Places to spend your Christmas in Hanoi

Santa Claus is coming to town and every corner of Hanoi is filled with cozy atmosphere of Christmas. Though Christmas is not an official holiday in Vietnam, the Vietnamese, especially the young are very excited about celebrating this event.

Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam is a nice destination for visitors to celebrate Christmas when the weather is chilly, cold and dry, perfect for strolling around and enjoy the festive atmosphere. From the beginning of December, the whole city is decorated with sparkling Christmas’ patterns and decorations which make you feel like home. If you are in Hanoi during this holiday, you can totally have fun for Christmas. Here are Vietnam Travel’s suggestions to the best places to spend your Christmas in Hanoi.

Places to celebrate Christmas in Hanoi

1. St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral (as known as Nha Tho Lon in Vietnamese) is a Roman Catholic neo- gothic style cathedral which was built about 120 years ago. This is the oldest church in Hanoi to hold the religious activities of the parishioners. On the Christmas occasion, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is always the most splendid and crowded place when thousands of Christian people and the local gather here to celebrate Christmas. Before Christmas’s Eve several weeks, the church has been decorated with many Christmas trees, splendid lights and colorful ornaments both inside and outside. St. Joseph’s Cathedral will conduct mass from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day. Note that it will be very crowded here, so it’s better to arrive early and take care of your belongings.

Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

2. Hang Ma Street

Located in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, Hang Ma Street is always well-known for selling a variety of ornaments in special events such as International Children’s Day, Mid-Autumn, New Year, Tet Holiday and Christmas occasion is not an exception. On these days, Hang Ma Street is dressed up a bustling and vibrant atmosphere from the flocks of people visiting and shopping. It is very sparkling and colorful with abundance lights and ornaments for Christmas. Everything you need to decorate your Christmas tree, your home as well as gifts and greeting cards are easily found here with reasonable price. Young people also often come here to take beautiful Christmas photos.

Address: Hang Ma Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

3. Around Hoan Kiem Lake

When Christmas comes, the festive environment around Hoan Kiem Lake (or Sword Lake) with glittering lights and twinkling ornaments will delight all travelers. Hoan Kiem Lake seems to magically turns into a sparkling pearl at nights during the event. Wandering around the lake you can easily catch sight of hand in hand lovers, children wearing Santa Claus clothes, or the night market with colorful items. It is highly suggested to visit a small coffee shop, order a cup of hot egg coffee and enjoy the chilly yet bustling atmosphere of Christmas in Hanoi.

4. Cua Bac Church

Built by the French in 1932, Cua Bac is a Roman Catholic church with beautiful architecture and rich history. This is also another perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Hanoi with your dearest ones. Besides, the German Christmas Market is organized at Cua Bac Church, offering handicraft gifts and musical performances to local people. It is a great chance for Hanoians to understand about a different culture during this festival. The fair first started in 2017 and received positive attention from many people so the organizers decided to continue this new tradition.

Address: 56 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

5. Ham Long Church

Ham Long Church is not as famous to foreign tourists as St. Joseph’s Cathedral but it is still an interesting destination to celebrate Christmas in Hanoi thanks to its appealing architectural design and dazzling and sophisticated decorations. Especially, for those who want to have a local experience during Christmas, Ham Long Church is much more fitted.

Address: 21 Ham Long Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

6. Enjoy Christmas dinner at high-end hotels in Hanoi

If you are not a fan of the bustling and excited public places, celebrating Christmas with your loved ones in an elegant dinner setting at hotel is a great choice. On Christmas occasion, high-end hotels often offer the fancy buffet party, menu dinner along with music performance.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Meliá Hanoi, Pan Pacific Hanoi, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake … are some prominent names for your choices. From the excellent service, never-setting menus, special meals for Christmas to well-decorated interior and exterior, you pamper yourself into the cozy and sumptuous atmosphere in one of the most luxury hotels in Hanoi.