For the first time, Da Nang City will ring in the holiday season with a dazzling illuminated Christmas tree and a 20-day festival along the Han River, promising to become a new holiday attraction of the coastal city in central Vietnam.

Organized by the Da Nang Department of Tourism, Da Nang Christmas-New Year Festival 2025 will run from December 14 to January 2 and feature a series of cultural, tourism, and recreational activities centered around the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge.

Key locations include the eastern bank of the Dragon Bridge, near Tran Hung Dao and Ly Nam De Streets, and the western bank's scenic spots across from the Cham Sculpture Museum.

The festival is intended to create unforgettable holiday experiences for residents and visitors.

Nguyen Thi Hoai An, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, underlined the significance of this inaugural event.

“The Christmas-New Year 2025 Festival is expected to bring joyful and memorable moments while establishing Da Nang as a must-visit destination during the year-end festivities,” An said, adding that this initiative lays the foundation for an annual celebration.

Festival highlights and activities, according to danangfantasticity.com, an official website of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, are as follows:

Saturday, December 14 

7:30 pm: Grand Lighting Ceremony 

The ceremony features vibrant Christmas music, children’s performances, and a New Year wish-writing activity to kick off the festival.

Location: Northern platform on the western bank of the Dragon Bridge (opposite the VTV8 building)

Friday, December 20

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Grand Opening Ceremony 

An artistic showcase combines festive colors, dynamic audiovisual effects, and captivating performances. 

Location: Northern platform and eastern part of the Dragon Bridge

7:00 pm: ‘Have Fun with Santa Claus’ Parade 

The parade includes synchronized music and dance performances, with residents, tourists, and local businesses dressed in festive costumes.

The march starts at Bach Dang Pedestrian Street (Bach Dang – 2/9 Street Intersection) and heads toward the Illuminated Christmas Tree.

Sunday, December 24

8:00 pm: ‘Gifts from Santa Claus’

Santa distributes meaningful gifts, offering residents and visitors a chance to meet him in a lively, festive atmosphere. 

Location: Northern platform on the eastern bank of the Dragon Bridge

Daily and nightly attractions

December 14 to January 2

5:00 pm to 10:30 pm: Creative Check-In Spaces

Capture festive moments at three unique installations: a sparkling Christmas tree, a giant gift box, and a colorful 'Welcome 2025' sign.

December 20 to January 2

5:00 pm to 10:30 pm: Christmas and New Year Market 

Discover handcrafted souvenirs, OCOP-certified products, and over 100 festive dishes from local and international cuisines, alongside a Beer Festival and interactive wine-making activities.

Location: Eastern part of the Dragon Bridge

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Interactive Holiday Activities 

Enjoy tree decorating contests, candy cane games, scavenger hunts, and crafting sessions for cards, wreaths, and 2025 calendars.

8:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Nightly Art Performances 

Location: Northern platform, eastern bank of the Dragon Bridge

Enjoy themed shows, Christmas and New Year celebrations, and DJ performances on December 20, 24, and 31. 

Citywide activities

Various districts and attractions in Da Nang will host supporting events, including:

* Street carnivals, Han River dances, and street music

* Traditional Bai Choi singing -- a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage art form

* Magic shows, youth art showcases, and traditional instrumental performances

* Events at Bach Dang Pedestrian Street and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge like scenic check-in spots, book fairs, and community spaces.

Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants will join the celebration by decorating their spaces with festive themes and offering holiday promotions.

The event will also launch the Da Nang Food Tour campaign, introducing a Digital Culinary Map and Culinary Passport. 

Visitors can collect stamps at selected dining locations for exclusive rewards, adding another layer of excitement to the festive season.

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