10 Best Things to Do Hanoi in December
December is considered the most beautiful time of the year in Hanoi — when the air turns crisp and cool, the streets glow with Christmas lights, and the festive atmosphere fills every corner of the city.
If you’re planning to visit Hanoi in December and wondering what to do and where to go, La Mejor Hotel has curated the perfect guide for you!
If you’re planning to visit Hanoi in December and wondering what to do and where to go, La Mejor Hotel has curated the perfect guide for you!
Why You Should Visit Hanoi in December
December marks the beginning of Hanoi’s true winter — cool, dry weather with almost no rain, making it the ideal time for strolling through the Old Quarter and discovering the city’s charming corners.
In the early mornings, a thin layer of mist often blankets the streets and lakes, creating a dreamy, poetic scene that feels almost surreal.
This is the essence of Hanoi winter that travelers adore: peaceful, romantic, and uniquely enchanting — a feeling you won’t find anywhere else.
10 Best Things to Do in Hanoi December
1. Enjoy the Sweet, Gentle Chill of Hanoi’s Winter
December brings cool, dry weather — not as cold as January and February, and not as hot as autumn. This perfectly balanced weather invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and really feel the pulse of the city.
In the early morning, mist drifts gently over Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake, enveloping Hanoi in an unusually peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, strolling along small streets like Hang Dao, Hang Gai, or Dinh Le becomes a charming winter ritual.
In the early morning, mist drifts gently over Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake, enveloping Hanoi in an unusually peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, strolling along small streets like Hang Dao, Hang Gai, or Dinh Le becomes a charming winter ritual.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Christmas Glow
December is when Hanoi shines its brightest. The city turns on “festival mode,” and everywhere feels like a giant open-air Christmas exhibition.
It starts with St. Joseph’s Cathedral Hanoi (Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội), adorned with a towering Christmas tree, golden lights, and crowds gathering every evening.
It starts with St. Joseph’s Cathedral Hanoi (Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội), adorned with a towering Christmas tree, golden lights, and crowds gathering every evening.
The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and shopping centers like Trang Tien Plaza and Vincom Ba Trieu shimmer with sparkling decorations, snow-themed setups, reindeer sculptures, and Instagram-perfect backdrops.
This is the perfect time for a leisurely walk around the pedestrian streets, enjoying Christmas melodies and soaking up the festive spirit that fills the air. Once you experience Hanoi in December, you’ll understand why visitors keep coming back this season.
3. Explore Hanoi’s Must-Try Winter Cuisine
Cold weather doubles the flavor of Hanoi food — and December is arguably the time when Hanoi cuisine tastes the best. Must-try dishes include:
- Pho Bo: Enjoy a spoonful of hot and steaming broth in the chilly morning air to start the day and enjoy the true "heartwarming" feeling.
- Bun cha Ha Noi (bun cha pho co): The fragrant smell of burnt meat mixed with charcoal smoke – the standard taste of Hanoi in winter.
- Grilled corn and sweet potatoes: A simple dish but with the taste of childhood, especially delicious when eaten on the walking street.
- Egg coffee: A “signature” dish that cannot be missed – fatty, smooth, fragrant, drinking it makes the whole body warm
Especially in winter, hotpot is a must-have dish in Hanoi. People often say that visiting Hanoi in December without enjoying a hotpot means you've missed the true "soul of winter."
There’s nothing better than gathering around a steaming hotpot with friends or family, choosing your favorite toppings, and warming up together in the cold weather:
- Crab Roe Hotpot – Tangy, fragrant broth with golden crab roe, beef, tofu, and fresh greens.
- Chicken Hotpot (La É or Mushroom) – Light, sweet, and beautifully aromatic — the perfect winter comfort dish.
- Frog Hotpot with Bamboo Shoots – Rich, peppery, slightly spicy — irresistible on cold evenings.
Sitting beside a sizzling hotpot, hearing the gentle boil, warming your hands and laughing with loved ones — it’s one of the experiences that makes travelers fall in love with Hanoi each winter.
4. Immerse Yourself in Hanoi’s Festive & Year-End Events
December is when Hanoi becomes more vibrant and inspiring than ever. From Christmas Eve celebrations and winter markets to the New Year countdown at Hoan Kiem Lake and Ta Hien Street, the city is filled with exciting activities that attract both locals and visitors.
Beyond the traditional festive atmosphere, December 2025 in Hanoi will also feature a series of large-scale events:
Beyond the traditional festive atmosphere, December 2025 in Hanoi will also feature a series of large-scale events:
Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 – “Vietnam of Happiness” Festival
- Date: December 5–7
- Location: Hoan Kiem Pedestrian Street
- Highlights: A cultural and entertainment festival spreading the message “Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” featuring art performances, interactive activities, music shows, and festive spaces for all ages.
8WONDER WINTER 2025: Symphony of Stars
- Date: December 6
- Location: Vietnam Exhibition Center (Cau Tu Lien, Dong Anh)
- Highlights: A grand winter music festival with top artists, impressive stage effects, and a truly unforgettable winter celebration.
Dreamy Cities – Year End 2025
- Date: December 21
- Location: Yen So Park, Hoang Mai
- Highlights: An outdoor music festival featuring top artists such as BigDaddy, Vu., HIEUTHUHAI, Chillies, and more — delivering a young, energetic, and emotional year-end atmosphere.
