Hanoi Festivals & Events Calendar: A Family Guide for 2026
Planning a trip to Hanoi with your family in 2026? Immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture by experiencing the city's numerous festivals and events. This comprehensive month-by-month guide will help you discover the best Hanoi has to offer, from traditional celebrations to modern festivals, ensuring an unforgettable family adventure.
January in Hanoi: Welcoming the New Year
January in Hanoi is generally cool and dry, making it a pleasant time to explore the city before the Tet rush. The weather is perfect for walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoying the street food.
Tet Holiday Preparations
Dates: Late January (leading up to Tet)
What Happens: The city buzzes with preparations for Tet Nguyen Dan, the Lunar New Year. Markets overflow with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and festive decorations. Families shop for traditional foods and gifts.
Where to Go: Hang Ma Street in the Old Quarter is a visual feast, packed with red lanterns, couplets, and lucky charms. Visit Dong Xuan Market for a wide array of Tet goods.
Ticket Costs: Free to wander the streets and markets; cost of goods varies.
How to Participate: Join the locals in browsing the markets and soak in the festive atmosphere. Purchase a small lucky charm or decoration to take home.
Insider Tip: The week before Tet can be very crowded. Shop early to avoid the biggest crowds and price increases.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in prices in the week leading up to Tet.
February: Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
February is dominated by Tet, the most important holiday in Vietnam. Expect closures and limited services during the core Tet period.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Dates: Early to mid-February (dates vary annually)
What Happens: Tet is a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, and festive celebrations. Streets are decorated with colorful lights and flowers. Traditional activities include lion dances, firecracker displays, and visiting temples.
Where to Go: Hoan Kiem Lake is a central hub for Tet celebrations. Temples like Ngoc Son Temple and Quan Su Pagoda are popular places to offer prayers. Many families celebrate in their homes with feasts and games, so walking through residential areas can be very interesting.
Ticket Costs: Free to observe public celebrations; entrance fees to temples are minimal (around 30,000 VND).
How to Participate: Dress respectfully when visiting temples. Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Enjoy the street performances and festive atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Many shops and restaurants are closed during the first few days of Tet. Plan accordingly and stock up on essentials in advance. Transportation can also be limited.
Hotel Price Impact: Significant increase in prices before and during Tet. Book well in advance.
March: Hanoi's Blooming Season
March sees pleasant weather in Hanoi, with warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time for outdoor activities.
Co Loa Temple Festival
Dates: Around the 6th day of the first lunar month (usually falls in March)
What Happens: A celebration honoring King An Duong Vuong, who established the ancient capital of Co Loa. The festival features processions, traditional music performances, folk games, and martial arts demonstrations.
Where to Go: Co Loa Citadel, about 20km north of Hanoi city center in Dong Anh district. You can take bus 15 or 17 from Long Bien.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Observe the processions and performances. Try your hand at some of the traditional games. Enjoy the local food stalls.
Insider Tip: Hire a taxi or Grab car for convenient transportation to and from Co Loa.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal impact.
April: Hanoi's Artistic Side
April in Hanoi is generally warm and humid. It's a good time to explore the city's museums and art galleries.
Hanoi International Film Festival (Biennial)
Dates: Usually held in April (check dates for 2026)
What Happens: Showcases both Vietnamese and international films. Includes screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers.
Where to Go: Various cinemas and cultural centers across Hanoi, including the National Cinema Center and August Cinema.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the film and venue (approximately 50,000 - 100,000 VND per screening).
How to Participate: Purchase tickets for film screenings. Attend workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Insider Tip: Check the festival website for the schedule and ticketing information in advance. Some screenings may sell out quickly.
Hotel Price Impact: Slight increase in prices during the festival period.
May: Commemorating Ho Chi Minh's Birthday
May marks the birthday of Ho Chi Minh, with various celebrations and events taking place throughout the city.
Ho Chi Minh's Birthday
Dates: May 19th
What Happens: Wreath-laying ceremonies at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, exhibitions on his life and legacy, and cultural performances.
Where to Go: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Ba Dinh Square.
Ticket Costs: Free to visit Ba Dinh Square; entrance fee to Ho Chi Minh Museum is around 40,000 VND.
How to Participate: Observe the wreath-laying ceremony. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum to learn more about his life and contributions.
Insider Tip: Dress respectfully when visiting the mausoleum (no shorts or sleeveless shirts). Be prepared for security checks.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal impact.
June: Hanoi Pride
June is Pride Month, and while not as widely celebrated as in some Western countries, Hanoi hosts some events to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Hanoi Pride
Dates: Varies, often held towards the end of June
What Happens: A series of events including film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and a bicycle parade to raise awareness and celebrate LGBTQ+ rights.
Where to Go: Various venues across Hanoi, including cultural centers, cafes, and public spaces. Check local listings for specific locations.
Ticket Costs: Many events are free; some may require a small donation.
How to Participate: Attend the events, join the bicycle parade, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Insider Tip: Check local LGBTQ+ organizations' websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on events.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal impact.
