Where to go in December: Special destinations at home and abroad

Special domestic destinations

December is the perfect time to explore Vietnam's diverse beauty, from cultural festivals to unique natural wonders.

Cao Phong Orange Festival in Hoa Binh

From December 12 to 18, the Cao Phong Orange Festival will be held at the square and cultural house of Cao Phong commune, Hoa Binh province. This is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the famous orange specialty with round fruit, thin skin, and sweet taste. The festival has a scale of about 120 booths, displaying orange products, local specialties and handicrafts.

International Tea Festival in Lam Dong

For the first time being held on an international scale, World Tea Fest 2025 will take place in Da Lat and the tea regions of Lam Dong province from November 11 to December 7. The main events will peak from December 5 to 7. The festival is expected to attract about 20,000 participants with a variety of activities such as exhibition fairs, high-level conferences on the tea industry, tea culture experience spaces and vibrant street festivals.

Exploring Hang En and the "sun hunting season" in Quang Tri

When the rainy season is over, December is the right time to start exploring the caves in Quang Tri. In particular, at Hang En in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, visitors have the opportunity to admire the unique natural phenomenon when the sun's rays shine deep into the cave, creating a magical scene. According to tour guides, the rate of encountering this moment is almost absolute on sunny days.

Sunlight shines inside Hang En Cave, Quang Tri. — Sunlight shines into the heart of Hang En, a special phenomenon in December. Photo: Dai Bigben

Immerse yourself in the international festival atmosphere

The end of the year is also an opportunity to experience the Christmas atmosphere and welcome the New Year in major cities around the world.

Bustling Christmas in Singapore and Hong Kong

Singapore is always an attractive destination with long-lasting festival events. Main activities include:

Christmas Wonderland: Held from 29 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 at Gardens by the Bay with light shows and interactive artworks.
"Togetherland" Christmas Fair: Singapore's largest fair, from 11/12/2025 to 4/1/2026 at Marina Bay.
Orchard Road Lights Festival: The famous shopping street is decorated with lights from 8 November 2025 to 1 January 2026.

In Hong Kong , WinterFest 2025 will take place from November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026. The highlight will be the "Christmas Town" at the Statue of Liberty Square with a 20-meter-tall Christmas tree and a fireworks display on the night of December 31. Visitors should check the event schedule as some activities may be cancelled.

New Year's Countdown in Sydney, Australia

As one of the first places in the world to welcome the new year, Sydney always attracts attention with its spectacular "Countdown" festival. The event at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House area is famous for its cultural programs and spectacular fireworks displays. To get a good spot, visitors often have to arrive early, bringing food and drinks to wait for the moment of New Year's Eve.

A brilliant fireworks display to welcome the new year at Sydney Harbour, Australia. — Sydney is one of the first and most spectacular places in the world to welcome the new year. Photo: secretsydney

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Heilongjiang Province will officially open on January 5, 2026, but the ice and snow park will open to visitors from December 20, 2025. This is an opportunity to admire the giant ice and snow sculptures, sparkling under colored lights. The best time to visit is from around 3 p.m. to see the works both during the day and when they are lit up in the evening. There will also be a fireworks show to welcome the new year on December 31.