The Government has approved the proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs, allowing a swap of the regular working day Friday, January 2 with Saturday, January 10 to create an extended holiday.

Employers in the private sector are encouraged to apply the same holiday schedule for their workers. However, they must still comply with labor regulations and ensure employees receive all entitled benefits. Companies are also urged to negotiate arrangements that further benefit employees where possible.

Vietnamese labor law considers holidays a fundamental right. According to Decree 12/2022/ND-CP, employers violating regulations on weekly rest, annual leave, or public holidays may face fines ranging from $400 to $800 USD. Fines between $80 and $200 USD may also apply if employers deny unpaid or personal leave, or fail to notify authorities about excessive overtime exceeding 200 to 300 hours annually.

If an employer requires staff to work during the official holiday, it must be with employee consent and accompanied by proper overtime compensation.

As part of the New Year festivities, Hanoi will host a 15-minute firework display from 11:45 PM on December 31, 2025, to midnight on January 1, 2026, at five venues, featuring six launch sites combining high- and low-altitude fireworks along with traditional pyrotechnic effects.

This year’s firework shows will incorporate modern light technology to elevate the visual experience and create more spectacular displays than in previous years.

In addition to fireworks, Hanoi will also hold a “Countdown 2026” event under the theme "Reconnect for real", running from 7:00 PM to midnight on December 31, 2025, at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the pedestrian zones around Hoan Kiem Lake.

For Lunar New Year (Tet) Binh Ngo 2026, the capital plans to launch fireworks at 31 locations, including 11 high-low combined launch sites and 21 low-altitude sites. The fireworks will begin at midnight on February 17, 2026 (Tuesday), marking the Lunar New Year’s Eve.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the New Year 2026 celebration will feature three high-altitude firework shows at the Saigon River Tunnel (An Khanh Ward), Binh Duong New City Center, and Tam Thang Square (Vung Tau Ward), along with one low-altitude display at Dam Sen Cultural Park (Binh Thoi Ward).

All fireworks will last 15 minutes, starting at midnight on January 1, 2026, with funding sourced entirely from socialized contributions.

Vu Diep