July: Hanoi's Summer Heat
July is one of the hottest and most humid months in Hanoi. Indoor activities and early morning or late afternoon excursions are recommended.
Wandering Souls' Day (Vu Lan)
Dates: 15th day of the 7th lunar month (usually falls in July or August)
What Happens: A Buddhist festival honoring deceased ancestors. People visit temples to offer prayers and release lanterns on rivers or lakes.
Where to Go: Temples like Quan Su Pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda are popular places to observe the festival.
Ticket Costs: Free to visit temples; donations are appreciated.
How to Participate: Observe the rituals and offer prayers for deceased ancestors. Be respectful of the religious customs.
Insider Tip: Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered).
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal impact.
August: National Day Celebrations
August sees celebrations for Vietnam's National Day.
National Day
Dates: September 2nd
What Happens: Commemorates Vietnam's declaration of independence. Expect parades, fireworks displays, and cultural performances.
Where to Go: Ba Dinh Square is the main venue for parades and official events. Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular spot for watching fireworks.
Ticket Costs: Free.
How to Participate: Watch the parade and fireworks display. Visit museums and historical sites to learn more about Vietnam's history.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the parade and fireworks.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in prices around National Day.
September: Mid-Autumn Festival
September brings the Mid-Autumn Festival, a delightful celebration for families.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
Dates: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually falls in September or October)
What Happens: A children's festival celebrated with mooncakes, lanterns, lion dances, and storytelling. Families gather to admire the full moon.
Where to Go: The Old Quarter is transformed with colorful lanterns and street performances. Visit Hang Ma Street for a dazzling display of lanterns and toys.
Ticket Costs: Free to wander the streets; cost of mooncakes and lanterns varies.
How to Participate: Buy a mooncake and lantern. Watch the lion dances and street performances. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with your family.
Insider Tip: Mooncakes are a traditional treat, but they can be quite sweet. Try a variety of flavors to find your favorite.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in prices around the Mid-Autumn Festival.
October: Hanoi's Cooler Weather
October marks the beginning of Hanoi's cooler and drier season, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Hanoi Run For Children
Dates: Usually held in October (check dates for 2026)
What Happens: A charity run to raise funds for underprivileged children in Vietnam. Open to all ages and fitness levels.
Where to Go: West Lake (Ho Tay) area.
Ticket Costs: Registration fee varies (approximately 300,000 - 500,000 VND).
How to Participate: Register online and participate in the run. Collect donations from friends and family to support the cause.
Insider Tip: Register early to secure your spot and receive a race kit.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal impact.
November: Hanoi's Cultural Immersion
November is a great time to explore Hanoi's cultural attractions and enjoy the pleasant weather.
Vietnam International Fashion Week (Biennial)
Dates: Usually held in November (check dates for 2026)
What Happens: Showcases the latest designs from Vietnamese and international designers. Includes fashion shows, exhibitions, and networking events.
Where to Go: Various venues across Hanoi, including convention centers and hotels. Check the official website for specific locations.
Ticket Costs: Varies depending on the show and venue (approximately 500,000 - 2,000,000 VND per show).
How to Participate: Purchase tickets for fashion shows. Attend exhibitions and networking events.
Insider Tip: Book tickets in advance, as popular shows may sell out quickly.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in prices during Fashion Week.
December: Christmas and Year-End Celebrations
December brings a festive atmosphere to Hanoi, with Christmas decorations and year-end celebrations.
Christmas Celebrations
Dates: December 24th and 25th
What Happens: While not a traditional Vietnamese holiday, Christmas is increasingly celebrated in Hanoi, especially among younger generations. Churches hold services, and many shops and restaurants are decorated with Christmas trees and lights.
Where to Go: St. Joseph's Cathedral in the Old Quarter is a central hub for Christmas celebrations. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Hoan Kiem Lake and Trang Tien Plaza.
Ticket Costs: Free to attend church services; cost of food and drinks varies.
How to Participate: Attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service at St. Joseph's Cathedral. Enjoy a Christmas dinner at one of Hanoi's many restaurants.
Insider Tip: Make reservations for Christmas dinner in advance, as popular restaurants fill up quickly.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in prices around Christmas and New Year's Eve.
New Year's Eve
Dates: December 31st
What Happens: Celebrations to welcome the New Year, including fireworks displays, concerts, and parties.
Where to Go: Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular spot for watching fireworks. Many bars and clubs in the Old Quarter host New Year's Eve parties.
Ticket Costs: Free to watch fireworks; cost of parties varies.
How to Participate: Find a good spot to watch the fireworks. Attend a New Year's Eve party at a bar or club.
Insider Tip: Be prepared for crowds and traffic congestion on New Year's Eve.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in prices around Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Best Value Months
Generally, the shoulder seasons (March-April and September-October) offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Hotel prices are typically lower during these months compared to peak season (November-February).
Don't Miss Events
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): Experience the most important holiday in Vietnam.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu): A delightful children's festival with lanterns and mooncakes.
- National Day: Witness the grand parades and fireworks displays.