Hoi An Christmas & New Year: What to Do?
The holiday season is when Hoi An glows in its most magical light. Lanterns shimmer along ancient streets, the Hoai River moves quietly under the winter breeze, and festive melodies blend softly with the town’s timeless charm. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with family, Hoi An offers a beautiful mix of intimate and lively celebrations.
In this guide from La Siesta Hoi An, you’ll find the best experiences to enjoy Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 in Hoi An – from spiritual moments to riverside dinners – all wrapped in the warm, gentle atmosphere that makes this heritage town unforgettable.
What’s Special in Hoi An at Christmas?
Have a Cozy Christmas Dinner
The Christmas season brings a warm, festive spirit to Hoi An’s dining scene. If you’re looking for a beautifully crafted holiday meal, two restaurants stand out:
- Red Bean Restaurant: A celebration of Vietnamese home-style flavors with a special Christmas BBQ buffet menu. The atmosphere feels comforting – like gathering around a festive table with family, filled with the aroma of grilled dishes and holiday spices.
- The Temple Restaurant & Lounge: An elegant fine-dining venue offering refined fusion cuisine. During the festive season, The Temple introduces a limited holiday menu inspired by winter evenings. Advance booking is essential for a serene, candlelit celebration.
Join a Midnight Mass
Location: Hoi An Catholic Church, 106 Nguyen Truong To, Minh An
On Christmas Eve, the church becomes a peaceful sanctuary filled with candlelight and soft hymns. Locals and travelers gather together, creating a spiritual moment of stillness. Whether you seek religious connection or simply wish to pause and reflect, the midnight mass offers a beautiful, heartfelt experience.
Stroll Through the Lantern-Lit Old Town
At night, Hoi An’s Ancient Town glows with thousands of lanterns – a gentle breeze drifts along the river, and festive music hums in the distance.
This is an ideal moment for:
- Couples seeking romance
- Photographers chasing soft golden light
- Slow travelers savoring a peaceful evening walk
A simple stroll becomes a magical memory during Christmas in Hoi An.
What’s Special in Hoi An on New Year’s Day?
New Year Dining in Hoi An
Some restaurants in Hoi An offer special New Year’s Eve menus so that all travelers – from couples and families to groups and even solo visitors – can enjoy the festive atmosphere with unique holiday dishes.
Check out the Red Bean New Year’s Eve Menu and The Temple New Year’s Eve Menu to get some ideas on where you might like to dine on New Year’s Day.
Watch Fireworks
Hoi An doesn’t host large, official fireworks displays, but small community celebrations occasionally light up the sky. The town remains wonderfully uncrowded, allowing you to welcome the new year in comfort – a quiet charm that many travelers appreciate.
For those seeking a livelier celebration, Da Nang is only a short drive away. Dragon Bridge and the Han River host impressive fireworks that light up the city. After the countdown, you can return to Hoi An’s peaceful charm that same night or the following morning.
Welcome the New Year with Sunrise at An Bang Beach
Begin the year in the gentlest way possible. Watching the first sunrise at An Bang Beach – soft pink turning into radiant gold – brings a feeling of hope and renewal.
Perfect for early risers, wellness lovers, and anyone wishing to start the year with clarity.
Wander the Quiet Old Town
New Year’s morning in Hoi An feels serene and deeply soothing. Lanterns glow faintly, cafés open early along the riverside, and the streets move at a slower rhythm. Enjoy a peaceful walk, browse small boutiques, or sip a warm coffee by the Hoai River – a beautiful way to welcome a fresh beginning.
Enjoy New Year’s Eve or Morning at Your Stay
Some travelers prefer to celebrate quietly. Welcoming the new year from your balcony or a garden corner offers a gentle, intimate start.
La Siesta Hoi An provides a family-friendly, tranquil environment where you can enjoy the morning breeze, listen to rustling palm leaves, or simply rest in the comfort of nature.
Restaurants & Bars for Christmas & New Year’s Day
- Red Bean Restaurant
Vietnamese home-style dishes, festive buffet, and a warm ambiance – perfect for a cozy Christmas or joyful New Year meal.
- The Temple Restaurant & Lounge
Elegant, candlelit, and refined. The exclusive holiday menu blends European and Asian inspirations, creating a romantic setting for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Rêu Restaurant
Modern Vietnamese cuisine overlooking the river – a gently sophisticated choice for Christmas or New Year’s dinner.
- Feliz Bar
Creative cocktails, upbeat music, and a lively festive atmosphere – ideal for Christmas gatherings or New Year’s countdowns.
Read more: Best Restaurants in Hoi An You Must Try
Tips for Visiting Hoi An During the Holidays
- Reserve hotels and restaurants early
- Bring light clothing with an extra layer for cooler nights
- Explore early in the morning or during sunset for beautiful lighting
- Walk or cycle to truly feel the holiday atmosphere
- Pair a beach morning with a riverside dinner for the perfect holiday balance
Stay at La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa During Christmas & New Year
Just 5 minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa rests amid lush gardens, serene pools, and timeless architectural details.
La Siesta offers luxury green retreat accommodations in Hoi An, and serves travelers seeking reconnection with family, partners, nature, and themselves. The resort provides a serene environment that helps guests escape city stress through thoughtful, all-inclusive services, and is recognized as one of the Top 3 Worldwide Best Hotels 2024 by TripAdvisor.
After festive evenings in the Ancient Town, return to warmth, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality – a place where quiet moments become cherished memories.
Escape the noise, reconnect with what matters, and let La Siesta welcome you home this holiday season. Book your stay today.
