Christmas in Hai Phong is easy to plan: where to go on December 24 and 31
On December 24, the streets around Hai Phong Cathedral get particularly busy in the evening, while New Year's Eve crowds gather closer to midnight. Choosing where to eat, when to arrive, and how to get home makes both celebrations much easier to enjoy.
24 min read
White lights outline the facade of Xam Bo Church, a star on the roof trails a beam across the violet sky, and the yard below fills with people.
The first thing to decide when planning Christmas in Hai Phong is whether you want to attend a church service, take festive photos, or enjoy dinner with friends on December 24. You can fit all three into one evening, but finishing dinner just as the streets around Hai Phong Cathedral become crowded is not a great plan. For December 31, check the city’s confirmed countdown location separately, as outdoor stages and fireworks arrangements can change from year to year.
1. What is Christmas like in Hai Phong?
Christmas in Hai Phong has two fairly distinct sides.
Inside Catholic churches, December 24 is an important religious occasion, with Mass, Christmas carols, Nativity performances, and parish gatherings. Across the city, Christmas is also a popular time for families to take children out, couples to enjoy dinner, and groups of friends to take photographs beside decorated trees.
You don’t need to be Catholic to enjoy the atmosphere around the churches. Visitors can admire Nativity scenes, Christmas lights, and decorations outside, provided they respect the religious activities taking place inside.
For a first Christmas in Hai Phong, two central landmarks are particularly useful:
- Hai Phong Cathedral, at 46 Hoang Van Thu Street.
- Hai Phong Opera House, with its large public square and surrounding streets.
They are close enough to combine in a walking itinerary, along with Tran Phu Street, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, and the nearby central gardens.
On Christmas Eve in 2025, the area around Hai Phong Cathedral was already packed by approximately 9 PM. The church featured a large Christmas tree, a Bethlehem Nativity scene, festive lighting, and a Christmas music program. The Opera House area also attracted considerable numbers of people that evening.
In 2026, Christmas Eve falls on Thursday, December 24.
Christmas is not a nationwide public holiday in Vietnam, so many residents will still be working during the day. People heading out after work can make the 7 PM-10 PM period especially busy.
New Year’s Eve has a different rhythm. People usually finish dinner before gathering around outdoor stages or other celebration venues to wait for midnight.
2. Where to go on Christmas Eve in Hai Phong
Hai Phong Cathedral: the heart of Christmas Eve
46 Hoang Van Thu Street
- Address: 46 Hoang Van Thu Street, Hong Bang Ward, Hai Phong.
- Best for: Christmas Mass, carols, Nativity displays, and Christmas photographs.
- Suggested visiting time: approximately 5:30 PM-7 PM for sightseeing.
- Admission: no regular admission fee for visiting the church grounds.
Hai Phong Cathedral is the first place to consider if you want to experience a traditional Christmas atmosphere in the city.
From outside, you can see the church tower, Christmas decorations, and areas prepared for Nativity displays. On Christmas Eve, the grounds attract not only visitors taking photographs but also parishioners and families arriving for religious celebrations.
If photography is your main goal, consider visiting a few days before December 24. Decorations are generally installed during the Christmas season, although the exact dates for the 2026 displays and lighting will come from the church’s own announcements.
The evening of December 24 is different. The space around the entrance can become crowded, and people are arriving for worship rather than sightseeing alone.
Take a few photographs, then leave room for others entering the church. Standing in front of the Nativity display for an extended photo session is unlikely to be enjoyable for you or the people waiting behind.
Visitors who want to attend Mass should organize the second half of the evening around the church schedule. Those who simply want to see the decorations can arrive earlier and leave before the busiest period.
Hai Phong Opera House: Christmas lights and an evening walk
Opera House Square
- Location: Opera House Square, near Tran Hung Dao Street.
- Best for: walking, group photographs, and the Christmas atmosphere in the city center.
- Suggested time: approximately 6 PM-8:30 PM.
Hai Phong Opera House is one of the easiest landmarks to find in the old city center.
The open square, surrounding gardens, and streets make it a convenient place to walk between different Christmas stops.
During Christmas 2025, the area hosted street performances and attracted many people enjoying the festive evening. However, decorations and entertainment for December 2026 should be checked separately rather than assuming the same program returns every year.
One advantage is the location. You can visit the square before walking toward Hai Phong Cathedral, without moving your vehicle between two nearby attractions.
