When it comes to Christmas in Hue vs Hoi An, each city brings a completely different festive vibe to Central Vietnam. Hue is calm, traditional, and filled with sparkling churches and quiet riverside corners, while Hoi An lights up with lanterns, markets, and a lively holiday atmosphere perfect for photos and evening strolls. If you’re planning where to celebrate Christmas this year, here’s a friendly comparison to help you choose the city that matches your travel style.
What to Expect from Christmas in Hue
Christmas Atmosphere Across Hue City
Hue transforms during December. Streets such as Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, and Hung Vuong glow with colorful lights. Walking along these avenues, I noticed locals and tourists stopping to admire decorations and take photos. The festive spirit feels lively and inclusive. Hue’s Christmas atmosphere blends Western traditions with local culture, creating a truly vibrant experience for travelers.
Major Christmas Highlights in Hue
Church of the Saviour
One of Hue’s top Christmas destinations is the Church of the Saviour. Its basilica-style architecture and soaring bell tower make it an impressive landmark. The statue of Jesus with open arms greets visitors warmly. During Christmas, the grotto with the Virgin Mary and the Holy Family is decorated beautifully, creating a picturesque scene. Families gather here for photos, and parishioners attend services, making it a must-visit spot if you love festive traditions.
Phu Cam Cathedral
Phu Cam Cathedral combines modern design with classic holiday spirit. Its curved stone roof and elegant façade are captivating. During Christmas, the cathedral is illuminated with dazzling lights, attracting photographers and visitors alike. When I visited, the ambiance felt calm yet festive, perfect for evening walks and reflections on the holiday season.
Vincom Shopping Center
Vincom is Hue’s modern shopping hub and one of the first places to embrace the Christmas atmosphere. The giant Christmas tree, sparkling decorations, and small festive scenes make it perfect for photos. Live performances and interactive displays create a lively environment, and I spent a few hours wandering and enjoying the cheerful vibe.
Christmas Dining Highlights
During Christmas, many restaurants and cafes in Hue are beautifully decorated. You can enjoy festive dinners at places like Le Soleil de Hue (104/47 Kim Long Street), Le Cercle Hue (11 Le Loi Street), or Song Huong Floating Restaurant (3/2 Park – Le Loi Street). Expect a mix of traditional Hue cuisine and Western Christmas dishes – roast turkey, mulled wine, and seasonal desserts – served in cozy, atmospheric settings.
Western Street
Western Street in Hue, spanning Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An, Vo Thi Sau, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets, is lined with bars, cafes, and pubs. During Christmas, the area becomes lively with decorations, music, and street performances. I loved walking through at night to experience the energy and the mix of local and tourist celebrations.
Major Hotels
Many hotels, including Morin, Indochine Palace, and Muong Thanh, decorate their lobbies elaborately. Trees, Santa figures, and festive ornaments create excellent photo opportunities. I enjoyed stopping by multiple hotels to soak in the holiday atmosphere. Visiting these spots is free and offers a break from the bustling streets.
Who Should Celebrate Christmas in Hue?
Hue is perfect for travelers who enjoy urban holiday celebrations, historic churches, lively streets, and abundant photo opportunities. I personally recommend it for groups, families, or anyone seeking an energetic Christmas experience.
What to Expect from Christmas in Hoi An
Hoi An’s Holiday Atmosphere
Hoi An feels like a peaceful fairy tale during Christmas. The old town glows under colorful lanterns, streets are quiet, and the riverside reflects festive lights beautifully. Even if the weather is cooler or a bit rainy in December, the lanterns and cozy ambiance make it magical. Walking through the old town, I felt completely immersed in local traditions and holiday spirit.
Major Christmas Highlights in Hoi An
Christmas Buffet Highlights
Spending Christmas by the beach at Salt Pub is unforgettable. The buffet offers a festive menu, drinks, games, and even a visit from Santa. I remember watching the sunset while enjoying the food and listening to cheerful music. The calm waves and golden sky made the experience memorable.
Other popular spots include Lanterns Restaurant (Anantara Hoi An), The DeckHouse on An Bang Beach, and Red Bean at La Siesta Resort, offering Christmas buffets, seafood, grilled meats, and festive cakes. Evening riverside dinners or beachfront meals with live music make Christmas in Hoi An unforgettable.
Nativity Play and Mass at Ly Thuong Kiet Church
Hoi An hosts a nativity performance every year that combines music, storytelling, and cultural elements. Locals and tourists gather early to attend. I attended the evening performance and felt fully immersed in the holiday spirit. The church also holds Christmas morning masses for those attending English services.
