Under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP, employers who fail to comply with legal holiday provisions may face fines ranging from VND 10–20 million (USD 400–800) for violations related to weekly, annual, or public holidays.

Additional fines of VND 2–5 million (USD 80–200) apply to cases where employers deny unpaid leave, fail to inform local labor authorities about overtime work exceeding 200–300 hours per year, or breach provisions on personal leave entitlements.

The law emphasizes that holiday leave is a basic right. Employers are required to plan time off in accordance with national regulations. If employees are asked to work during this time, it must be voluntary and come with proper overtime compensation.

Fireworks and countdown celebration in Hanoi

To mark the occasion, Hanoi plans to host 15-minute fireworks displays at six locations across the city from 11:45 p.m. on December 31, 2025 to 12:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026.

Two fireworks sites are located in Hoan Kiem District  -  one in front of the Ha Noi Moi newspaper headquarters, the other in front of the Hanoi Post Office.

Other venues include the coconut island in Thong Nhat Park (Hai Ba Trung District), the Formula 1 circuit area (Tu Liem District), the Lac Long Quan flower garden (Tay Ho District), and Van Quan Lake (Ha Dong District).

In addition, the city will host a major New Year’s Eve countdown event titled “Real connections 2,” taking place from 7:00 p.m. to midnight on December 31 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the pedestrian zone surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.

Related updates

As part of broader holiday initiatives, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has proposed a special Tet (Lunar New Year) gift fund of VND 1.3 million (USD 52) per worker for those in difficult financial situations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also submitted a proposal to the government suggesting a nine-day break for the Tet 2026 holiday period, offering flexibility to enterprises while ensuring extended rest for public employees.

In a separate measure, retirees and social insurance beneficiaries may receive double payments for January and February, per Decree 233/2025, to ease financial planning during the holiday season.

Vu Diep