Avoid spending half your evening searching for parking immediately beside the Opera House only to drive a short distance to Hoang Van Thu Street afterward.
The Opera House is also frequently associated with the search term Hai Phong Opera House countdown. That refers to New Year’s Eve on December 31, not the Christmas celebrations on December 24.
AEON MALL Hai Phong Le Chan: an easier Christmas outing with children
10 Vo Nguyen Giap Street
- Address: 10 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Hai Phong.
- Regular opening hours: 10 AM-10 PM, Monday to Friday; 9 AM-10 PM on weekends.
- Best for: Christmas shopping, family dining, and indoor activities.
Not every Christmas outing needs to involve crowded streets.
For families with young children, AEON MALL Hai Phong Le Chan offers a more manageable way to spend the evening.
You could arrive around 5:30 PM, browse the shops, buy gifts, have dinner, and head home before 9:30 PM. That avoids taking tired children through the crowds around the cathedral late at night.
AEON MALL has appeared in previous guides to Christmas attractions in Hai Phong because of its seasonal displays and shopping activities.
However, the specific Christmas tree, photo installations, and Santa Claus activities for 2026 should be checked against the mall’s current announcements closer to December.
Holiday opening hours may also differ from the regular schedule.
Vincom Plaza Imperia: Christmas shopping and dinner
Former Thuong Ly area
Vincom Plaza Imperia is located in the Vinhomes Imperia urban area, in the former Thuong Ly district.
The shopping center includes fashion retailers, Fahasa bookstore, dining options, cafés, and a CGV cinema.
It’s a practical choice if you want to buy Christmas gifts without visiting several different shopping streets.
You could spend an hour looking for presents at the bookstore or other retailers, followed by dinner in the mall.
Restaurants introduced by Vincom at Imperia include Long Wang and Poseidon, alongside other dining choices.
For December 24, check each restaurant’s festive menu, prices, and reservation arrangements directly. Standard opening hours and ordinary menus do not necessarily apply to Christmas Eve.
The mall’s Christmas decorations also change each year. An impressive tree from an old social media photograph is not a guarantee of the same display in December 2026.
3. Where to take Christmas tree photos in Hai Phong in 2026
One venue has already announced a specific Christmas tree event for the 2026 festive season: Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel.
The hotel, located at 12 Tran Phu Street, has scheduled its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for November 28, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, in the main lobby and The Junction.
The advertised program includes a Christmas choir, seasonal refreshments, and activities with Santa Claus.
That gives you a date to consider for festive photographs well before Christmas Eve.
Pullman has also announced a Christmas bakery at The Junction from November 28 to December 25, 2026, operating from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Seasonal treats include Panettone, Stollen, Yule Log cake, cookies, and gingerbread houses.
If you prefer a hotel-style Christmas setting with decorated interiors, pastries, and a festive atmosphere, The Junction is worth considering.
Access to certain lobby areas or designated photo spots may be subject to hotel arrangements, particularly during organized events.
At Hai Phong Cathedral, the attraction is different. Its Nativity displays, church architecture, and religious atmosphere provide a more traditional setting.
For photographs, an evening earlier in December may be more comfortable than the busiest hours of December 24.
At AEON MALL, Vincom, or residential developments, look for recent Christmas tree photographs published by the venues themselves.
There is no single permanent location for Hai Phong’s biggest or most elaborate Christmas tree. Installations can change from one Christmas season to the next.
4. Christmas-themed cafés in Hai Phong
The Junction - Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel
The Junction has announced a festive afternoon tea program running from November 28 to December 25, 2026, between 2 PM and 6 PM.
It offers a convenient place to meet friends, enjoy seasonal pastries, and take photographs before heading out for an evening walk.
The Christmas bakery operates until 10 PM according to the hotel’s program, but festive afternoon tea is available during a shorter period.
The hotel’s program does not list the afternoon tea set price, so ask before booking.
Bac Viet Coffee - Tran Hung Dao Street
Bac Viet Coffee, at 4A Tran Hung Dao Street, is another central option.
Its location makes it convenient to combine with a visit to the Opera House and Hai Phong Cathedral.
The café has a nostalgic Vietnamese style and serves drinks such as egg coffee and bạc xỉu, a Vietnamese coffee drink with a generous amount of milk.
Any specific Christmas decoration theme for 2026 is up to the café.
It’s therefore better to consider it a convenient coffee stop rather than promise a dedicated Christmas photo corner.
