Flashback to winter - Where to See the Best Holiday Decor in Hanoi

While Hanoi isn’t known for snowy holidays, it still offers a surprisingly festive Christmas vibe — especially in the Old Quarter. If you’re in the city during December, two standout spots bring serious seasonal charm:

🎄 Ban Công Cafe

Located in a restored French colonial building on Hàng Gai Street, Ban Công Cafe transforms into a cozy Christmas retreat each year. Expect fairy lights, wreaths, a decorated tree, and soft holiday tunes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a hot egg coffee or cocoa while watching the city below from the twinkling balcony.

📍 2 Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm
📸 Best time: Late afternoon into evening

🎶 Nhà Hát Lớn (Hanoi Opera House)

Hanoi’s grand opera house gets a festive glow-up in December. The building and surrounding square are lit with elegant Christmas lights and decor, making it a great spot for photos or just a stroll. You might even catch a holiday concert inside for a cultural bonus.

📍 1 Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm
🎟️ Check listings for seasonal performances

🍽️ La Badiane: A Festive Feast in Style

Looking for a refined spot to celebrate the season? La Badiane is one of Hanoi’s top fine-dining destinations, offering French cuisine with a Vietnamese twist — and it’s even featured in the Michelin Guide. Tucked in a colonial villa on Nam Ngu Street, it’s a perfect place for a special holiday dinner.

With dishes like grilled red tuna in Thai spices or tenderloin with Gorgonzola and bacon, the food is elegant without being fussy. The setting is warm, the service top-tier, and during the holiday season, the ambiance is quietly festive.

📍 10 Nam Ngu, Hoàn Kiếm
📞 +84 24 3942 4509
🌐 Reservations recommended

Bonus: For a more local (and very colorful) take on Christmas, head to Hàng Mã Street for decorations, lights, and quirky holiday finds.

#localguides #festiveseason #historicallandmarks