EuroCham Christmas Party 2025
A glamorous annual Christmas gala hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce — a festive evening for the international business community in Hanoi. December in Hanoi is truly “festival season” — lively, colorful, and filled with unforgettable moments for every traveler.
5. Capture “Hanoi Muse” Photos on Phan Dinh Phung Street
Phan Dinh Phung is one of the most beautiful streets in Hanoi, and December is the perfect time to capture cinematic, romantic photos.
Golden leaves falling over the pavement, rows of ancient trees, and soft winter sunlight filtering through the branches — the entire scene feels like a Korean movie set.
Golden leaves falling over the pavement, rows of ancient trees, and soft winter sunlight filtering through the branches — the entire scene feels like a Korean movie set.
For the best photos, wear light-colored outfits and visit in the morning (7–9 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM).
Popular spots include the Cua Bac Gate, flower vendors, and the long tree-lined sidewalks.
6. Christmas Check-in at St. Joseph’s Cathedral
St. Joseph’s Cathedral shines brighter than ever in December. Golden lights, a giant Christmas tree, wreaths, ornaments, and the festive décor make it the iconic winter check-in spot in Hanoi.
In the chilly air, with Christmas music echoing and crowds gathering, you’ll feel the full magic of Hanoi’s winter — warm, glowing, and full of emotion.
Many say: “If you visit Hanoi in December without seeing the Cathedral, you haven’t truly been here.”
In the chilly air, with Christmas music echoing and crowds gathering, you’ll feel the full magic of Hanoi’s winter — warm, glowing, and full of emotion.
Many say: “If you visit Hanoi in December without seeing the Cathedral, you haven’t truly been here.”
7. Join a Hanoi Food Tour
Nothing suits December better than a food tour through the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter. You can walk or book a motorbike tour to try these “must-visit” spots:
- Bun Cha Hang Quat – 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem
- Cha Ca La Vong – 14 Cha Ca, Hoan Kiem
- Banh Tom Co Am – Dong Xuan Market Alley (via Hang Chieu), Hoan Kiem
- Bun Oc Co Hang Nga – 37 Khuong Thuong, Dong Da
- Bun Cha Que Tre Co Nga – Dong Xuan Market Alley, Hang Chieu
- Bun Moc Tiet – 19 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Hang Buom
- Banh Bot Loc Chi Hong – 159/4 Hong Mai, Hai Ba Trung
- Che Yen – 80 Hang Chieu, Dong Xuan
- Trang Tien Ice Cream – 35 Trang Tien
A food tour is not only about eating — it’s about feeling the heartbeat of Hanoi: the sound of sizzling pans, the smell of charcoal grills, the vendors’ night calls, and the warmth of simple yet soulful dishes.
See more details at https://www.tripadvisor.com.vn/Attractions-g293924-Activities-c42-t204-Hanoi.html
8. Experience a Hanoi Jeep Tour
A Jeep Tour is one of the most exciting ways to explore Hanoi.
Cruising in an open-top jeep through Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh Square, Long Bien Bridge… gives you a different perspective of the city.
Cruising in an open-top jeep through Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh Square, Long Bien Bridge… gives you a different perspective of the city.
In the gentle December chill, with the winter breeze in your hair and twinkling lights reflecting along the streets, the journey feels both chill and unforgettable — a favorite experience among international travelers.
9. Winter Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
December is peak shopping season in Hanoi, and Dong Xuan Market is the perfect place for winter clothes, festive accessories, and Hanoi-themed souvenirs.
From scarves, gloves, and jackets to Christmas decorations, fairy lights, and handmade crafts — everything is vibrant, affordable, and full of holiday charm.
As you walk deeper inside, you’ll feel the bustling year-end energy: lively conversations, bargaining voices, carts rolling, and the nostalgic scent of Hanoi’s oldest market.
From scarves, gloves, and jackets to Christmas decorations, fairy lights, and handmade crafts — everything is vibrant, affordable, and full of holiday charm.
As you walk deeper inside, you’ll feel the bustling year-end energy: lively conversations, bargaining voices, carts rolling, and the nostalgic scent of Hanoi’s oldest market.
10. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Ba Dinh Square – Temple of Literature
A winter trip to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without visiting these iconic cultural landmarks.
At Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the cool December air adds a solemn, peaceful atmosphere, making the historic space even more moving. Strolling across Ba Dinh Square, with its wide open grounds and tall, straight trees, gives you a sense of Hanoi’s proud heritage.
Nearby, the Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university — is especially stunning in December. Soft sunlight touches moss-covered roofs, quiet courtyards echo with footsteps, and a gentle scent of incense fills the air.
It’s one of the most photogenic places in the city during winter and a must-visit for culture lovers.
Experience the Magic of Hanoi December with La Mejor Hotel
December brings Hanoi a unique charm: crisp winter air, glowing festive nights, vibrant street life, and peaceful corners full of emotion.
To enjoy all of this at its best, choose to stay right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
Explore the latest updates from La Mejor Luxury Hotel: https://lamejorhotel.com/news-events/news
To enjoy all of this at its best, choose to stay right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
La Mejor Hotel, located at 22 Ta Hien Street — the golden location in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter — offers elegant Indochine-style interiors, premium services, and a variety of festive-season promotions. It is the perfect place to stay for your December journey in Hanoi.
Book your room today to enjoy special offers and experience a truly magical Hanoi winter at La Mejor Hotel.
Explore the latest updates from La Mejor Luxury Hotel: https://lamejorhotel.com/news-events/news
More information
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