Across Hai Phong, many independent cafés update their interiors for the festive season.
If Christmas decorations are the main reason for choosing a café, photographs published during December 2026 will be more useful than older recommendations.
A café that looked beautiful at Christmas in 2025 might have a completely different setup the following year.
5. Christmas Eve Mass in Hai Phong: which church and what time?
Christmas Eve at Hai Phong Cathedral
Hai Phong Cathedral is the main place to consider if you want to attend a traditional Christmas Eve service in the city center.
The Diocese of Hai Phong published its regular Mass schedule on August 25, 2024.
That schedule listed weekday Masses at 5:30 AM and 6:30 PM, with Sunday Masses at 6:30 AM, 10 AM, and 6:30 PM.
These are regular Mass times, not the confirmed Christmas Eve schedule for December 24, 2026.
For a useful reference, the cathedral’s Christmas Eve program in 2024 began with carols and a Nativity performance at 8 PM, followed by Christmas Mass at 11:15 PM.
The parish will announce the 2026 schedule separately.
Both the performance and Mass times may change.
If you plan to attend, check the Diocese of Hai Phong’s announcements or contact the cathedral during December.
Once the service time is confirmed, aim to arrive approximately 30-45 minutes beforehand.
On a busy evening, you should also allow time to walk from your parking area or taxi drop-off point to the church entrance.
Hang Kenh Church: an option for English-speaking visitors
- Address: 116 Lach Tray Street, Hai Phong.
- Notable feature: previously announced English-language Mass services.
On August 17, 2024, the Diocese of Hai Phong announced that Hang Kenh Church would begin holding English-language Mass at 10 AM on Sundays, starting September 8, 2024.
That makes it a useful church to investigate for foreigners living or working in Hai Phong.
However, a regular Sunday Mass schedule does not confirm an English-language Christmas Eve service on December 24, 2026.
Contact the parish to check the language and timing of its Christmas services.
If you prefer to attend Mass on Christmas Day, December 25, rather than Christmas Eve, ask for that day’s schedule specifically.
Xam Bo Church: an alternative in eastern Hai Phong
Visitors staying around the former Hai An area may find Xam Bo Church more convenient than traveling into the old city center.
As a reference, the local authorities in Dong Hai Ward announced the following Christmas Eve program for December 24, 2025:
- 8 PM: Christmas carols and Nativity performances.
- 10 PM: Procession honoring the Infant Jesus.
- 10:30 PM: Christmas Mass.
These times applied to Christmas Eve 2025 only.
The 2026 program should be checked through the parish or local authorities.
For visitors who are not Catholic, attending or observing religious celebrations is perfectly possible when done respectfully.
Avoid walking around during Mass, speaking loudly, using camera flash, or holding a phone in front of other people’s view.
Unsure which areas are open to visitors? Ask a church volunteer or staff member.
6. Where to have Christmas dinner in Hai Phong
Dinner is the part of December 24 that deserves the earliest reservation.
A 6 PM booking works well if you want to attend church later. A dinner beginning around 7:30 PM or 8 PM is more suitable for people planning to spend most of the evening at the restaurant.
Food Connexion - Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel
Food Connexion’s Christmas buffet is advertised with seafood, festive dishes, live music, children’s face painting, Santa Claus activities, and a lucky draw.
The ++ notation means applicable service charges and taxes are not yet included. Ask for the final amount before paying.
The event also requires full prepayment.
This is a good option for families looking for an organized Christmas dinner with entertainment and activities for children.
Heading to Mass afterward? The buffet runs until 9 PM.
By that time, the cathedral area may already be crowded.
Mad Cow Wine & Grill - Pullman
Mad Cow Wine & Grill Hai Phong has announced a festive menu running from December 19 to 25, 2026, between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
On December 24, the Christmas dinner program includes saxophone music and a welcome drink.
It’s a suitable option for couples or small groups who prefer to settle into a restaurant for most of the evening rather than move between sightseeing stops.
Confirm the specific festive menu price and total cost before making a reservation.
Com Viet Restaurant - Hoang Van Thu Street
For Vietnamese food close to the cathedral, consider Com Viet Restaurant at 22 Hoang Van Thu Street.
It offers a more traditional Vietnamese family-style dining experience.
That can be particularly appealing if you’re traveling with older relatives or foreign visitors who want a Vietnamese meal instead of a Western-style Christmas menu.
