Hanoi welcomes 2026 with vibrant tourism and cultural festivities
Hanoi is preparing to welcome 2026 and the Lunar New Year with a lively mix of tradition, modern flair and the spirit of spring.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is welcoming 2026 with a lineup of tourism and cultural programs aimed at attracting visitors and energizing the city as the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday approaches.
Regional cuisine takes stage at Hanoi’s spring festivals, offering visitors a taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage. Photo: VINACULTO
The Hanoi Department of Tourism said tour operators are upgrading service and launching products, while strengthening security and public order to ensure a safe and seamless experience for residents and visitors.
The activities include fireworks that will light up five locations on New Year’s Day and 31 sites on Lunar New Year’s Eve in addition to traditional celebrations, including exhibitions at Heritage House on Ma May Street, Tet-themed displays across the Northern Delta, and handicraft and music showcases at the Cultural and Arts Center on Hang Buom Street.
Ethnic culture features at the Vietnam National Villages for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, Dao community tourism in Ban Mien, and the Binh Ngo (Fire Horse) Spring Tet Fair at the F1 Racetrack, offering handicrafts, flowers, OCOP products and local cuisine.
Major landmarks will host signature events, with the Temple of Literature presenting “Welcoming 2026,” Hoan Kiem Lake staging the “Countdown 2026” under the theme “Opening Real Connections,” and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel holding the “Farewell to the Old Year, Welcome to the New Year” ceremony.
A series of exhibitions, such as “Returning to the Roots” and “Spring Colors of the Year of the Horse,” alongside historical displays at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, provide deeper insight into the capital’s heritage.
Visitors can also join calligraphy workshops, explore flower and ornamental plant displays and take part in traditional education programs.
The annual Spring Festival at the UNESCO-inscribed Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Ngoc Tu/ The Hanoi Times
Unique tours are expanding the city’s offerings, including the “Memories of Hanoi Flagpole” 3D-mapped performance at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the nighttime “Hanoi Dep Sound” bicycle tour, and the “Hanoi - Touching the Realm of Memories” experiential tour around Truc Bach Lake, among others.
Meanwhile, hotels are supporting the celebrations with festive packages, dining combos and holiday-themed decorations.
The festivities kick off with the “Hanoi Tourism Welcome 2026: A Green Journey” program at Tay Ho Creative Cultural Space, followed by the “Happy Tet 2026” celebration from February 6-10 at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, promising a season of cultural immersion and springtime charm for both residents and tourists.
With a diverse lineup of events and immersive experiences, Hanoi is set to deliver a festive season that seamlessly blends modern attractions with traditional cultural heritage, reinforcing its image as a vibrant, welcoming capital steeped in history and tradition.
