Christmas & New Year in Hoi An: Experiences You Should Try

If you’re visiting Hoi An in late December, you may be asking: Is Hoi An festive during Christmas and New Year? The answer is yes – in a quieter, more relaxed way. Instead of crowded events, the town focuses on atmosphere, food, and slow travel.

Below, we highlight the most worthwhile Christmas and New Year activities in Hoi An, from evening walks in the Old Town to seasonal dining and local year-end experiences.

Highlights of Christmas and New Year Events in Hoi An

The year-end festival season in Hoi An features numerous cultural, artistic, and community events that blend Eastern and Western influences, making it appealing to both domestic and international visitors.

Hoi An Lantern Festival – Held on the night of the 14th lunar month (January 2nd, 2026)

• Time: Approximately 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM on the 14th night of the lunar month
• Location: Hoi An Old Town, along the Hoai River and the night market
• Price: Free of charge
• Highlights: Lantern releases, street performances, and craft workshops

The Lantern Festival has long been considered the cultural soul of Hoi An. As night falls, modern electric lights are toned down, giving way to thousands of colorful lanterns that blanket the yellow walls and the waters of the Hoai River. During Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the festival is elevated with lantern designs inspired by Christmas and New Year festivities, creating an atmosphere that is both traditional and infused with a Western festive spirit.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An

• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, December 15, 2025
• Location: Lobby and fountain area of Wafaifo Resort Hoi An
• Price: Free for invited guests and resort guests
• Highlights: Cookies and mulled wine, Christmas tree lighting, and choir and violin performances

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Wafaifo embodies a warm and heartfelt Christmas spirit. In an elegantly decorated setting, visitors enjoy music, festive food, and take part in a charity fundraising activity that celebrates the value of sharing. The event concludes with a Dancing Fountain performance at the Wafaifo fountain area, creating a gentle and memorable Christmas atmosphere in Hoi An’s ancient town.

New Year’s Eve Countdown Festival 2026 in Da Nang

• Time: December 30, 2025 – January 3, 2026
• Location: East bank park of Dragon Bridge, Bach Dang pedestrian street, 24/3 Square, and other locations throughout the city
• Participation fee: Free of charge
• Highlights: Firework check-ins, a New Year’s Eve countdown, live art performances, and concerts

The Da Nang New Year’s Eve Festival 2026 kicked off in late December with vibrant art performances at the park on the east bank of the Dragon Bridge, where crowds gathered from early evening to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Throughout the event, the Cheer Fest food court (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM) became a popular stop for enjoying local food, casual conversations, and end-of-year moments. The highlight of the festival was the “Harmony of Shining Lights” countdown program starting at 9:00 PM on December 31st, when music, light, and shared moments came together to mark the transition into the new year.

Must-Try Experiences in Hoi An During Christmas

The end of the year is an ideal time to explore the nightlife and experience the unique culture of Hoi An.

Take a stroll through the old town as the lights come on

As dusk falls, Hoi An’s old town becomes more serene than ever. Lanterns cast soft shadows on the cobblestone streets, while the sound of slow footsteps and the faint scent of incense create a distinctive atmosphere. This is the perfect moment to experience Hoi An’s nightlife in a calm and reflective way.

Evening boat trip on the Hoai River

Sitting on a small wooden boat and gently drifting along the Hoai River illuminated by sparkling lanterns, visitors can easily feel the nostalgic and poetic beauty of Hoi An at night. The moment of releasing floating lanterns, carrying wishes for peace and prosperity in the new year, often leaves a lasting impression.

• Location: 136 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Participation fee: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per person

Visit traditional craft villages and explore local culture

Hoi An and its surrounding areas preserve many traditional craft villages with unique historical and cultural value. Short day trips allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of daily life and the essence of traditional crafts in Central Vietnam.

• Thanh Ha pottery village: Famous for its Thu Bon red clay pottery and hands-on pottery-making experiences.
• Cam Ne mat-making village: Closely linked to the region’s trading history, known for its technique of dyeing reeds before weaving.
• Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village: A craft village over 400 years old at the foot of the Marble Mountains, specialising in intricate stone carving.

Enjoy a cosy Christmas dinner at renowned restaurants

Christmas in Hoi An feels even more complete when it ends with a warm dinner in an atmosphere that matches the town’s unhurried pace. Whether you are looking for refined local cuisine, a festive holiday meal, or a creative culinary experience, Hoi An offers many options that nurture a sense of togetherness during the season.