Remember to confirm whether the restaurant accepts reservations for the evening of December 24 and when its kitchen will close.
Don’t assume the usual opening hours apply on Christmas Eve.
The restaurant has no clear Christmas 2026 menu price yet, so check its current menu when booking.
53 Lach Tray night street: a more flexible food option
A newer place to consider is the night-time commercial, cultural, and food street around 53 Lach Tray.
The street opened on October 30, 2026, in Gia Vien Ward.
It runs through the area connecting Lach Tray Street with the road along An Bien Lake, near the Children’s Cultural Palace, the Martyrs’ Monument, and the Viet Tiep Friendship Cultural Palace.
The announced plan includes 52 stalls offering food, drinks, souvenirs, and other services.
During its trial period, scheduled to continue until April 2027, the street operates daily from 5 PM to midnight.
This could work well for friends who prefer casual dining, where everyone can choose different food, instead of booking a formal Christmas dinner.
There is no common price list for individual stalls.
The night street is not immediately beside Hai Phong Cathedral.
Eating here before heading to Hoang Van Thu Street means allowing for another journey.
And don’t assume the night street stays open after midnight on New Year’s Eve. Its currently announced regular closing time is 12 AM, even though December 31 is a celebration night.
7. Two Christmas Eve itineraries for December 24
Itinerary A: Christmas dinner and midnight Mass
| Suggested time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5 PM-6:15 PM | Have an early dinner in the city center |
| 6:15 PM-7 PM | Walk around the Opera House and enjoy the decorations |
| 7 PM-7:30 PM | Head toward Hai Phong Cathedral |
| From 7:30 PM | Follow the parish’s announced Christmas program and attend Mass |
| After Mass | Walk to your prearranged pick-up point |
This itinerary is best for travelers who consider Christmas Mass the main event of the evening.
The times before Mass are suggestions only and should be adjusted when the cathedral releases its official Christmas 2026 schedule.
Dinner should be early and reasonably close to the center.
Finishing at 8:30 PM could mean spending a long time getting through crowded streets before reaching the church.
Itinerary B: Christmas photos, dinner, and a short evening walk
| Suggested time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:30 PM-5:30 PM | Coffee or Christmas photographs at a decorated venue |
| 5:30 PM-7 PM | Christmas dinner |
| 7 PM-8 PM | Walk around Hai Phong Opera House |
| 8 PM-8:30 PM | Visit the cathedral area if traffic allows |
| Around 9 PM | Leave the city center before the late-night crowds |
This plan suits people who want a festive evening without committing to the full religious program.
You don’t need to take Christmas tree photographs at a mall, visit the cathedral, return to a café, and then search for another restaurant.
The distances may seem small on a map, but finding transport, walking between locations, and waiting in crowded areas all take time.
For families with young children, choosing one main area is usually easier.
An evening at AEON MALL followed by a journey home, or an early dinner and short cathedral visit, is often more manageable than moving around the city continuously.
8. Where is the Hai Phong countdown on December 31, 2026?
This is where information from previous years needs to be separated from confirmed plans.
Until then, use the previous year’s celebrations to understand which locations are worth monitoring.
Hai Phong Opera House countdown
On December 31, 2025, Hai Phong held its New Year 2026 arts celebration at Opera House Square, beginning at 10 PM.
The program was titled "Tinh hoa ngàn năm - Vươn tầm thời đại," roughly meaning "A Thousand Years of Heritage - Reaching Toward a New Era."
It made the Opera House area one of the main gathering points in the old Hai Phong city center.
The city also organized fireworks at midnight, marking the beginning of January 1, 2026.
For that reason, Hai Phong Opera House is a reasonable location to monitor when looking for the New Year 2027 countdown.
But it is not yet a confirmed countdown venue for December 31, 2026.
Check announcements from the Hai Phong municipal authorities and event organizers during the second half of December.
Xu Dong Cultural Center Square
On December 31, 2025, another New Year celebration took place at Xu Dong Cultural Center Square.
This venue is in the former Hai Duong area, which became part of the enlarged Hai Phong municipality following administrative changes in 2025.
This matters for travelers.
Both events may be described as being in Hai Phong, but the two squares are not close enough to visit on foot, or even to treat as stops in a short city-center itinerary.
Guests at hotels in the old Hai Phong center should check the venue’s exact location before arranging transport.
Seeing "Hai Phong countdown" in an event listing does not automatically mean the event takes place near Hai Phong Opera House.
