December is one of the busiest months of the year for events in Vietnam. The country moves into the year-end holiday season with Christmas celebrations, cultural festivals, flower displays, sporting events and New Year activities.
December is also one of the best months to explore different parts of Vietnam because the weather changes dramatically from north to south. Hanoi and northern Vietnam are usually cooler and drier, while southern Vietnam is warmer and increasingly dry. Central Vietnam can still be wet, particularly around Hoi An and Hue.
This guide focuses on the December events that are most useful and interesting for travelers, including confirmed events, major recurring celebrations and large activities that continue into December from November.
If you are still deciding when to visit, start with our Best Time to Visit Vietnam Guide and then check the regional weather before booking your route.
Best Vietnam Events in December 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoi An International Lantern Festival | December 3–6 | Hoi An | First-ever international lantern festival, installations along the Hoai River |
| Vietnam National Games 2026 | Until December 12 | Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam | Large-scale national sporting event |
| Da Nang Christmas Market | December 4–6 | Da Nang | Food, shopping, crafts and Christmas entertainment |
| Christmas celebrations | December 24–25 | Major cities nationwide | Lights, church services, restaurants and festive atmosphere |
| Hoi An Full-Moon Lantern Night | December 22 | Hoi An | Lanterns, traditional culture and evening atmosphere |
| New Year’s Eve celebrations | December 31 | Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and other cities | Countdowns, concerts and fireworks |
| Da Lat Flower Festival | December 2026 | Da Lat | Flowers, exhibitions and cultural activities |
Da Nang Christmas Market 2026
Date: December 4–6, 2026
Location: Ariyana Convention Centre Da Nang
Type: Christmas market, food, shopping and entertainment
The Da Nang Christmas Market 2026 is one of the clearest confirmed December events for travelers looking for a Christmas atmosphere in Vietnam.
The official Da Nang tourism calendar lists the market for December 4–6, 2026 at the Ariyana Convention Centre.
The event is planned around food stalls, Christmas gifts, handicrafts and entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for both local residents and visitors.
For travelers, the main advantage is its location. Da Nang is already one of Vietnam’s easiest destinations for an international holiday, with beaches, restaurants, resorts and convenient access to Hoi An.
Why Visit?
- Experience Christmas in a tropical Vietnamese city.
- Try food from local and international vendors.
- Shop for gifts and handicrafts.
- Enjoy Christmas-themed entertainment.
- Combine the event with a beach holiday in Da Nang.
If you are visiting Da Nang for the first time, see our Da Nang to Hoi An Guide for an easy side trip to the Ancient Town.
For accommodation planning, our Best Places to Visit in Vietnam Guide can help you build a wider itinerary.
Christmas in Vietnam
Date: December 24–25, 2026
Location: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An and other cities
Type: Religious and cultural celebration
Christmas is not one of Vietnam’s traditional national holidays, but it has become a major seasonal celebration in the country’s large cities.
During the weeks before December 25, shopping streets, hotels, restaurants, cafés and public spaces are decorated with Christmas trees, lights and festive displays.
For travelers, the most interesting places to experience Christmas are usually the major city centers and Catholic churches.
Christmas in Hanoi
Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the area around St. Joseph’s Cathedral are among the most atmospheric places to visit around Christmas.
The city is usually cool in December, which makes an evening walk around the Old Quarter particularly pleasant.
Hanoi is also one of the best places to combine Christmas activities with museums, historic buildings, street food and traditional Vietnamese culture.
See our Hanoi Airport to City Center Guide if you are arriving in the capital for the holidays.
Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City offers a completely different Christmas atmosphere.
The central districts become heavily decorated, shopping centers create large Christmas installations and streets around major churches become particularly busy on Christmas Eve.
The city remains warm in December, so Christmas celebrations here feel much more tropical than in Hanoi.
If you are deciding between Vietnam’s two largest cities, compare them with our Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City Guide.
Christmas in Da Nang and Hoi An
Da Nang combines Christmas activities with its beach-resort atmosphere, while Hoi An adds its famous lantern-lit streets to the holiday season.
Christmas is therefore an interesting time to combine both destinations in one trip.
Keep in mind, however, that Central Vietnam can still experience rain in December.
Our Vietnam Weather by Month Guide explains the regional differences.
Hoi An Lantern Night in December
Date: December 22, 2026
Location: Hoi An Ancient Town
Type: Recurring cultural event
Hoi An’s monthly full-moon lantern celebration is one of the easiest cultural experiences to add to a December itinerary.
During the evening, the Ancient Town becomes especially atmospheric as traditional lanterns dominate the streets and the area around the Thu Bon River.