• Xua & Nay Restaurant (Wafaifo Resort Hoi An): A modern bistro with a diverse menu highlighted by Josper charcoal-grilled dishes, along with a thoughtfully designed bar and dining space.
• Mango Mango Restaurant (near the Japanese Bridge): Creative fusion cuisine with stunning night views of the Japanese Bridge and the Hoai River.
• Mai Fish Restaurant: A cosy traditional house complemented by a lush garden at the back, specialising in Hoi An cuisine and classic Vietnamese dishes.

Xua & Nay restaurant at Wafaifo

Relax at charming cafés around the old town

Amid the slow rhythm of Hoi An during the festive season, cafés with their own distinct character become ideal places to pause and take in the atmosphere of the ancient town.

• Cocobana Café: A rustic, handcrafted space known for herbal teas and a tranquil meditation garden.
• Faifo Coffee (rooftop design): A rooftop café offering panoramic views of the old town’s tiled rooftops, perfect for watching sunsets and evening lanterns.

Relax by the temperature-controlled pool at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An

In the cool and pleasant weather of late December, the temperature-controlled swimming pool at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An offers a soothing retreat. Measuring 25m x 6m, the pool maintains a stable temperature through its heating and cooling system, allowing guests to enjoy a swim at any time of day. The spacious and vibrant pool area is an ideal place to recharge and enjoy a relaxing holiday during the festive season.

Enjoy a cosy movie night at the resort’s private cinema

The private cinema at Wafaifo, with a maximum capacity of eight guests, is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Its intimate setting and specially curated light menu make it a comfortable choice for chilly Christmas evenings spent watching popular films with family and friends.

Attend midnight Mass at local churches

Christmas in Hoi An carries a gentle spiritual atmosphere, making it a meaningful time for visitors seeking tranquillity and reflection.

• Hoi An Catholic Church: Elegant Gothic architecture, highlighted by the Midnight Mass on December 24th and community activities.
• Hoi An Protestant Church: A simple and welcoming space that hosts Christmas music nights and end-of-year charity events.

Important Notes When Travelling to Hoi An During the Christmas Season

As the holiday season attracts a large number of visitors, keeping a few important points in mind can help make your year-end trip with loved ones smoother and more enjoyable.

• Motorbikes are restricted in the Old Town during certain hours.
• Evenings can be slightly chilly, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket.
• It is recommended to book restaurants and festive activities in advance.
• Please maintain quiet and respectful behaviour in spiritual and heritage spaces.
• Avoid peak hours between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM if you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere.

Suggested Christmas Day Itinerary in Hoi An

A Christmas Day in Hoi An can feel calm yet emotionally fulfilling with a thoughtfully planned itinerary. Below is a suggested one-day plan for travellers who wish to experience the town at an unhurried and meaningful pace.

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to traditional craft villages on the outskirts of the city, where you can experience a rustic way of life and listen to stories of crafts passed down through generations. The peaceful surroundings and the warmth of local communities make Christmas morning feel especially intimate.
• Afternoon: Return to the Old Town and take time to stroll slowly through moss-covered streets, capturing festive moments as lanterns begin to glow. This is when Hoi An gradually reveals its tranquil and poetic charm.
• Evening: End the day with a cosy dinner at a favourite restaurant, followed by a boat ride along the Hoai River. Release floating lanterns and send gentle wishes for a peaceful and joyful new year.

Enjoy the Christmas Season to the Fullest at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An

Launched in September 2024, Wafaifo Resort Hoi An reflects the spirit and rhythm of Hoi An throughout the guest experience. From the resort, it is just a 10–15 minute walk to the softly festive atmosphere of the Old Town, before returning to a quiet and private retreat as the day comes to a close.

Wafaifo features 134 rooms and suites across various categories, from standard rooms to premium suites, with views overlooking Swim City’s central pool or lush garden spaces. Six on-site dining venues, highlighted by the Xua & Nay restaurant with its Josper charcoal grill, along with a sauna and fitness centre, offer a well-balanced holiday experience that combines relaxation and gentle activity during the festive season.

Book your stay at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An early to enjoy a relaxing, refined, and memorable Christmas and New Year in Hoi An.