1. Why celebrate Christmas in Quang Ninh?
1.1. The grandest festival atmosphere in the North
In recent years, Quang Ninh has continuously focused on investing in the year-end festival season in Ha Long, a prominent tourist center of the Northeast region. Roads, squares, and large parks are decorated with artistic lighting and giant Christmas trees. Many themed miniatures are also designed, creating a brilliant and sparkling appearance for the streets at the end of the year. The festive atmosphere here is grand and vibrant, not inferior to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The attraction of celebrating Christmas in Quang Ninh is the feeling of stepping into a miniature European city, filled with music, lights, and colors. From early December, many large-scale art programs and outdoor events are continuously organized, attracting thousands of domestic and international tourists.
1.2. Diverse events and experience locations
The festive atmosphere in Quang Ninh becomes even more vibrant thanks to a series of unique events only available during Christmas in Quang Ninh . These include the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, fireworks displays, Dragon Bay countdown music festival, food fairs, and distinctive folk festivals. Each activity is carefully selected and designed to suit different target groups.
Families with young children will enjoy outdoor activities, opportunities to take photos with the Christmas tree, and watch lively water music shows. Young groups will be excited by street art performances and evening dances. Couples can choose a cozy atmosphere with romantic banquets and special buffets at high-class hotels.
The festive atmosphere in Quang Ninh becomes even more vibrant thanks to a series of unique events only available during the Christmas season in Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
1.3. Easy Combination of Festival Tourism, Sightseeing, and Entertainment
The outstanding advantage of celebrating Christmas in Quang Ninh lies in its perfect combination of festivals, entertainment, and high-class resort experiences. Visitors can participate in events, experience popular entertainment spots like Sun World Ha Long, Vincom Ha Long commercial center, or relax at Vinpearl Ha Long.
Besides, soaking in the hot mineral water at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh on cold days brings a feeling of relaxation and comfort. Each location organizes Christmas welcome programs and many attractive promotional packages, ensuring all groups of guests have unforgettable moments.
2. Compilation of Christmas Festival Events in Quang Ninh
2.1. Christmas Tree Lighting Festival and Fireworks
Kicking off the festival season, the Christmas tree lighting event takes place at many locations such as Wyndham Garden Sonasea Van Don, October 30 Square, and major resorts. As the clock strikes the hour, the 15m tall tree is lit in a solemn atmosphere, combined with a 3D light show on the surface of Ha Long Bay.
Under the bustling atmosphere of the Christmas festival, the most anticipated moment is the spectacular 15-minute fireworks display. This show attracts a large number of locals and tourists. The fireworks light blends with the Christmas decorations to create a shimmering, warm picture. The night sky of Quang Ninh lights up, carrying wishes for peace and happiness for the holiday season and the new year.
Kicking off the festive season, the Christmas tree lighting event takes place at many locations such as Wyndham Garden Sonasea Van Don. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Halo Bay Show: Artistic Performances, Music, and Water Music
Major concerts are held consecutively from late December, highlighted by the Halo Bay Show program, combining water music and artistic light by the heritage coast. This event often features renowned domestic and international artists.
Especially, the event night "Dragon Bay Shines" features a grand countdown program to welcome the new year. Fireworks are launched from multiple points on the bay, blending with street music and an outdoor stage located in the center of Ha Long, creating an unforgettable experience.
2.3. City-wide Christmas Decorations
Ha Long City is covered in Christmas colors with a synchronized decoration system, stretching from Sun World Ha Long to the old streets of Ha Long. At the square, a tall Christmas tree stands out thanks to LED lights and European imported accessories.
Each street features models of Santa Claus, snowmen, and sleighs, and creative light art installations. Parks, churches, and commercial centers are all unified with a European winter theme, making anyone clearly feel the festive atmosphere.
