7 Must-See Year-End Festivals in Vietnam 2025

23 Dec

New Year in Vietnam: 7 Must-See Year-End Festivals 2025

Welcoming the New Year in Vietnam is a vibrant and unforgettable experience filled with music, lights, and festive energy. As the year comes to an end, cities across the country transform with exciting year-end festivals, countdown parties, and cultural celebrations. From lively streets to riverside stages, Vietnam offers many ways to celebrate the arrival of a new year.

Whether you prefer a modern countdown party, traditional cultural events, or scenic celebrations by the river, Vietnam has something for every travel style. In this guide, Prime Travel will uncover 7 must-see year-end festivals in Vietnam for 2025, helping foreign visitors and holiday travelers plan the perfect New Year getaway.

Hanoi Countdown Party 2025 – The Biggest Year-End Celebration in Northern Vietnam

Event details:

Date: December 31, 2025
Time: From 9:00 PM until after midnight on January 1, 2026 (Best to go early)
Location: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House
Price: Free

The Hanoi Countdown Party 2026 is the largest and most exciting year-end festival in northern Vietnam. Held in the heart of the capital, this event brings together locals and international travelers to celebrate New Year in Vietnam with music, lights, and an electric atmosphere.

Iconic locations such as Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding streets transform into vibrant public spaces filled with live performances, countdown stages, and festive decorations. The countdown parties often feature international DJs, pop singers, and visual effects, creating a lively atmosphere.

If you want to experience one of the most memorable year-end festivals during New Year in Vietnam, Hanoi’s countdown party is an unmissable highlight.

Da Nang Countdown Party 2025 on Han River

Event details:

Time: From early evening until after midnight
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: Han River area, Da Nang City
Price: Free

The Da Nang Countdown Party 2025 on Han River is one of the most exciting ways to welcome the New Year in Vietnam, especially in Central Vietnam. Set along the scenic Han River, this event combines modern city vibes with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Locals and international travelers gather along the riverbanks to enjoy live music, vibrant performances, and a festive countdown under the night sky. As midnight approaches, the atmosphere becomes electric, ending with fireworks reflecting beautifully on the water.

It’s an ideal choice for couples, groups of friends, international travelers, or anyone who is looking for a lively yet less crowded countdown party compared to larger cities.

Ho Chi Minh City Countdown Party 2025 – Southern Vietnam’s Biggest Year-End Celebration

Event details:

Time: From early evening until after midnight
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Price: Free

Ho Chi Minh City is considered one of the best destinations in Vietnam to welcome New Year, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the heart of the celebration. Every year, this iconic boulevard transforms into a massive open-air festival filled with music, lights, and festive energy.

As one of the most exciting year-end festivals in southern Vietnam, the countdown party at Nguyen Hue attracts thousands of people. Large stages are set up along the street, featuring popular Vietnamese artists, DJs, and dance performances. Food stalls, street snacks, and nearby cafés add to the festive vibe, making it easy to celebrate without leaving the area.

This countdown party is perfect for travelers who enjoy energetic celebrations, city lights, and a modern atmosphere. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is pedestrian-friendly, well-organized, and surrounded by major hotels and attractions. Whether you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time or returning during the holiday season, this year-end celebration offers an unforgettable way to welcome 2026 in Vietnam.

Light Up The Sky – Countdown Party 2025

Event details:

Time: From 5:00 PM
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: Top of Hanoi – 67th Floor, LOTTE Hotel Hanoi
Price: From 600.000 VND/guest

If you’re looking for a stylish and high-energy way to celebrate New Year in Vietnam, Light Up The Sky – Countdown Party 2026 is one of Hanoi’s most exclusive year-end events. Hosted at Top of Hanoi, the city’s highest sky bar, this countdown party offers breathtaking skyline views and a vibrant atmosphere above the capital.

As the city lights sparkle below, guests can enjoy an unforgettable night filled with music, performances, and a festive crowd ready to welcome 2026 in style. This year-end festival is perfect for travelers who want a premium countdown experience rather than large outdoor gatherings.

The party features electrifying performances from guest artists, a dynamic DJ show, and interactive games that keep the energy high throughout the evening. Guests can choose between a standing zone or a seated zone, depending on their preferred experience.

