Top places in major cities to celebrate New Year
We’ve scoured Hanoi and HCM city to compile this bucket list of the best places to ring in the New Year. The New Year holidays come but once a year, so it’s worth it to make them memorable.
Countdown festivals
Yamaha Clear Men Countdown kicks off at 8pm on December 31 at the August Revolution Square in front of the Hanoi Opera House. This year’s programme features performing artist Do Kim Phuc, the Microwave rock band and rocker Pham Anh Khoa.
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The annual Heineken Countdown gets underway at 9pm on December 31 at Thien Quang Lake with the participation of singers Ho Ngoc Ha, Tuan Hung, Hoang THuy Linh, Bui Anh Tuan, Kimmese, Rapper Boogie, DJ Kruise, Drew Tudose…
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has organized a countdown festival on December 31, showcasing the unique products of ethnic minority groups in mountainous areas including brocade, silver jewellery and other handicrafts.
An art firework programme and laser light shows blasts off at the stroke of midnight New Year’s Eve at the Bitexco Financial Tower in HCM City.
Music stages and cinemas
Music performances are being held throughout the HCM City metropolitan area. A special art performance opens at 8 pm at Sen Hong in 23/9 Park.
A variety of art programmes organized by the HCM City’s People’s Committee are to be held December 31 to January 1 in the area near Sai Gon River in district 1, Truong Sa road in Phu Nhuan district, the Giong Crossroads Monument in Hoc Mon district, the National Cultural and Historical Park in district 9.
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A series of film screenings will also take place throughout metro HCM city during the Lunar New Year such as Man of the Previous Year (Chang train nam ay) by director Nguyen Quang Huy, Haunted Apartment (Chung cu ma am) and Paddington Bear (Chu gau Paddington).
A documentary film ‘The last journey of Madam Phung’ will be screened at the French Cultural Centre L’Space in Hanoi and HCM City on December 29 through January 3, 2015.
Other art and entertainment activities
To mark the New Year 2015, a Japanese cultural festival titled ‘Ake Ome!’ is being held at the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre in Hanoi over the holidays. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience a wide array of traditional cultural activities of Japan.
In HCM City, a culinary festival, December 31 to January 1, casting the spotlight on 50 grilled dishes takes place at Dam Sen Cultural Park. A series of indoor and outdoor games will also be held in Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Site.
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A series of new dramas are expected to make their debut along with many large stages in theatres in Hanoi and HCM City. A gala circus performance, December 31 to January 4, is also set for the Gia Dinh Park in Go Vap district.