3. Top Christmas Spots in Quang Ninh Not to Miss
3.1. October 30 Square
October 30 Square is the highlight for the Christmas season in Quang Ninh, where key events take place. October 30 Square is one of the ideal Christmas entertainment spots in Ha Long. Located in the city center, this place frequently hosts major cultural events and activities of Quang Ninh province. The square is surrounded by many iconic structures such as the Quang Ninh Museum and Library, the exhibition fairground, and the Planning Palace. During Christmas, visitors can stroll, have fun, and enjoy vibrant cultural and artistic performances.
From morning till night, the atmosphere at the square is always bustling with continuous artistic programs, especially on weekends, it can welcome up to 10,000 visitors. The spacious area and many beautiful photo spots make this place ideal for families to check-in.
Quang Truong 30/10 is the highlight for the Christmas season in Quang Ninh. (Source: Bao Quang Ninh)
3.2. Sun World Ha Long
Sun World Ha Long transforms into a winter wonderland with a Christmas theme covering all entertainment areas. Visitors can easily encounter a miniature Christmas village with wooden houses in a distinct European style, windmills, and walkways brightly lit with LED lights.
Thrill rides such as the roller coaster and the giant Ferris wheel are all decorated for Christmas and play familiar Christmas carols. Special activities for families include meeting Santa Claus, cookie-making classes, and interactive play areas for young children. Sun World Ha Long is one of the most outstanding entertainment complexes in the coastal city of Ha Long. As the Christmas season arrives, the entire area is adorned with a sparkling appearance featuring reindeer models, snow houses, and giant Christmas trees. Visitors can freely participate in attractive rides like the 215m high Sun Wheel, Raging Rhino, or Flying Dragon. Besides that, the diverse culinary system and rich entertainment areas also bring memorable moments for you, your family, and friends.
Sun World Ha Long transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas themes covering all entertainment areas. (Ngan Hang Times)
3.3. Vincom Plaza Ha Long
Vincom Plaza Ha Long makes a strong impression with a luxurious Christmas theme, a tall crystal Christmas tree, and a 360-degree check-in space. This is a suitable stop for young groups and families to visit and shop for fashion products, cosmetics, with many special offers. The upper-floor food court serves a Christmas-themed menu and characteristic winter hot drinks. Vincom Plaza Ha Long shopping mall is one of the Christmas entertainment spots favored by many locals and tourists. During Christmas, it is prominently decorated with a brilliant giant Christmas tree and a festive, colorful decoration space.
At Vincom, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant Christmas atmosphere and comfortably take photos with countless beautiful spots around the Christmas tree. Besides that, visitors can also with family and friends enjoy cuisine, stroll and shop, watch movies, or participate in attractive entertainment areas.
Vincom Plaza Ha Long makes a strong impression with its luxurious Christmas theme. (Source: Collected)
3.4. Hon Gai Church
Hon Gai Church is one of the most impressive Roman architectural works in Quang Ninh. With a length of 42m, a width of 11m, and a bell tower 33m high, it serves as both an important religious site and an ideal check-in spot every Christmas season. During Christmas, the church is brilliantly decorated with LED lights and characteristic ornamental motifs, creating a sparkling and festive atmosphere. Visitors can attend mass, admire the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above, and explore the beauty of the local people's religious life.
On the nights of December 24th and 25th, the Christmas Mass is held with the participation of over 1,000 parishioners and tourists. A 50-member choir performs hymns, bringing a solemn and peaceful atmosphere. Anyone, regardless of their faith, can visit and feel the religious culture of the local people.
3.5. Vinpearl Ha Long
Vinpearl Ha Long organizes Christmas buffet parties with a menu combining European and Asian cuisine, featuring Quang Ninh specialties in a beautiful bay-view restaurant setting. The buffet price ranges from 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 VND per adult, with special artistic performances.
3.6. Ha Long Old Town and large hotels
Ha Long Old Town is adorned with sparkling beauty, with rows of lanterns and LED strings hung throughout the small alleys. Cafes and restaurants uniformly design menus and spaces with a strong Christmas theme.
