Vietnam’s Hoi An to Host Heritage and Cultural Events From November

Hoi An’s lantern-lit lanes are about to get even more magical. Da Nang has announced a series of cultural, heritage and festive events running from November into early January 2027. The star attraction is the Hoi An International Lantern Festival in December. If Vietnam is on your year-end travel list, here’s what’s in store.

Hoi An International Lantern Festival

The festival, themed “Hoi An – Colours of Heritage”, will light up the ancient town from December 3 to 6. Here’s what to expect:

• It will take place at Hoai River Square, An Hoi Sculpture Garden, along the Hoai River and across the town’s streets
• You will witness lantern art installations and hands-on lantern-making
• The “Lanterns and the Art of Rebirth” exhibition will take place
• The “Colours of Heritage” art programme and “Minh Dang Da Hanh” (Travelling by Night with a Bright Lantern) activities will be conducted

Heritage and Culture Events

Beyond the lanterns, Hoi An and its surrounding areas will celebrate their living traditions through the season. Visitors can look forward to heritage exhibitions and folk music and dance performances.

According to tourism officials, the aim is to preserve traditional crafts, promote local heritage and give visitors more ways to experience the destination during the year-end holiday period.

• Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day activities in Hoi An from November 20 to December 5, including exhibitions on the town’s heritage
• Cultural Week of Great National Unity from November 18 to 24, with events at venues across the city
• “Echoes of My Son” performances at My Son Sanctuary, featuring Cham folk dances, songs and the Ciet group dance, being held on November 15 and December 12.

Christmas and New Year Celebrations in Hoi An

Da Nang’s year-end season brings a Christmas market, New Year countdowns and a headline concert into one city, with Hoi An’s lantern and heritage events running alongside. 

For travellers, that means ringing in the New Year at lively city celebrations and exploring a UNESCO-listed ancient town on the same trip. 

Events are planned from early December through to January 3, so there is plenty of flexibility in choosing travel dates. 

• A Christmas market is planned at Ariyana Da Nang from December 4 to 6, with over 80 stalls of handicrafts, gifts, décor and food
• New Year activities from December 30 to January 3 along Bach Dang pedestrian street, both banks of Dragon Bridge and venues in Hoi An, Tam Ky and other areas
• Countdown events on December 31 at several city locations
• The Da Nang Concert on January 1, 2027, at the Da Nang Museum

Beyond Hoi An: Da Nang’s Year-End Cultural Journey 

With events running from November to early January, Da Nang is giving travellers more than one reason to visit this season. The programme reaches beyond Hoi An’s lanterns into the mountains, with the Xơ Đăng community’s Mountain God Worship Ceremony in Trà Linh commune on November 16, featuring traditional customs, gong performances and folk dances.

By bringing together the ancient town, the city, the coast and the highlands, Da Nang hopes to give visitors a closer look at its heritage and local community life. The wider programme is also meant to keep tourists around for longer during the busy year-end season. For Vietnam, it’s a chance to put its living culture in front of visitors.

To make planning easier, the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre suggests that travellers look at the event schedule alongside flight and weather information and service promotions. Doing so can help them choose their travel dates and destinations and plan their year-end trip with more confidence.

Planning a Trip to Vietnam? Where to Go and What to Know

Hoi An’s festival season fits easily into a longer Vietnam trip. Here are the stops worth adding and a few practical tips to make your trip easier.

Central Vietnam: Hoi An, Da Nang and Ba Na Hills
This is where the festival action is, and it makes a good base for culture and sightseeing.

• Hoi An Ancient Town, for lantern-lit evenings and heritage walks
• Coconut Village, a countryside stop near Hoi An
• Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, held up by two giant stone hands
• Da Nang Cathedral, a quick city stop

South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City
A lively starting point for first-time visitors.

• The city tour, including the War Remnants Museum
• Cu Chi Tunnels, a day trip into wartime history

North Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay
Old-city charm and some of the country’s best landscapes.

• Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature in Hanoi
• Tam Coc boating, Mua Cave and the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh
• A Ha Long Bay cruise among its karst formations

Before You Go: Quick Tips

A few things that make planning easier.

• Book around the dates: The Hoi An International Lantern Festival runs December 3 to 6, so lock in flights and stays early.
• Pack light layers: Cool, changing weather is expected, so carry a rain jacket for central Vietnam.
• Apply for the eVisa early: Indian travellers can apply online for a 90-day single-entry eVisa.
• Dress modestly at heritage sites: Cover your shoulders and knees at temples and sacred sites such as My Son Sanctuary.
• Check the weather by region: Vietnam’s climate varies from north to south, so the clothes which you might have packed for Hanoi may not suit Ho Chi Minh City.
• Cross roads slowly and steadily: Traffic in cities is busy with scooters. Walk at an even pace and let them go around you.
• Check timings for each event: Schedules vary by venue, so confirm exact times with local announcements or your hotel closer to your dates. 

Want to catch Hoi An’s lanterns and Da Nang’s year-end celebrations in person? Explore JustWravel’s customisable Vietnam packages and plan a trip built around the festive season. 

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