Where to go to spend an exceptional Christmas and unforgettable New Year in Hanoi? Whether you are with friends or family, here are our tips and suggestions for outings to fully experience the magic of the end of the year celebrations, even in a city far from home.

Classic Christmas at Hanoi Churches

One of the references that attract many Catholics and visitors to this occasion every year is the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, an important religious site and also a major tourist attraction in Hanoi. Remember to get there early on Christmas Eve, as the place will quickly get crowded.

Cathedral of Saint Joseph of Hanoi

In addition to the magical Christmas atmosphere in front of beautiful fir trees, you will have the opportunity to taste the dishes both varied and delicious while strolling through the gourmet streets, Au Trieu, Ly Quoc Su, Nha Tho, Nha Chung… These corners constitute a gastronomic crossroads not to be missed in the capital.

Hanoi churches that are also worth a visit:

Ham Long Church (21 Ham Long)

Cua Bac Church or Martyrs Church (56 Phan Dinh Phung)

Thinh Liet Church (Giap Bat Alley)

Phung Khoang Church (Thanh Xuan District)

The Church of Saint Mary (37 Hai Ba Trung)

Hang Bot Church (162 Ton Duc Thang)

Nam Dong Church (178 Nguyen Luong Bang).

Festive outings in high places of entertainment

Stores, hotels, shopping centres and amusement parks light up from the beginning of December to warmly welcome you to Hanoi. Adorned with their finest party decorations, the terraces of Royal City, Vincom and Ho Tay Water Park (West Lake) are, among other things, good choices for going out with your children during this special time. The illuminations and a wide choice of entertainment will appeal to young and old alike.

Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi

Do you fancy a place full of charm with your loved ones? There is a wide variety of renowned hotels to choose from to mark the wonderful Christmas evening and New Year’s Eve in Hanoi.

Good hotel addresses in Hanoi for an exceptional dinner:

Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi, Pan Pacific Hanoi, Hanoi Horison, Hotel de l'Opéra Hanoi - Mgallery, Mercure La Gare, Heritage, Bao Son, Daewoo, InterContinental Hanoi, Grand Plaza, Nikko, Melia Hanoi...

Christmas walk in the cultural heart of the capital

Hang Ma Street (votive paper), one of the most colourful in Hanoi as the holiday season approaches

Stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake dressed in holiday decorations and feast on the special atmosphere at the Christmas markets in Hang Ma, Luong Van Can and other pedestrian streets in the Old Quarter. Is this your first Christmas in Hanoi and maybe in Asia? It would even be more delightful than expected.

Christmas on a terrace with stunning views over the heart of Hanoi

Avalon cafe & Lounge

There is nothing like savouring a good cocktail and sharing a cosy atmosphere with your friends at one of the cafes in the old quarter of Hanoi while admiring the flagship of the capital, Hoan Kiem Lake (Restored sword). This lake will be beautifully illuminated on the threshold of the new year. There is something here for every taste.

Here are the top 7 cafes in Hanoi with breath-taking views of Hoan Kiem Lake:

Dinh cafe, 13 Dinh Tien Hoang

Highland Cafe, 5 Dinh Tien Hoang

Cafe Luc Thuy, 16 Le Thai To

Cafe Hanoi Time, 39 Dinh Tien Hoang

The cafe floor, 9A Hang Khay

Avalon cafe & Lounge, 73 Cau Go

Cafe Thuy Ta, 1 Le Thai To

    >> Read more: Top 7 Best Cafés in Hanoi for Travellers

New Year’s Eve: Countdown to New Years in Hanoi

Share the special New Year's Eve moment with the people of the capital by joining the countdown scheduled at Hang Day Stadium.

Heineken Countdown Party, an exceptional annual party for revellers

Address 9, Trinh Hoai Duc, Cat Linh, Dong Da, Hanoi

In another big city in the South, if you will be in Saigon to celebrate the New Year, here is our selection of evenings to memorize for your first New Year's Eve in Ho Chi Minh City.

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