Hotel chains like FLC Grand Hotel Ha Long and Hotel Novotel Ha Long Bay organize Christmas buffets priced from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND per person. The main lobbies of 5-star hotels often host live music events and countdown parties with the participation of famous artists.
3.7. Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh Resort
Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh offers a unique Christmas experience with hot mineral baths amidst the cold weather, combined with relaxing spa and massage services. The experience package includes bathing, dinner, and accommodation, priced from 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND per couple.
4. Must-try Christmas Experience Activities in Quang Ninh
4.1. Check-in giant Christmas trees, miniature scenes, and light displays
A prominent spot for check-in enthusiasts is the 20m Christmas tree at 30/10 Square, sparkling with 100,000 LED lights that flash to music. Vincom Plaza makes a mark with a crystal Christmas tree and 3D lighting effects projected onto the glass.
Sun World Ha Long is also decorated with vibrant check-in spots featuring giant Christmas trees, snowmen, and colorful gifts, creating a perfect backdrop for visitors to capture the most beautiful festive moments. Sweet melodies and the captivating performance of the Minishow 'Christmas Dance' also promise to bring visitors a lively, emotional atmosphere, ready to welcome sacred moments of the season change. Hon Gai Church impresses with its Gothic architecture adorned by thousands of candles, creating a sparkling picture as night falls.
4.2. Attend dances, costume parties, and street festivals
A large-scale Christmas flash mob takes place with the participation of over 200 dancers. The winter costume festival gathers many young people dressed as Santa Claus, snowmen, and cheerful reindeer.
Outdoor music festival nights on the walking street feature famous DJs and rock bands, creating a lively atmosphere that lasts late into the night. At 5-star hotels, night dances with elegant dress codes always attract a large number of international tourists and young people.
4.3. Christmas Cuisine
At 30/10 Square, the Christmas food fair offers over 50 stalls with European dishes like roasted turkey, Yule log cake, and Quang Ninh specialties such as Ha Long squid cake and dried Sa Ky shrimp. The prices of dishes range from 50,000 to 200,000 VND per serving.
Christmas buffet at Vinpearl Ha Long serves over 200 diverse dishes from international to local, especially nearly 30 types of fresh seafood from Quang Ninh waters. Many high-end restaurants offer Christmas set menus priced from 500,000 to 800,000 VND per person.
4.4. Celebrate mass at the church, enjoy hymns
The Christmas Mass at Hon Gai Church takes place in a sacred atmosphere, gathering over 1,000 parishioners and tourists. The choir performs famous hymns in Vietnamese and Latin.
After the mass, a cultural exchange program helps attendees better understand the customs and traditions of the Catholic community in Quang Ninh. The entire church is decorated with fresh flowers and natural Christmas trees, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Christmas Grand Ceremony at Hon Gai Church took place in a sacred atmosphere, gathering over 1,000 parishioners and tourists. (Source: Collected)
5. Suitable Audiences and Christmas Celebration Trends in Quang Ninh
5.1. Families and Young Children Experiencing Festivals and Outdoor Activities
Families with young children will enjoy the outdoor play areas at Sun World, the creative experience corner for children on the 4th floor of Vincom, and the vibrant light gardens. Christmas cookie making workshops, coloring Christmas pictures, and meeting Santa Claus are activities that children particularly love.
Parks such as Ben Doan Park and Ha Long Park are moderately decorated with Christmas trees and have safe play areas for children. Families can participate in interactive games together, capture memorable photos, and enjoy food suitable for young children.
5.2. Young Groups and Youth with Night Parties, Concerts, and Check-ins
Popular check-in spots attract a large number of young people to visit and take photos. Night parties, outdoor concerts, and cafes decorated for Christmas become ideal gathering places.
Deal hunting activities at shopping malls with discounts up to 70% are of great interest. Parties at large restaurants and hotels with luxurious spaces and diverse menus are suitable for gatherings and year-end parties for groups of friends.
5.3. International Tourists and Lovers of Local Culture
International tourists and those who love local culture can participate in folk festivals organized in conjunction with the Christmas atmosphere at traditional craft villages.
