Organized by the Da Nang Department of Tourism, the Da Nang Christmas-New Year Festival ’25 is a 3-week celebration filled with cultural, tourism, and recreational activities. Taking place from December 14, 2024, to January 2, 2025, the festival promises to create magical holiday memories for both locals and visitors, with the iconic Dragon Bridge serving as the heart of the festivities.
This inaugural event, as emphasized by Nguyen Thi Hoai An, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, aims to offer joyful and memorable experiences, solidifying Da Nang as a must-visit destination during the year-end holidays. The festival also sets the stage for future annual celebrations.
The festivities will kick off with a Grand Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m., featuring upbeat Christmas music, talented performances by children, and a special New Year wish-writing activity. This will be followed by the Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday, December 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., an artistic spectacle of festive colors, dynamic audiovisual effects, and captivating performances.
One of the highlights, the ‘Have Fun with Santa Claus’ Parade, will take place on the same day at 7:00 p.m. Synchronized music and dance performances will energize the parade as residents, tourists, and local businesses join in, donning festive costumes. Starting from Bach Dang Pedestrian Street, the parade will make its way towards the Illuminated Christmas Tree, spreading cheer and holiday spirit.
Get into the holiday spirit with festive Christmas tree decorations in Da Nang City, Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre |
On Sunday, December 24, at 8:00 p.m., Santa Claus will bring joy to the city with the ‘Gifts from Santa Claus’ event. Santa will distribute meaningful presents, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that residents and visitors alike will cherish.
Throughout the festival, daily and nightly attractions will keep the holiday spirit alive. From December 14 to January 2, creative check-in spaces, including a sparkling Christmas tree, a giant gift box, and a colorful ‘Welcome 2025’ sign, will offer festive photo opportunities. The Christmas and New Year Market, running from December 20 to January 2, will showcase handcrafted souvenirs, OCOP-certified products, and a delicious array of over 100 local and international dishes. Beer enthusiasts will also enjoy the Beer Festival and interactive wine-making activities.
Interactive holiday activities will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each night, with tree-decorating contests, candy cane games, scavenger hunts, and creative sessions for crafting cards, wreaths, and 2025 calendars. The nightly art performances from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the northern platform of the eastern bank of the Dragon Bridge will feature themed shows, Christmas and New Year celebrations, and DJ performances on select dates.
Additionally, citywide activities will further enhance the festive atmosphere. Street carnivals, Han River dances, and street music will fill the air with excitement, along with traditional Bai Choi singing, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage art form. Magic shows, youth art showcases, and traditional instrumental performances will also delight audiences.
Bach Dang Pedestrian Street and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge will transform into vibrant hubs with scenic check-in spots, book fairs, and community spaces. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants will join in the merriment, adorning their spaces with festive decorations and offering special holiday promotions. The Da Nang Food Tour campaign, complete with a Digital Culinary Map and Culinary Passport, will add another layer of excitement, allowing visitors to collect stamps at select dining locations for exclusive rewards.
With a diverse range of activities and events, the Da Nang Christmas-New Year Festival ’25 is set to become an annual tradition, creating unforgettable holiday experiences and establishing Da Nang as a top year-end destination.
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