Christmas is coming and you’re staying in Hanoi for the festive season? Check out some Christmas events in our calendar to warm up the cold winter days.

1. On 19 Dec: Film Screening “A Christmas Story”

Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents

51 Tran Hung Dao Str (4th floor), Hanoi

The film is claimed to be “one of the greatest Christmas films ever made that the whole family watches in every Xmas”.

About film

A Christmas Story is a 1983 American Christmas comedy film based on the short stories and semi-fictional anecdotes of author and raconteur Jean Shepherd, based on his book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, with some elements derived from Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories. It was directed by Bob Clark. The film has since become a holiday classic and is shown numerous times on television during the Christmas season on the American network TBS, often in a 24-hour marathon.

The film earned director Clark two Genie Awards. In 2012, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

Entry: 20,000 VND (donation for TPD’s fund for movie talents)

2. On 20 Dec: Christmas in Italy: Traditions, Rituals and Culinary Customs

Casa Italia

18 Le Phung Hieu, Hanoi

As a start Maestro Ton That Triem and his choir will sing some typical Italian Christmas Carols, the most popular of which is “Tu scendi dalle stelle” (“You come down from stars”) .

Soon after VivereVietnam, a project by teachers of Italian Language and Culture, will introduce some Italian Christmas practices, rites and typical dishes served on the occasion of the Festivity.

The highlight of the event will be the official unveiling of the Christmas Tree and the Crib prepared by VivereVietnam and some Vietnamese students from different universities and Institutions. Also the meaning that children and adults give them in Italy will be shortly explained.

The evening will be closed by drinking toasts to everyone, to the Festivity (and to the forthcoming New Year too) with “Spumante” (the Italian champagne), and by tasting the centerpiece of Italian Christmas dessert, “ il Panettone”.

3. Also on 20 Dec: Christmas Concert with Hanoi Ensemble

Sat 20 Dec 2014, 8 pm

Manzi Art Space

14 Phan Huy Ich, Hanoi

Christmas is just around the corner, and to celebrate the special occasion, Manzi and Hanoi Ensemble have teamed up to present you with a special chamber concert. Come, sip some mulled wine, enjoy your favourite Christmas tunes – from classical, folk to contemporary and popular.

Hanoi Ensemble is consisted of musicians and teachers from the Vietnam National Academy of Music, who have studied both in Vietnam and well-known international conservatories. The team have participated and performed in several concerts, festivals and cultural exchange programs in Vietnam and abroad.

Price for 1st drink: 250,000 VND

4. On 21 Dec: Handmade Christmas Market

Hanoi Social Club

6 Hội Vũ, Hà Nội

There will be local designs, handmade knick knacks and high-quality products in a friendly atmosphere.

5. On 22 Dec: Christmas Music Night “Winter Wonderland”

Barbetta – The Center

No 2 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi

This will be a fun night with Christmas music, DJ, dance, and chilling out.

6. On 24 Dec: Christmas Choir

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

15 Ngo Quyen Str, Hanoi

For those looking for a fancy place to spend Christmas evening, head to Sofitel Plaza Hanoi for an hour of heavenly melodies of traditional Christmas carols performed by the hotel’s choir.

Furthermore, young people who like to take photos to share on Facebook can try to spend some efforts on this Christmas Photo Contest “The Colours of Christmas” at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Prizes include dinner for two in one of the elegant restaurants of the hotel.