The end of the year is when Ha Long becomes more vibrant and lively than ever, with a series of large-scale cultural and entertainment festivals lighting up the city. From the spectacular “Dragon Bay Illuminates” light festival and the grand New Year countdown concerts to the UNESCO Heritage Certificate Welcome Ceremony and festive Christmas decorations, all of these events come together to create an emotional, unforgettable Ha Long year-end festival that attracts both domestic and international visitors. Join Wyndham Legend Ha Long in discovering the must-see events you should not miss!

I. A collection of must-see year-end festivals in Ha Long

The end of the year marks the most exciting season in Ha Long, with a wide range of cultural and entertainment events taking place across the city. Christmas-themed decorations, dramatic New Year’s countdown concerts, and the Heritage Certificate welcome ceremony all contribute to a joyful festive atmosphere that captivates travelers from near and far.

1. “Dragon Bay Illuminates” Festival

Held in late December, Ha Long year-end festival “Dragon Bay Illuminates” officially opens Ha Long’s year-end festive season. The program features artistic light installations designed around Christmas and New Year themes, a Christmas market with handicrafts, local cuisine, and gift stalls, along with vibrant street music performances that create a youthful and energetic ambiance.

“Dragon Bay Illuminates” Festival held in late December

The highlight is the grand 2026 New Year Countdown celebration, combining live music and spectacular light shows. Together, these activities generate a lively festive atmosphere, promote year-round tourism, and showcase Quang Ninh’s creativity and capacity to host large-scale events.

2. Fireworks & Music Events Welcoming 2026

The annual Countdown Event, held on the night of December 31, is the focal point of Ha Long year-end festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Crowds gather at central areas such as Bai Chay Beach, major squares, and seaside entertainment complexes. Alongside the countdown, a Ha Long year-end music festival brings together famous singers, DJs, and dance troupes supported by professional sound and lighting systems, creating a vibrant entertainment space that lasts until the moment the new year arrives.

Lively fireworks and music activities

The most memorable highlight remains the dazzling fireworks display combined with modern artistic lighting performances, delivering an impressive visual experience. Beyond entertainment, the event strengthens Ha Long’s image as a youthful, energetic, and dynamic destination.

3. UNESCO World cultural heritage certificate welcome ceremony

This is one of the most significant cultural and historical events in Ha Long year-end festivals, held following UNESCO’s recognition of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex as a World Cultural Heritage site. The official welcome ceremony is scheduled for December 20, 2025, at Minh Tam Square, Yen Tu.

The Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem Complex recognized by UNESCO

The ceremony will be conducted with solemn protocols attended by national leaders, UNESCO representatives, and thousands of residents and travelers. Accompanying the ceremony is a special artistic program honoring the historic and cultural legacy of the Truc Lam Zen sect and Emperor Monk Tran Nhan Tong. The event is part of the extended Yen Tu Festival “Heritage Journey – World Essence,” including exhibitions, fairs, folk games, heritage film screenings, and workshops.

4. Christmas & New Year 2026 Decorations

From mid-December, Ha Long year-end festivals are immersed in the Christmas and New Year atmosphere. Major streets, shopping centers, and well-known hotels and resorts such as Sun World, Vinpearl, Marina, and Bai Chay are elaborately decorated, creating a colorful and festive cityscape. Highlights include giant Christmas trees, nativity scenes, artistic lighting installations, and snowfall photo zones designed for visitors to enjoy memorable check-ins. In addition, Ha Long offers:

Ha Long enters the festive season filled with Christmas spirit

5. “Yen Tu - Autumn Zen Serenity” Festival

The Ha Long year-end festivals “Yen Tu – Autumn Zen Serenity”, held annually from September through December, is an important cultural and spiritual event celebrating the recognition of the Yen Tu complex as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The festival promotes the philosophy of the Truc Lam Zen tradition, honors spiritual heritage, and encourages visitors to experience Yen Tu during the tranquil autumn–winter season.

Held annually from September to December

II. Useful Information for Joining Ha Long’s Year-End Festivals

With numerous events such as light festivals, countdown concerts, and Christmas markets taking place, travelers should be well-prepared with practical information regarding weather, accommodation, and local cuisine to fully enjoy their trip.

1. Year-End Weather in Ha Long

From December to early January, Ha Long experiences Northern Vietnam’s winter climate, with temperatures averaging 15–20°C. The weather is cool, dry, and rain is rare, ideal for outdoor festivities, night sightseeing around the bay, and street food exploration. Visitors are advised to bring warm jackets and scarves for evening events.

Ha Long temperatures range from 15–20°C

2. Accommodation Selection Criteria

When attending Ha Long year-end festivals, choosing suitable accommodation ensures comfort and convenience:

Wyndham Legend Halong features modern facilities

Wyndham Legend Ha Long, offering 450 modern rooms, meets all accommodation needs. Located opposite Bai Chay Bridge and just a few minutes’ walk from Sun World, the hotel is ideally positioned for festival participation. During December, the Winter Package offers cozy experiences with warm breakfasts, diversified set menus at Blue Bay, and room upgrade benefits for only VND 2,400,000/2 guests/night.

Winter Package promotion only VND 2,400,000 per 2 guests per night

3. Must-Try Ha Long Local Specialties

While enjoying the Ha Long year-end festivals, do not miss Ha Long’s famous seafood specialties such as hand-pounded squid cakes (cha muc), sa sung worms, sea horseshoe crab, grilled oysters, steamed mantis shrimp, razor clams, scallops with scallion oil, sticky rice with squid cakes, ngan clams, Quang Yen fermented pork rolls, and traditional rice rolls, all essential flavors completing your culinary journey in Ha Long.

Iconic Ha Long specialties

III. Conclusion

The Ha Long year-end festivals are a vivid fusion of culture, music, light, and heritage values. From spectacular countdown celebrations and UNESCO heritage ceremonies to glowing Christmas spaces, each event reinforces Ha Long’s position as an ideal year-end destination. For a truly memorable stay, choose Wyndham Legend Ha Long as your perfect accommodation, where comfort meets unforgettable festive experiences.

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Contact Information: Wyndham Legend Halong Address: No. 12, Ha Long Road, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

Tel: +(84) 2033 636 555/ Hotline: +(84) 898 255 628

Email: info@wyndhamhalong.com, sales-co2@wyndhamhalong.com Website: https://www.wyndhamhalong.com/ Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/wyndhamlegendhalong

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