Where to go in December: Hang En in the sunshine, Sydney countdown

Bustling December: sun-hunting at Hang En Quang Tri, attending World Tea Fest Da Lat, counting down to Sydney, watching ice sculptures in Harbin. There is a detailed schedule and notes.

December is a busy month for you to end the year: from the orange festival in Phu Tho, World Tea Fest in Lam Dong , a sun-seeking journey in Hang En Cave (Quang Tri), to Christmas in Singapore and Hong Kong; a grand countdown ceremony in Sydney and ice sculptures in Harbin. Here are the times, locations and highlights to know.

Cao Phong Orange Festival in Phu Tho

From December 12 to 18, the Cao Phong Orange Festival takes place at the square and cultural house of Cao Phong commune (formerly Hoa Binh , now Phu Tho province). Cao Phong oranges are round, have thin orange skin, juicy flesh, sweet and slightly sour taste, and are bought by many people as gifts when coming to Phu Tho.

• Scale: about 120 booths, of which 60 booths display and sell oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits.
• Experience area: orange juice and orange products for visitors.
• Supplementary area: plant varieties, agricultural materials, production equipment; display of handicrafts and local specialties.

Tea Festival in Lam Dong

World Tea Fest 2025 will be held for the first time on an international scale in Da Lat and some tea-producing areas of Lam Dong province. The program will take place from November 11 to December 7, with the peak from December 5 to 7.

• Expected to attract about 20,000 attendees.
• Activities: international tea fair and exhibition; Tea Summit (high-level conference on tea industry development strategy); Tea Gallery (space for experiencing technology about Vietnamese and world tea culture); Tea Carnival (street festival); Tea Fest (grand concert); Tea Connect ("diplomatic tea"); experience growing areas (Tea Travel) and start-up exchange with students (Tea Talk).

Cave exploration in Quang Tri

From the end of November, the rainy season in Quang Tri has ended, and tourism has returned to normal. This is the ideal time to explore caves, especially Hang En (located in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park). From December, on sunny days, sunlight penetrates deep into the cave - a phenomenon described by Hang En and Son Doong tour guides as "unique". If you go on a sunny day, the chance of encountering it is almost absolute.

Sunlight shines into Swallow Cave. Photo: Dai Bigben

Christmas celebrations around the world

Many cities hold festivals from early December, combined with New Year events. In Asia, Vietnamese visitors often choose Singapore, Hong Kong, along with snow festivals in Japan and South Korea.

Singapore

• Christmas Wonderland: 29 November to 1 January 2026 at Gardens by the Bay, with light shows and interactive exhibits.
• "Togetherland" Christmas Fair: 11/12 to 4/1/2026 at Marina Bay.
• Orchard Road Lights Festival: 8/11 to 1/1/2026.

Hong Kong

• WinterFest 2025: November 14 to January 4, 2026, mainly in the Central region.
• Main activities: "Christmas Town" in Statue Square with a 20-meter Christmas tree; "Immersive Light Show in Central"; "Starlight Boulevard" on Chater Street; fireworks display on the night of December 31.
• Note: Check the event calendar again as following the apartment fire, many activities may be cancelled.

New Year's Countdown Party

On December 31, many places around the world celebrate Countdown. Sydney, Australia is always on the list of interests, being one of the places to welcome the new year early and with many activities.

New Year at Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia. Photo: secretsydney

• The New Year's Eve celebrations at Sydney Harbour last from late December 31 into the New Year.
• Participants should arrive early; many campers, family fun, bring enough food and drink for a day to limit movement.
• Activity points: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, The Rocks old town, Darling Harbour entertainment area, St Mary's Cathedral.
• Other famous countdown celebrations: New York (USA), Dubai (UAE), Taipei (China), London (UK), Paris (France).

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

In Harbin (Heilongjiang Province, China), the ice festival officially opens on January 5, 2026, but the park with ice sculptures welcomes visitors from December 20. The works are almost completed by Christmas; on the night of December 31, there are fireworks to welcome the new year.

• Central Park Opening Hours: 10am-10pm daily.
• Best time to visit: from around 3pm to see the daytime ice sculpture and evening light show.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/thang-12-di-dau-hang-en-nang-xuyen-sydney-dem-nguoc-10313529.html