St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi impresses international tourists during Christmas. Photo: Thach Thao

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Block B6 Trung Tu complex, cozy cafés, and lavish five-star hotels are among the most photogenic places for visitors to capture the Christmas spirit in Hanoi this December.

Churches in the city center

Among the most iconic Christmas destinations in Hanoi is St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Since early December, the church has been illuminated in a cascade of festive colors, attracting both locals and tourists to enjoy the holiday ambiance and snap check-in photos. Especially striking is the brightly lit nativity scene set outside, accompanied by a towering Christmas tree that stands several meters high.

Other centrally located churches such as Cua Bac and Ham Long have also begun completing their Christmas décor, glowing warmly each evening.

In addition, visitors can stop by other beautifully adorned churches including Phung Khoang, Thinh Liet, Ha Dong, and An Thai. These churches typically hold Christmas Eve Mass starting around 6:00 PM on December 24, with the main service usually between 9:00–10:00 PM. On December 25, services run from 7:00 AM until late in the day.

Block B6 Trung Tu complex

Over the past month, restaurants and cafés in the Block B6 Trung Tu area on Dang Van Ngu Street have been decked out in vibrant holiday style, creating a lively Christmas vibe that draws crowds eager to enjoy and take photos.

Many spots have erected massive Christmas trees adorned with lights, ornaments, and plush toys. The 100-meter alley buzzes with activity from morning until night.

Visitors can also enjoy shopping for fashion, getting their nails done, or picking up potted plants along the strip.

A beautifully styled Christmas corner.

Those in search of more festive check-in locations can also head to cafés in central Hanoi, such as Ham Tru An (in Ngo Trung Tien), Indoor Cafe & Bistro on Tay Son Street, or DEMO Inn & Ine on Hang Chao Street.

DEMO Inn & Ine is housed in a six-story vintage building with open facades on three sides, offering a direct view of the Temple of Literature. The structure is wrapped in oversized teddy bears, twinkling lights, and vibrant decorations-an irresistible backdrop for the city’s young photo lovers.

Christmas experiences at five-star hotels

Several luxury hotels in Hanoi are offering romantic and cozy Christmas dining experiences for guests, particularly families and couples.

At Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a full slate of festive dining events is underway throughout the season, with special offerings at the contemporary French restaurant Le Beaulieu, Le Club Bar, the angelina bar-restaurant, and Spice Garden. On Christmas Eve (December 24), guests can indulge in a lavish buffet while enjoying an inspired jazz performance.

Hotels sparkle with festive glamour during Christmas.

At Mangosteen Restaurant in the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre, guests on Christmas Eve can enjoy fresh sashimi, chilled oysters, rich foie gras, smoked salmon, and more. The evening also features a live violin performance, a snack station, and magic shows for children.

Meanwhile, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel’s Christmas lunch and dinner buffet features iconic European holiday dishes like whole roasted turkey, baked lamb chops, honey-glazed ham, and fresh seafood.

Hotels roll out enticing Christmas dining packages.

Melia Hanoi is drawing crowds with its afternoon tea service offered daily from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM throughout the holiday season.

Families can also visit Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha and Novotel Suites Hanoi, where Christmas packages include gingerbread cookie workshops with hotel chefs and letter-writing activities for children to send messages to Santa Claus.

Linh Trang