Will there be fireworks in Hai Phong on New Year’s Eve 2026?
For the previous celebration, fireworks were organized around Opera House Square and Xu Dong Cultural Center Square at midnight on January 1, 2026.
That does not confirm fireworks at those locations on January 1, 2027.
Fireworks programs require separate official announcements. Locations, duration, scale, and traffic arrangements can all change.
Likewise, fireworks or light shows offered by private venues should not be confused with the city’s official public celebration.
9. Prefer to avoid crowded squares? Try a hotel countdown
Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel, at 12 Tran Phu Street, has already announced several New Year’s Eve events for December 31, 2026.
Up & Above Rooftop Bar: an adults-only countdown
The Up & Above celebration runs from 8 PM on December 31, 2026, until 2 AM on January 1, 2027.
According to the hotel’s program, there will be live music from 9:30 PM, a DJ from midnight, a special food and drinks menu, and a New Year’s toast.
Published prices for 2026 include:
- General admission: VND 699,000++ per guest, including a welcome drink, with no reserved seating.
- Cocktail table for 1-4 guests: a deposit of VND 3,999,999++ per table.
- VIP sofa for 4-8 guests: a deposit of VND 9,999,999++ per table.
Table deposits can be used toward food and drinks under the hotel’s stated conditions. Additional spending beyond the deposit must be paid separately.
The event is restricted to guests aged 18 and over, requires smart attire, and operates on a full-prepayment basis.
This could be an attractive choice if you want a countdown experience with a clear entry arrangement rather than standing in a public square.
However, buying a rooftop bar ticket does not guarantee a direct view of the city’s fireworks.
The official fireworks locations for New Year 2027 have not yet been confirmed.
Mad Cow Wine & Grill: a family-friendly countdown option
Pullman has also announced a New Year’s Eve countdown at Mad Cow Wine & Grill.
The event runs from 10 PM on December 31, 2026, until 12:30 AM on January 1, 2027.
Published admission is VND 499,000++ per guest, including a welcome drink, without reserved seating.
Children under 1.4 meters tall receive free admission under the event’s conditions.
It may therefore be worth considering for families who would rather wait for midnight indoors than stand in a crowded public square.
Food Connexion also offers a separate New Year’s Eve buffet on December 31, 2026, from 6 PM to 9 PM.
The published prices are VND 1,588,000++ per guest, or VND 1,388,000++ with the early-booking offer valid through December 25.
Be careful not to confuse the buffet dinner with the hotel’s countdown admission.
These are separate services with their own prices and conditions. Don’t assume one booking includes entry to every event.
10. What time should you arrive for the Opera House countdown?
If the 2027 public countdown is once again confirmed for Hai Phong Opera House Square, the following itinerary can help you plan the evening.
| Suggested time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6 PM-7:30 PM | Have dinner before entering the event area |
| 7:30 PM-8:30 PM | Walk around the center and identify parking or pick-up locations |
| 8:30 PM-9:30 PM | Arrive near the event viewing area |
| 10 PM-11:45 PM | Watch the program if the opening time is confirmed |
| 11:45 PM-12 AM | Stay in position for the countdown |
| After midnight | Follow crowd-control directions and walk to your planned pick-up point |
These are suggested planning times based on the style of previous celebrations, not the official schedule for December 31, 2026.
People hoping to stand near the stage will usually need to arrive earlier than those who simply want to enjoy the atmosphere from farther away.
But a spot close to the stage is not necessarily the best place to stand if you want to leave quickly.
Families with children or older relatives should choose an area with enough room to move and a clear route out of the crowd.
You also don’t need to rush toward the exit the moment midnight arrives.
Large numbers of people may start moving toward surrounding streets at the same time. Waiting a little longer in a safe, less crowded area can sometimes make it easier to arrange a ride.
11. Getting around Hai Phong on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
Choose your parking location before entering the crowds
On December 24, the main concern is the area around Hai Phong Cathedral and the streets leading into Hoang Van Thu.
On December 31, the priority will be whichever square or venue is officially selected for the public countdown.
Don’t assume you can park directly outside the cathedral or beside an outdoor stage.
Legal parking locations, temporary road closures, and pedestrian routes depend on the event’s traffic arrangements.
If you’re riding a motorbike, consider parking at an authorized location outside the busiest area and walking the remaining distance.
Before leaving your vehicle, ask the attendant when the parking facility closes and save the location on your phone.
