Yuletide on the Red River: Hà Nội embraces Christmas

FESTIVE WONDER: Christmas is a magical time of year for young and old alike - Photo courtesy of Hanoi Events

Alex Reeves @afreeves23

Tis' the season, and it seems with every passing year that people put a little more effort into their annual merriment. My theory? More people have settled now, as the conveyor belt of TEFL teachers has slowed with the tightening of visa regulations and the demand for work largely met. Or perhaps I've just gotten older and stopped hanging around in the Old Quarter? That, along with the realisation that we've got it pretty damn good here if you find a job, some friends, and a decent roof over your head - all important things to be thankful for during a time of year that should bring both joy and reflection.

This isn’t everything we need, though, and while I am a strong advocate of integration and a critic of cultural exportation and consumerism, Christmas knows no borders. Thankfully, people are channeling their longing for home into their festive spirit right here. Instead of chuntering away about how little is happening and how much better Christmas is back West, creatives, organisers, and business owners have been putting their heads together. Driven by the fondness that absence grows from in the 'expat’ community, we have our own festivities and, dare I say, traditions to look forward to.

I've attended no less than three Christmas markets this year already. Bars and restaurants throughout the city have tailored menus for the holidays, and you have to go out of your way to avoid the festive playlist in Circle-K, which will no doubt run until March. Christmas trees are no longer a surprise, more people each year seem at least curious about the fun and festivities, if not the festival itself. While still largely secular, an opportunity to sing, share, and get merry? Hanoi is here for it!

Influencers and promoters, WhereinHanoi, hosted a market earlier this month at Turtle Lake Brewery with a healthy flow of attendees, activities for kids, a festive food menu, and more vendor stalls than you could shake a candy cane at. It was hard not to get in the spirit while surrounded by laughter and treats. The European Union in Vietnam delegation hosted their own affair at the Czech embassy last weekend with a good turnout, even more libations, and a more low-key European Christmas vibe.

There was also the very Hanoian Christmas tradition known as ‘The Twelve Hơis of Christmas,’ where an inordinate number of Santa-clad revelers join up to visit predetermined Bia Hơis and enjoy freshly brewed local beer. This festive cultural fusion is growing in numbers each year and leaves both locals and other expats confused and amused in equal measure.

To those still looking to get in the mood or who like to save their celebrations for later in the month, there’s the Ocean Park Christmas Wonderland by Hanoi Events this coming weekend. It looks set to be the biggest festive event in Hanoi to date with shopping, food, and a chance to meet Santa himself. All in all, Christmas is truly taking off in Hanoi nowadays, and we wish all our readers a very merry one. VNS