A guide to Christmas in Hanoi 2011

Christmas is coming to town in Hanoi, along with truly freezing weather Hanoians are expecting for their winter season.

Christmas is coming to town in Hanoi, accompanied by the chilly weather that Hanoians anticipate every winter season. Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Vietnam, it has become a popular occasion for locals to hit the streets and soak up the festive atmosphere, particularly in recent years as the economy aligns more closely with international trends. This celebrates the blending of Western and Eastern cultures and reflects the growing internationalization of Vietnamese society.

Fortunately for foreigners and expats in Hanoi, major Christmas events are hosted not just at grand churches but also by various organizations and entertainment venues. Below is a list of exciting events happening in Hanoi this Christmas (note this guide will be updated regularly, so bookmark this page to stay informed):

16 DECEMBER

Aussie Xmas Bash at The American Club (19-21 Hai Ba Trung)

Join a lively night filled with Christmas spirit and live music featuring bands like Always, Zamina, and DJ Vaughn. Entrance fee is VND 200,000 (approximately USD 8.5) for members (AusCham, Dragons, Swans, and VGAC) and VND 250,000 (approximately USD 10.6) for non-members, which includes one free drink, photos with Santa, Christmas cakes, and a selection of food. This event is hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce, KOTO, the Vietnamese Graduates from Australia Club, Hanoi Dragons RUFC, Synergy Music Production, and the Vietnam Swans.

See the full poster of Aussie Xmas Bash here.

17 & 21 DECEMBER

Gingerbread House Workshop at Hanoi Cooking Center (44 Chau Long)

A wonderful opportunity for your child this Christmas in Hanoi is to participate in a gingerbread house-making workshop, which promises fun and laughter. The Hanoi Cooking Center is holding a short gingerbread house class filled with the warmth of the holiday season.

The cost is VND 450,000 for your child to participate and VND 250,000 for a take-home kit.

19 DECEMBER

Christmas Concert at Hanoi Opera House (1 Trang Tien)

On December 19th, the Hanoi Opera House will host a Christmas concert featuring beloved pieces from composers like Mozart, Chopin, and Verdi, among others.

Tickets can be purchased via email at ticketvn@gmail.com or directly at the Opera House, starting from VND 200,000 (approximately USD 8.5).

Read more about the Christmas Concert at Hanoi Opera House.

23 DECEMBER

Red & White Christmas Party at Handi Resco Tower (521 Kim Ma Street)

A spectacular Christmas party organized by the Event Club in collaboration with other student organizations at RMIT University Hanoi. The event promises a unique and intimate Christmas night, featuring a romantic party atmosphere.

Organized by the RMIT University students' club.

Read more about the Red and White Christmas Party at RMIT.

24 DECEMBER

Blue Dragon Fundraising BBQ (Garden Mall and Sky Cafe)

The Garden Shopping Center and Sky Cafe will host a BBQ fundraiser to support the Blue Dragon charity foundation. Proceeds will benefit street children and disadvantaged youth, allowing them to receive education and training opportunities.

Make sure to attend!

24 & 25 DECEMBER

Purple Christmas Dinner with Brazilian Cuisines at Au Lac Do Brazil (6A Cao Ba Quat)

Au Lac Do Brazil will offer a special dinner featuring authentic Churrasco and lively Bossa Nova music on December 24th and 25th. Dinner prices are VND 1,200,000 ++ for adults and VND 800,000 ++ for children on Christmas Eve, while prices for Christmas Day will be VND 900,000 ++ for adults and VND 500,000 ++ for children.

Both locations at 6A Cao Ba Quat in Hanoi and in Phu My Hung in Ho Chi Minh City will celebrate the Purple Christmas party.

Are you organizing a Christmas event in Hanoi? Share your events with us! Our email is: editors@vietnamonline.com and we appreciate all your contributions!