A parking attendant accepting your motorbike at 7 PM does not automatically mean you can collect it at 12:30 AM.
Taking a taxi or ride-hailing car
Taxis and app-based transport are convenient options for visitors unfamiliar with Hai Phong.
The detail worth planning is not just how to book a vehicle, but where it will pick you up afterward.
Choose a recognizable location within walking distance, outside any expected road closures or crowded entrances.
Avoid asking a driver to stop directly in front of the cathedral or beside the countdown stage while hundreds of other people are trying to leave.
Ride-hailing fares can change with demand.
The price shown at 7 PM may be quite different from the price displayed after midnight.
If you’re traveling as a group, agree on one meeting point and make sure everyone has the others’ phone numbers.
Mobile internet may also become less reliable when large crowds gather in a small area.
Should you drive your own car?
A private car makes more sense if your main destination is a restaurant or shopping mall with clearly available parking.
For Mass at Hai Phong Cathedral or a public countdown, parking farther away and walking may be a better choice.
Arriving early doesn’t help much if you then spend a long time looking for a parking space.
At the end of the event, you may also have to join the queue of vehicles leaving the city center.
What about cold or rainy weather?
December is part of winter in Hai Phong.
Evenings can feel cold and breezy, and occasional drizzle or damp conditions may make standing outside less comfortable.
A wind-resistant jacket, closed walking shoes, and a compact umbrella are more useful than clothing chosen only for a quick Christmas photograph.
If you plan to stand outdoors from 9 PM until after midnight, prepare for several hours outside.
Families with younger children should have an option to leave earlier.
Heavy rain or unfavorable weather can lead to adjustments to outdoor programs. On the event day, organizers’ latest announcements are more important than an itinerary created several weeks earlier.
12. What should foreign visitors know about Christmas in Hai Phong?
In Vietnam, Christmas is both an important religious celebration for Christian communities and a widely enjoyed cultural occasion.
Not everyone celebrating Christmas attends church.
You will see families taking children to admire decorations, couples taking photographs near churches, and groups of friends meeting for dinner or exchanging gifts.
Meanwhile, Catholic families and parishioners participate in religious services and activities.
In Hai Phong, the cathedral is a good place to experience the city’s Catholic Christmas traditions.
Mass is generally celebrated in Vietnamese, so English-speaking visitors should check available services in advance.
Hang Kenh Church previously announced a regular English-language Sunday Mass. That makes it a useful place to ask about services, but the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day arrangements still need to be confirmed.
Clothing doesn’t need to be elaborate.
A jacket and modest, comfortable clothes are suitable for visiting a church.
During Mass, silence your phone and avoid standing where you block other people’s view.
Also, Christmas is not a nationwide public holiday in Vietnam.
Restaurants, shops, hotels, and transport services generally follow their own schedules, although some introduce special menus or opening hours.
If you’re in Hai Phong on a short business trip, there is no need to devote both evenings entirely to celebrations.
You could choose a Christmas dinner on December 24 and save your late night for the December 31 countdown. Or attend just one event that fits comfortably around your work schedule.
13. Where to buy Christmas gifts in Hai Phong
A Christmas present doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate.
A box of seasonal cakes, a book, a small decoration, or something related to the recipient’s interests can work just as well.
For several gifts in one shopping trip, AEON MALL Hai Phong Le Chan and Vincom Plaza Imperia are convenient places to start.
Both combine retail shops and dining, so you can shop before dinner without moving between too many locations.
At Vincom Plaza Imperia, Fahasa bookstore is an option for books, stationery, and small gifts.
However, specific seasonal items may sell out or change throughout December.
For edible Christmas gifts, Pullman has announced its festive bakery at The Junction from November 28 through December 25, 2026.
The seasonal selection includes traditional Christmas cakes and baked treats.
Buying gifts a few days before December 24 is usually easier than trying to shop, find a restaurant, and take festive photographs all on Christmas Eve.
If you’re taking gifts on a flight, choose items that are easy to pack and carry.
Fresh cream cakes and other perishable foods are less practical if you still have a long journey after your Christmas outing.
14. How much does Christmas and New Year’s Eve cost in Hai Phong?
Your budget will depend heavily on whether you choose public spaces or ticketed private events.
Walking around Opera House Square, enjoying decorations outside the cathedral, and taking photographs is very different from booking a hotel buffet or rooftop countdown party.
