Things to do in Hanoi in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Hanoi. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 52—70°F (11—21°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Hanoi during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony, attend the Hanoi Christmas Market, take a cruise on Ha Long Bay, and more!

Hanoi has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Hanoi. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Hanoi in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Hanoi in December

Top experiences in December
Attend a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony
In December, many tea houses in Hanoi offer special holiday-themed tea ceremonies, where you can learn about the art of tea making and the cultural significance of tea in Vietnamese society. This is a relaxing and educational experience that allows you to sample a variety of traditional teas and to enjoy the peaceful and meditative atmosphere of the tea house. Attending a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony is a great way to learn about local customs and to experience the hospitality and warmth of the Vietnamese people.
Attend the Hanoi Christmas Market
The Hanoi Christmas Market is a charming and festive event that takes place in December, featuring a wide variety of holiday-themed activities and attractions. Here, you can find unique gifts and souvenirs, as well as traditional Christmas decorations and ornaments. The market also includes live music, carolers, and visits from Santa Claus, making it a fun and family-friendly experience. The Hanoi Christmas Market is a great place to get into the holiday spirit and to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city.
Take a cruise on Ha Long Bay
December is a great time to visit Ha Long Bay, as the weather is cool and the bay is less crowded with tourists. Taking a cruise on Ha Long Bay allows you to explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, and to visit the floating fishing villages and caves. You can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, swimming, and visiting the beautiful beaches. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of Ha Long Bay in December makes it a truly magical experience.
Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese holiday dishes
Taking a cooking class in Hanoi is a great way to learn about Vietnamese cuisine and to experience the local culture. In December, many cooking classes offer special holiday-themed lessons, where you can learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes that are enjoyed during the holiday season. This is a fun and interactive experience that allows you to learn new cooking skills and to enjoy a delicious meal at the end of the class.
Take a day trip to the countryside to see the blooming cherry blossoms
In December, the countryside surrounding Hanoi is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a stunning and picturesque landscape. Taking a day trip to the countryside allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and to enjoy the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms. You can also visit local villages and markets, and to experience the peaceful and serene atmosphere of rural Vietnam.
Take a bike tour of Hanoi to see the city's holiday decorations
In December, Hanoi is beautifully decorated with festive lights, ornaments, and holiday displays, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere throughout the city. Taking a bike tour allows you to explore the streets of Hanoi and to see the stunning holiday decorations up close. You can also visit iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Opera House,
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Holidays in Hanoi in December
December
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • International New Year's Eve (December 31)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • International New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Hanoi in December

Temperatures on an average day in Hanoi in December

The average temperature in Hanoi in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 70°F (21°C) to a low of 52°F (11°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Hanoi, June, has days with highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 78°F (26°C). The coldest month, December has days with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Hanoi in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
70°F
highs
52°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
18%
Chance of rain
0.080 in
Amount
10.3 mph
Wind speed
75%
Humidity
10.9 hrs
Daylight length
6:24 AM
Sunrise
5:17 PM
Sunset
50%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 70°F (21°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Hanoi in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Hanoi has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Hanoi that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Hanoi for December.
Old Quarter
1. Old Quarter
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
2. Hoàn Kiếm Lake
4.7
(9167)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Lake featuring a temple on a small island reached via a wooden bridge & a tower on another island.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
3. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
4.3
(14063)
Puppet theater
Concerts & Shows
Performing-arts venue presenting theatrical water puppetry shows with accompanying music.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
4. Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
4.5
(17136)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh's body is on display in this mausoleum & historic site.
Temple Of Literature
5. Temple Of Literature
4.6
(13734)
Place of worship
Sights & Landmarks
Confucian temple with landscaped courtyards, numerous altars & shrines & an imposing front gate.
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
6. Hoa Lo Prison Relic
4.5
(13701)
History museum
Sights & Landmarks
Only the gatehouse, now a museum, remains of this storied prison for POWs during the Vietnam War.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
7. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
4.6
(12528)
Ethnographic museum
Museums
Ethnological museum offering exhibits on Vietnam's various cultures, with gardens & a restaurant.
Vietnamese Women's Museum
8. Vietnamese Women's Museum
4.4
(4746)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Modern museum with a permanent collection exploring Vietnamese women's history, culture & fashion.
Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
9. Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House
4.5
(1271)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Simple stilt home & former residence of Communist Ho Chi Minh, with relics, gardens & tours.
St. Joseph Cathedral
10. St. Joseph Cathedral
4.7
(3275)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
West Lake
11. West Lake
4.7
(4431)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Urban freshwater lake with an 11-mile perimeter & a 6th century pagoda in the middle.
Vietnam Military History Museum
12. Vietnam Military History Museum
4.2
(5431)
Army museum
Museums
Museum of military history featuring artifacts from different campaigns & a collection of aircraft.
One Pillar Pagoda
13. One Pillar Pagoda
4.3
(6782)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Rebuilt iconic Buddhist temple, originally erected in 1049, designed to resemble a lotus blossom.
Hanoi Opera House
14. Hanoi Opera House
4.6
(17692)
Opera house
Sights & Landmarks
Ornate performing arts hall opened in 1911 & staging classical music, dance & opera performances.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
15. Ho Chi Minh Museum
4.3
(6484)
Museum
History Museums
Built in the shape of a lotus flower, the museum explores the life of President Ho Chi Minh.
cầu Long Biên
16. cầu Long Biên
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Hanoi?

Get inspired for your trip to Hanoi with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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