The chill of winter in Hanoi is gradually giving way to the warmth of spring, with the arrival of soft sunlight heralding this year's Lunar New Year, or Tet. The unique atmosphere of Tet permeates even the narrowest lanes in Hanoi. Residents rush to finish last-minute tasks before the old year closes and prepare for the new Year of the Dragon. The streets teem with traffic, vibrant red banners adorn roadways, and vendors offer an array of bonsai and flowers on the sidewalks. Everywhere, people carry branches of peach blossoms or small kumquat trees, enriching the festival's lively ambiance.
Today is the 23rd of December on the Lunar Calendar, marking a significant day when Vietnamese families
worship the Kitchen Gods and release goldfish into lakes and rivers as offerings for the deities.
Expats in Hanoi need not worry about missing out on Tet festivities, as the most exciting parts of the holiday await your exploration. Beyond traditional practices, this article highlights six notable events occurring this month:
1. Spring Fair 2025
The annual Spring Fair returns to Hanoi from January 12 to January 21, 2025. This year's event features over 600 domestic and international companies showcasing a wide range of products, including food, beverages, apparel, furniture, bonsai, flowers, electronics, and more. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of art and music performances, blending traditional and contemporary styles, alongside traditional Vietnamese culinary offerings.
Location: Giang Vo Exhibition and Fair Center, 148 Giang Vo Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
2. Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
To ring in Tet 2025,
Metropole will present its exclusive "Spices Garden Tet Delicacies" from January 12 to 23. Guests can indulge in exquisite meals crafted by the renowned chef Nguyen Thanh Hai of Metropole. In addition to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, the hotel will serve innovative dishes like blue prawns dressed for the occasion and roasted venison fillet.
Location: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Phone: (024) 3 826 699
3. Fireworks Shows
This Tet holiday, Hanoi is set to host spectacular fireworks displays across 29 locations throughout the city. Among the most prominent sites are Hoan Kiem Lake, Thong Nhat Park, Nguyen Hoang Ton Garden (West Lake), and Van Quan Lake. Fireworks will illuminate the skies in six districts and 19 suburban areas.
4. Spring Celebrations at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Enjoying Spring Program will take place from January 2 to 29, 2025, at the
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This event features outdoor activities and games such as ground artillery, swinging, tug-of-war, and traditional board games. Attendees can also enjoy folk music performances, engage in traditional dress photos, and participate in calligraphy writing and sculpture crafting guided by experts.
5. Free Golf at Park Lane
Although golf isn't traditionally associated with Tet, it offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday. To mark its opening, Park Lane is running an exclusive campaign that allows guests to practice golf free of charge from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday to Friday, until February 8, 2025.
Location: Dich Vong Park, Tran Thai Tong Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
6. Music Space No. 10
Celebrating Tet in Hanoi, the special music show "Music Space No. 10" will feature My Tam, one of Vietnam's most celebrated pop singers, recognized as a national diva. She will perform beloved hits like “Giấc mơ mùa thu” and “Tạm biệt chim én.” Joining her on stage will be Ha Okio, a talented young rapper known for contributing to acclaimed Vietnamese film soundtracks, including “Bẫy Rồng” (Dragon Trap).
Ticket Booking: To reserve tickets, please call: 094 777 7818 | 093 915 3688 or (024) 3 734 9461.