Christmas in the Old Town
In the old town, you will see small decorated streets, gift stalls, and children dressed up for the holidays. Local families celebrate Christmas Eve with dinners, sometimes leaving shoes outside for small gifts. I enjoyed strolling through these streets, experiencing the soft glow of lanterns and the cheerful chatter of families.
Who Should Celebrate Christmas in Hoi An?
Hoi An is ideal for travelers seeking a calm, cultural, and scenic holiday. Families, couples, and those who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere will love it. I personally prefer Hoi An in the evenings when I want quiet beauty rather than bustling crowds.
Hue vs Hoi An: Side-by-Side Comparison for 2025
Atmosphere and Holiday Experience
Hue is bustling, bright, and energetic, whereas Hoi An is calm, lantern-lit, and cultural. Both are magical but appeal to different moods. Hue is perfect for energetic celebrations and photography. Hoi An is ideal for relaxed cultural exploration and romance.
Key Places and Celebrations
Hue’s highlights include churches, Vincom, Western Street, and decorated hotels. Hoi An offers nativity plays, beach buffets, and charming old-town streets. Your choice depends on whether you prefer urban excitement or serene charm.
Food, Events, and Nightlife
Hue features lively nightlife and festive hotel banquets. Hoi An offers seaside dinners, cultural performances, and a more intimate holiday experience. Spending an evening at Salt Pub in Hoi An provides a different kind of holiday warmth compared to Hue’s urban buzz.
Best Choice Based on Travel Style
Hue suits energetic, urban explorers and photographers. Hoi An suits cultural travelers, couples, and families looking for a peaceful, scenic Christmas. Both cities offer unforgettable experiences depending on your preferences.
Essential Tips for Spending Christmas in Hue or Hoi An
When to Visit
Early December is ideal for hotel decorations and lighter crowds. Churches get busy on Christmas Eve, so plan visits accordingly.
What to Prepare
Bring warm clothes for Hue and a light raincoat for Hoi An. Be ready to enjoy festive dinners, Midnight Mass, and local traditions.
Tips for Getting Around
Traveling between Hue and Hoi An is simple and flexible, with several options depending on your comfort and schedule. You can take a local bus for a budget-friendly ride, choose a limousine shuttle for more comfort, or book a private car for a smoother, faster, and fully customized journey.
For travelers who prefer convenience, Hura Cars offers reliable private transfers between the two cities. You can contact Hura Cars via WhatsApp at +84 934899900 to book your trip.
Must-See Spots for Photos
Hue offers Phu Cam Cathedral, Vincom, and Western Street. Hoi An offers lantern-lit streets and An Bang Beach. Children often leave shoes outside for small gifts, a charming local tradition.
Hue is energetic, bright, and full of festive celebrations. Hoi An is calm, cultural, and lantern-lit. I love both, and your choice depends on whether you prefer lively streets or quiet charm.
For planning your Hoi An trip, check out this helpful guide for Hoi An adventures.
New Year’s Eve in Vietnam
When to Celebrate
The Gregorian New Year is celebrated on December 31st, marking the transition into the new year. While Tet is deeply traditional and family-focused, New Year’s Eve is more modern, offering lively public celebrations across the country.
Ways to Enjoy New Year’s Eve
Join a Countdown Event
Major cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Long Bay host countdown parties with music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great way to join locals and travelers for a fun and energetic evening.
Watch Fireworks
At midnight, many cities set off fireworks displays that light up the skyline. Popular spots include waterfronts, city squares, and rooftop bars. Arriving early helps you secure the best view.
Attend a Live Concert
Some cities organize concerts featuring popular Vietnamese artists. These shows add excitement to the evening and create a festive vibe that’s perfect for celebrating with friends or family.
Enjoy a Gala Dinner
Hotels and resorts often host gala dinners with buffets, live performances, and festive decorations. For a special experience, you can also celebrate on a cruise in Ha Long Bay or at beachside resorts in Da Nang.
Top Destinations for New Year’s Eve
- Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter host vibrant countdowns and fireworks.
- Ha Long Bay: Cruises offer a unique way to celebrate with music and a sunrise view.
- Hue: Perfume River area, city squares, and hotels offer a warm and charming celebration with fireworks, music, and festive dining.
- Da Nang: Dragon Bridge fireworks and riverside events attract crowds every year.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the city’s festive hub with lively decorations and parties.
Check out more top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Vietnam.
Even if the Gregorian New Year is more modern than Tet, it provides a fun and memorable way to experience Vietnam’s festive spirit while exploring its cities.