Traditional art programs take place at high-end hotels, combining water puppetry with Christmas music to create a novel highlight. Community spaces such as cultural centers and museums also organize special programs honoring Quang Ninh's culture during the festival season.
6. Suggested 1-Day/2-Day Christmas Itineraries in Quang Ninh
6.1. 1-Day Itinerary for Families / Busy Visitors
Morning (8 AM - 11 AM): Start the day by checking in by the large Christmas tree at October 30 Square, visiting souvenir stalls, and capturing family moments. Afterwards, move to Vincom Plaza to experience the 360-degree check-in space and shop for Christmas products.
Noon (11 AM - 2 PM): Enjoy lunch at Vincom's food court or move to Sun World Ha Long to enjoy a buffet in a Christmas-decorated setting. Spend time resting and preparing for the afternoon.
Afternoon (2 PM - 6 PM): Participate in adventure games at Sun World Ha Long and experience workshops. Explore the miniature Christmas village with its characteristic wooden houses and take souvenir photos.
Evening (6 PM - 10 PM): Attend Christmas Mass at Hon Gai Church or enjoy a Christmas buffet at a large hotel. Conclude the fun day by participating in the countdown event at October 30 Square and enjoying spectacular fireworks.
6.2. 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary Combining Relaxation and Festival Experiences
Day 1:
Morning: Check into the hotel, visit Sun World Ha Long, and enjoy the entertainment. Check in at the Christmas village and enjoy coffee at a cafe with a view of Ha Long Bay.
Afternoon: Stroll through Ha Long Old Town, explore vintage-style cafes, and shop for souvenirs.
Evening: Enjoy the Christmas buffet at Vinpearl Ha Long, attend the art show, and admire the Halo Bay Water Music Show.
Day 2:
Morning: Enjoy relaxation time with hot spring baths at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh and a gentle massage in the winter atmosphere.
Afternoon: Explore the night food scene at barbecue restaurants along the bay, enjoy fresh seafood, and Quang Ninh specialties.
Evening: Check in at new artistic light installations, participate in a flashmob event at October 30 Square before concluding the journey.
Check into the hotel, visit Sun World Ha Long, and enjoy entertainment.
7. Useful tips for celebrating Christmas in Quang Ninh
7.1. Tips for transportation, parking, and vehicles on holidays
Parking lots at Sun World Ha Long, Vincom, and major hotels charge between 20,000 and 50,000 VND/day. It is advisable to park early before 6 PM to secure a convenient spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
Avoid traveling between 7 PM and 9 PM when major events are held at 30/10 Square. Book in advance for special events and restaurants at least 1-2 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Prioritize motorcycles and ride-hailing taxis for easy and flexible city travel.
7.2. Suggestions for Christmas outfits and check-in accessories
Choose colors like red, white, and green, paired with woolen hats, scarves, and gloves to evoke a European winter feel. Avoid wearing black or dark blue outfits in brightly lit areas to capture beautiful photos.
Don't forget accessories like Santa hats, pine tree-shaped sunglasses, and small gift bags. White sneakers or high boots are both convenient for moving around and suitable for the festive decorations.
It is advisable to choose colors such as red, white, and green, combined with woolen hats, scarves, and gloves to create a European winter feel. (Source: Collected)
7.3. Notes when attending festivals and major church ceremonies.
When attending mass at Hon Gai Church, pay attention to dressing properly, avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, and noisy footwear. When taking photos, do not use the flash mode in the sacred space and remember to set your phone to silent mode.
For crowded events in squares and commercial centers, keep personal belongings in a securely zipped bag. Follow the organizer's instructions, and do not bring alcoholic beverages or dangerous items into the event area.
Playing Christmas in Quang Ninh offers a grand festival experience with a vibrant atmosphere, diverse artistic programs, and many resort amenities suitable for all audiences. Save this article and plan now to fully enjoy the Christmas season in the beautiful land of Quang Ninh!