Visitors can expect traditional performances, lantern displays and riverside activities, although the exact programme can vary from month to month.
This is not a special one-off December festival, but it is worth planning around if you want to experience Hoi An at its most atmospheric.
Weather is the main consideration. December falls within the wetter part of the year in Central Vietnam, so heavy rain can affect outdoor activities.
If you are staying in Da Nang, you can easily make Hoi An a day or evening trip. See our Da Nang vs Hoi An Comparison if you are deciding where to stay.
Da Lat Flower Festival 2026
Date: December 2026
Location: Da Lat
Type: Flower, cultural and tourism festival
The Da Lat Flower Festival is one of Vietnam’s best-known seasonal events and is traditionally held every two years.
The festival turns Da Lat into a huge celebration of flowers, landscaping, horticulture, art and local culture.
Typical festival activities include flower displays, exhibitions, cultural performances, music programmes, decorative installations and events around Xuan Huong Lake and the city center.
Vietnam Airlines also lists the Da Lat Flower Festival as a major December event and notes that accommodation should be booked well in advance during the festival period.
However, travelers should check the final official 2026 programme before planning a trip specifically around an individual ceremony or performance.
Why Visit Da Lat in December?
- See extensive flower displays throughout the city.
- Enjoy Da Lat’s cool highland climate.
- Explore cafés, gardens and surrounding countryside.
- Combine the festival with waterfalls and mountain attractions.
- Experience one of Vietnam’s most distinctive seasonal tourism events.
Da Lat can become very busy during major festival periods, so booking accommodation and transport early is sensible.
If you are traveling from Nha Trang, our Nha Trang to Da Lat Guide explains the main transport options.
Vietnam National Games 2026
Date: November 20–December 12, 2026
Location: Ho Chi Minh City and other southern venues
Type: National multi-sport competition
The 2026 Vietnam National Games are another major event continuing into December.
The competition runs from November 20 through December 12 and includes 48 sports.
The event is centered on Ho Chi Minh City, with competitions also taking place in other southern locations.
For most international tourists, the National Games will not be a reason to plan an entire trip. However, if you are already staying in Ho Chi Minh City during early December, selected competitions can provide an opportunity to see Vietnamese athletes competing at national level.
The scale of the event also means that accommodation and local transport demand can be higher around major venues and competition dates.
For practical city transport, see our Grab Vietnam Guide.
New Year’s Eve in Vietnam
Date: December 31, 2026
Location: Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and other major destinations
Type: New Year celebration
Vietnam celebrates the Gregorian New Year on January 1, and the night of December 31 is one of the biggest nightlife events of the year.
Large cities normally organize concerts, countdown events, entertainment programmes and, depending on the official city programme, fireworks.
The biggest celebrations are usually concentrated around major central areas.
New Year’s Eve in Hanoi
Hanoi’s central districts become busy on New Year’s Eve, with people gathering around major public spaces for countdown activities.
The cooler December weather makes Hanoi particularly comfortable for spending the evening outdoors.
New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is usually one of the busiest places in Vietnam on December 31.
The central area around Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a major gathering point, while rooftop bars and hotels offer views over the city.
Expect significant crowds and heavy traffic around central districts.
New Year’s Eve in Da Nang
Da Nang has increasingly developed a year-end programme combining Christmas and New Year activities.
The city’s previous official New Year festivals have included public entertainment, food spaces, decorations and countdown activities around the Han River and Dragon Bridge area.
The final 2026–27 programme should be checked closer to December because individual concerts, fireworks and public events can be announced later.
December 3–6: Hoi An International Lantern Festival
Date: December 3–6, 2026
Location: Hoai River square, Hoi An
Type: First-ever international lantern festival
Hoi An is holding its first-ever international lantern festival, named “Hoi An – Colours of Heritage,” from December 3 to 6, 2026, centered on the Hoai River square. The event was confirmed by mainstream Vietnamese press, including Tuoi Tre and Thanh Nien, in late July 2026.
Unlike the regular monthly full-moon lantern night, this is a dedicated multi-day festival with lantern installations that are expected to remain on display through Tet 2027, extending the atmosphere well beyond the four main festival days.
Tourist tip: If your trip falls in early December, this is a good reason to time a Hoi An visit for the first week of the month rather than waiting for the regular full-moon night later on December 22.
December Weather in Vietnam
December is one of the clearest examples of how different Vietnam’s regions can be.
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi and northern Vietnam are generally cooler and drier in December.
Evenings can feel surprisingly cool, particularly in the mountains.
This is a good time for walking tours, cultural sightseeing and exploring northern cities.
See our North Vietnam Travel Guide for destination ideas.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam can still be wet in December.
Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue may experience periods of heavy rain, so outdoor activities should remain flexible.
If your trip is centered around Central Vietnam, allow some spare time in your itinerary in case weather affects transportation or sightseeing.
Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam are generally warmer and increasingly dry in December.
This makes the south a strong choice for travelers looking for warmer weather during the Christmas and New Year period.
For a wider southern itinerary, see our South Vietnam Travel Guide.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in December
| Destination | Best December Experience | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Christmas, New Year and cultural sightseeing | Cool and relatively dry |
| Ha Long Bay | Scenic cruises and northern winter atmosphere | Cooler and generally drier |
| Da Nang | Christmas Market and year-end celebrations | Can be wet |
| Hoi An | Lantern nights and Christmas atmosphere | Wet and changeable |
| Da Lat | Flower Festival and highland scenery | Cool |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Christmas and New Year’s Eve | Warm and increasingly dry |
| Mekong Delta | Southern culture and year-end travel | Warm and generally drier |
Tips for Visiting Vietnam in December
- Book Christmas and New Year accommodation early: the last two weeks of December can be one of the busiest travel periods.
- Expect higher prices: hotels and resorts can charge more around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
- Check the weather by region: December does not mean the same weather across Vietnam.
- Pack layers for Hanoi and Da Lat: both destinations can feel cold in the evening.
- Carry rain protection in Central Vietnam: Hoi An and Da Nang can still have heavy rain.
- Expect crowds on December 31: city centers can become extremely busy.
- Book transport ahead: domestic flights and trains can become busy around the year-end holiday period.
- Use cash in smaller towns: local markets and small businesses may not accept international cards.
Our Vietnam Currency: Cash or Card Guide explains when you should carry Vietnamese cash.
If you are flying between destinations, our Vietnam Domestic Flights Guide explains what to expect when booking and taking domestic flights.
Vietnam Events in December 2026: Quick Calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| December 3–6 | Hoi An International Lantern Festival | Hoi An |
| Until December 12 | Vietnam National Games 2026 | Ho Chi Minh City and other southern venues |
| December 4–6 | Da Nang Christmas Market | Ariyana Convention Centre, Da Nang |
| December 22 | Hoi An Full-Moon Lantern Night | Hoi An |
| December 24–25 | Christmas celebrations | Major cities nationwide |
| December 2026 | Da Lat Flower Festival | Da Lat |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve celebrations | Major cities nationwide |
Which December Event Is Best for You?
Best for Christmas: Da Nang
Da Nang is one of the easiest places to combine a tropical beach holiday with Christmas activities.
The confirmed Christmas Market from December 4–6 is a particularly easy event to add to an existing trip.
Best for Flowers: Da Lat
Da Lat is the obvious choice if your main interest is flowers, gardens, photography and cool mountain weather.
Accommodation should be booked early if the official festival programme creates a major visitor peak.
Best for Lanterns: Hoi An
Hoi An remains the best choice for travelers who want a traditional lantern atmosphere.
The regular full-moon celebration provides a reliable cultural experience without requiring a special international festival.
Best for Warm Weather: Ho Chi Minh City
Southern Vietnam is the strongest option if you want warm weather during December.
Ho Chi Minh City also offers some of the country’s biggest Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Best for Cool Weather: Hanoi
Hanoi is ideal for travelers who prefer cooler temperatures and cultural sightseeing.
December is a particularly pleasant time for exploring the Old Quarter, museums and historical attractions during the daytime.
Bottom Line
December is one of the best months to experience Vietnam’s year-end atmosphere.
Da Nang has a confirmed Christmas Market from December 4–6, while Hoi An offers its regular lantern celebration and Da Lat remains one of the country’s major flower destinations.
Christmas itself brings festive decorations, church services, special menus and evening events to major cities, while December 31 is the biggest night of the month for countdown celebrations.
The Vietnam National Games also continue through December 12, giving sports fans an additional reason to check what’s happening in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern venues.
The most important thing to remember is the weather. Northern Vietnam is cool, southern Vietnam is warm, and Central Vietnam can still be wet.
If you are planning a December trip, use our Best Places to Visit in Vietnam Guide to choose the right destinations and then build your route around the events that interest you most.
Sources
- Da Nang Tourism — Event and Festival Calendar for the Second Half of 2026
- Da Nang Tourism — Top Events and Festivals from Mid-2026 to Early 2027
- Vietnam Tourism — Christmas in Vietnam
- Vietnam Tourism — Top Festivals and Holidays in Vietnam
- Vietnam Airlines — Festivals in Vietnam
- Vietnam.vn — Da Lat Festival Information
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