With panoramic views, curated entertainment, and a festive crowd, Light Up The Sky is a standout choice for travelers celebrating New Year in Vietnam and seeking a refined alternative to street countdown parties.

Highland Market at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism

Event details:

Date: From 1 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
Location: Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism
Price: Free

The Highland Market at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism is one of the most meaningful year-end festivals for travelers seeking cultural depth during the New Year in Vietnam.

Held on the outskirts of Hanoi, this event recreates traditional highland markets from mountainous regions. Visitors can explore colorful stalls selling local produce, handicrafts, brocade textiles, and traditional souvenirs made by ethnic minority communities, including the H’Mong, Dao, Thai, and other northern ethnic communities.

For first-time visitors, this market provides a rare chance to experience Vietnam’s ethnic diversity in one place, especially during the festive year-end season. Beyond shopping, the Highland Market is known for its interactive cultural activities. Travelers can watch folk performances, traditional dances, and play traditional games like stick pushing, tug-of-war, and ball throwing.

Visiting the Highland Market is a meaningful way to welcome the new year while gaining a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural roots. It is an ideal addition to any New Year in Vietnam itinerary for those who value authenticity, education, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

Quang Ninh Countdown Party 2025

Event details:

Time: From 8:00 PM
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: October 30 Square – Quang Ninh
Price: Free

The Quang Ninh Countdown Party 2025 is one of the most exciting year-end festivals in northern Vietnam, attracting both locals and travelers. Held in Ha Long City, this event combines vibrant performances with the iconic backdrop of Ha Long Bay.

The province will close the year with a large-scale New Year’s Eve art programme themed Quảng Ninh welcomes 2026 – Journey to the sun on December 31 at October 30 Square. The 180-minute event will combine live music, EDM, modern visual technology, and a high-altitude fireworks display. Attendance is expected to reach 50,000, showcasing Quảng Ninh’s image as a dynamic, creative, and forward-looking province.

Fireworks light up the sky near the bay, creating a memorable moment for visitors welcoming the new year. Compared to larger cities, the Quang Ninh celebration feels energetic yet less crowded, making it ideal for travelers seeking a balanced countdown party experience.

Visitors can combine the countdown event with a Ha Long Bay cruise or a short holiday in Quang Ninh. Watching fireworks near the waterfront or from a cruise deck adds a unique touch to the celebration.

Ho Chi Minh City Countdown Party 2025 on Cruise – Ben Thanh Princess

Event details:

Time: From 5:30 PM
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: Saigon Port, 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Price: From 1,550,000 VND/Adult

For a more elegant way to celebrate New Year in Vietnam, the Ben Thanh Princess Cruise Countdown Party 2026 offers a memorable experience on the Saigon River. Instead of crowded streets, guests enjoy a refined atmosphere with city lights, gentle river breezes, and panoramic skyline views.

This cruise is ideal for couples, families, or travelers seeking a relaxed yet festive countdown party. On board, guests are treated to a carefully curated dining experience, live music, and a warm, celebratory ambiance.

Advance booking is highly recommended, as this countdown party is popular during the peak holiday season. For travelers looking to celebrate New Year in Vietnam in style, this river cruise offers a perfect balance of festivity and relaxation.

You can book the ticket directly with Ben Thanh Princess on their website.

Tips when joining in year-end festivals

Joining year-end festivals in Vietnam is an exciting way to welcome the New Year, but preparation helps ensure a smooth experience.

Large countdown parties and public celebrations attract huge crowds, especially in major cities. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and avoid peak-hour traffic.
Using public transport or ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be… can save time, as road closures are common during New Year events.
Dress comfortably and check the weather forecast before heading out. Bring light layers, comfortable shoes, and a small bag for essentials.
Keep your phone fully charged, as you may rely on maps, ride apps, and cameras during the celebrations.
Staying aware of your surroundings helps you enjoy the festive atmosphere safely.
If you plan to attend ticketed events or rooftop countdown parties, book in advance. Popular New Year countdown parties in Vietnam often sell out weeks before December 31.

With the right preparation, these festive moments will become some of the most memorable highlights of your Vietnam journey.