explore Christmas in Hanoi, and enjoy unforgettable moments together.