For a casual evening, your main costs will likely be food, drinks, transportation, parking, and any shopping.
The following prices have been published for the 2026 festive season:
| Experience | Published 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Food Connexion Christmas buffet, Dec 24 | VND 1,688,000++ per guest |
| Food Connexion Christmas buffet, early booking | VND 1,488,000++ per guest |
| Food Connexion New Year’s Eve buffet, Dec 31 | VND 1,588,000++ per guest |
| Food Connexion New Year’s Eve buffet, early booking | VND 1,388,000++ per guest |
| Up & Above countdown admission, Dec 31 | VND 699,000++ per guest |
| Mad Cow countdown admission, Dec 31 | VND 499,000++ per guest |
All prices in this table were published by Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel for its 2026 festive events.
Each program has separate conditions concerning reservations, prepayment, and early-booking deadlines.
Hotel countdown admission is not the same as admission to a public city celebration.
The venue and participation arrangements for Hai Phong’s official public New Year 2027 countdown have not yet been confirmed.
For 53 Lach Tray Night Street and ordinary restaurants, check the prices displayed by individual stalls and establishments.
Food prices on the busiest holiday evenings may differ from those on a normal weekday.
15. Three things to confirm before heading out
First, decide what matters most that evening. On December 24, people attending Mass should organize their plans around the church. Those who want Christmas photographs and dinner may be happier choosing a shopping mall, hotel, or a shorter city-center walk. Trying to do everything can turn a festive evening into a rushed series of journeys.
Second, think about when an activity ends, not just when it begins. Dinner starting at 6 PM might finish after 7:30 PM. A countdown ending shortly after midnight still leaves you with the walk back, retrieving your vehicle, or finding a taxi. Avoid booking long-distance transport immediately after an event’s scheduled finish.
Third, verify official announcements. Church services, Christmas performances, decorative displays, and fireworks arrangements may all be updated during December. In particular, information about the December 31, 2025 countdown should never be presented as the confirmed program for December 31, 2026.
Lunar New Year 2027, with its holiday schedules, flower markets, and Lunar New Year’s Eve fireworks, is a separate occasion from the December 31 Gregorian New Year’s countdown.
Christmas in Hai Phong doesn’t need an exhausting itinerary. Try visiting the Christmas decorations on a quieter evening before December 24, then save Christmas Eve for a church service or a dinner you’ve booked in advance. For December 31, once you’ve confirmed the countdown venue and your route home, you can spend the final moments of the year enjoying the celebration rather than worrying about the journey back.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to celebrate Christmas in Hai Phong?
Hai Phong Cathedral at 46 Hoang Van Thu Street is one of the best places to experience traditional Christmas celebrations. The Opera House area is good for an evening walk, while AEON MALL Hai Phong Le Chan and Vincom Plaza Imperia are convenient for shopping and dining. Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel has also announced Christmas tree activities for the 2026 season.
Is Hai Phong Cathedral crowded on Christmas Eve, and what time is Mass?
The area around Hai Phong Cathedral is usually busy on Christmas Eve. In 2025, large crowds had gathered by approximately 9 PM. In 2024, the Christmas performance began at 8 PM and Mass started at 11:15 PM. The parish announces the December 24, 2026 schedule separately, so check the Diocese of Hai Phong's announcement before visiting.
Where can I have Christmas dinner in Hai Phong?
Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel has announced a Christmas buffet at Food Connexion from 6 PM to 9 PM on December 24, 2026, priced at VND 1,688,000++ per guest. Mad Cow Wine & Grill also offers a festive dinner on the same date. For Vietnamese food near the cathedral, Com Viet Restaurant at 22 Hoang Van Thu Street is worth considering, subject to availability and confirmed opening hours.
Will the Hai Phong New Year 2027 countdown be at the Opera House?
The city usually announces its outdoor New Year countdown venue in the second half of December, so follow the Hai Phong People's Committee announcements. On December 31, 2025, celebrations took place at Hai Phong Opera House Square and Xu Dong Cultural Center Square. Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel has already announced private countdown events for December 31, 2026.
Will Hai Phong have fireworks on December 31, 2026?
The city will announce the fireworks schedule for December 31, 2026 separately. During the previous New Year's celebration, fireworks were launched at midnight on January 1, 2026, around Hai Phong Opera House and Xu Dong Cultural Center Square. Check the city's official announcements in December for the confirmed New Year 2027 arrangements.
