Don’t Miss 5 Lunar New Year Festivals in Hoi An

Experience Hoi An Lunar New Year through five highlight festivals, from temple ceremonies in intangible cultural Heritage to lantern floating nights that reveal the town’s most authentic New Year magic.

1. Why Hoi An Shines During Lunar New Year

Hoi An’s Lunar New Year is more than lanterns and a beautiful street; it is a season of vibrant local traditions and unforgettable Lunar New Year festivals. If you are visiting Hoi An during the New Year, these five festival highlights will show you a more authentic side of the ancient town, from temple ceremonies to river lantern rituals.

2. Don’t Miss 5 Lunar New Year Festivals in Hoi An

2.1. The 10^th Cam Ha Ornamental Kumquat Festival 2026

• Time:  Jan 28, 2026: from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  Jan 26, 2026: from 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Location: the Trang Keo Lakeside, Hoi An Tay Ward

The Cam Ha Ornamental Kumquat Festival is a cheerful local celebration of Hoi An’s kumquat-growing tradition. Kumquat trees are a classic symbol of Tet in Vietnam, often associated with luck, prosperity, and a positive start to the new year. Visiting this festival feels like stepping into a living garden show, with a strong sense of community. The festival is also an open space for visitors to connect with local life and a deeper understanding of agricultural culture.

Activities in Tet holidays that you won’t miss:

• Kumquat displays: visit the Ornamental Kumquat exhibition area
• Food market & local product booths: countryside cuisine, OCOP products
• Interesting performances: enjoy “Bài Chòi” singing, folk dances, traditional games, Chinese chess (Xiangpi), the Party and spring celebration.

2.2. Tra Que Good Crop-Praying Ceremony

• Time: Jan 22-23, 2026
• Location: Tra Que Vegetable Village, Cam Ha Commune, Hoi An City

Tra Que Good Crop-Praying Ceremony (Drop Praying Festival) is one of the most meaningful annual village festivals in Hoi An. Locals in Tra Que Vegetable Village gather to honour “Thần Nông” (Earth God) and their ancestors for fertile land and abundant harvests.

There are 2 competitions in this festival, both of which carry meanings to celebrate and appreciate the hardworking spirit and craftsmanship of Vietnamese farmers in general and Tra Que Vegetable Village specifically.

• Farming competition: This is a competition between local hamlets in the process of growing plants, such as digging, forming beds, watering, and pruning vegetables.
• “Tôm Hưu” (shrimp & herbs) cooking competition: “Tôm Hưu” is a traditional and unique dish from Tra Que Vegetable Village, which is made of shrimp, pork, basil, and scallion.

As a proud milestone, Tra Que was named the Best Tourism Village 2024 by UN Tourism, reinforcing its position as a leading sustainable destination in Vietnam. Visitors can also join interesting activities such as a cooking class, where you can try to harvest fresh ingredients from the land and make them into flavorful dishes by yourself. At Vivu Journeys, our tours also include a cooking class experience in Hoi An, where you can go with your family or friends without any obstacles.

You might also like to know more about other Vietnamese cultures:

• Vietnamese Lucky Money: Meaning Behind a Beloved Tet Tradition
• Non La Vietnam (Conical Hat): The Conical Crown of Culture

2.3. Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) – Tet Xua Pho Hoi

• Time: Feb 09 – Feb 26, 2026
• Location: Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, Hoi An Tay

Tet in Hoi An is the biggest holiday of the year, and it carries a special sense of warmth. It is all about family reunion, gratitude, and fresh beginnings. The weekend market theme “Tet Xua Pho Hoi” adds a nostalgic touch, bringing back the feeling of old-style Tet with traditional foods, crafts, and playful folk activities.

Discover 14-Day Authentic Vietnam’s Hidden Gems – Vivu Journeys tour to explore Hoi An in a special cruise during the special Tet Holiday.

2.4. Hoi An Nguyen Tieu (First Full Moon Festival)

• Time: March 2026
• Location: Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, Hoi An Tay

Hoi An Nguyen Tieu marks the first full moon of the lunar year. It is one of the most significant and long-standing traditional festivals of the Hoi An community. It serves both as a vibrant celebration and as an important occasion for offerings, prayers for peace and safety, ancestral worship, and seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune at the beginning of the year, held at various heritage sites, clan halls, and assembly halls throughout the Ancient Town of Hoi An.

There are some special activities in Hoi An’s Tet holiday:

• Old Town Night & Nguyen Tieu Poetry Night: lantern streets, live music, and poetic vibes (March 2, 2026 )
• Hoai River Lantern Floating:  float lanterns on the river, make a wish, and soak up the magic at night
• Long Chu Procession & Community Rituals: lively parades, drums, chants and true Hoi An energy at night
• Nguyen Tieu Ceremonies: iconic temples, incense rituals and beautiful local traditions (March ,4 2026)

You may also like: 

• Hoi An Food: A Taste of Authentic Central Vietnam
• Hoi An Lantern Festival – The Ancient Town’s Magical Night
• Hoi An Memories Show: A Must See Cultural Performance
• Best Things to Do in Hoi An: Luxury on a Budget

2.5. The Festival of Light and Heritage

• Time: Feb 17 – April 30, 206
• Location: Hoi An Memories Land, Hoi An

The Festival of Light and Heritage are a modern, night-focused festival that combines heritage themes with creative light installations and performances. It is designed to be immersive and visually impressive, making it a strong choice for travellers who love evening experiences and photo-worthy moments.

More than a festival, the Festival of Light and Heritage also connect with traditional culture and stories through captivating movements and lights. Every element thoughtfully blends cutting-edge modern technology with authentic heritage. This innovative fusion makes the experience truly special, where ancient tales of Hoi An’s trading past glow vividly in the present, inspiring visitors with a fresh, emotional bridge between tradition and innovation.

After a long day in Hoi An, a healing hotel by the sea with a great retreat is a must. In Victoria Hoi An Beach & Resort, the itineraries here make every demand come true. Victoria Hoi An Beach & Resort is located by the An Bang Beach and only 3km away from Hoi An Ancient Town, which pleases any particular customer.

3. Conclusion

In Hoi An, every festival shares a common purpose: to celebrate local identity, preserve the unique culture of each community, and spread joy and pride. Most importantly, these traditions inspire younger generations to carry them forward and share Hoi An’s spirit with friends from around the world.

For visitors, these celebrations offer a fresh perspective on how Vietnamese people celebrate the Lunar New Year in Hoi An. In return, we can help keep these traditions meaningful by respecting local customs and lighting up the warm hospitality that fills the streets.

Partner with us or send a Enquire now, and start planning your adventure in Hoi An.