Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026: Dates, Events & Best Places to Visit

1. When and Where Is the Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026?

The Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026 will take place across several locations in the Ancient Town, creating a walking route filled with lantern installations and cultural activities.

While some activities will begin in the late afternoon, the festival will be especially lively after sunset, when the lanterns light up the streets and riverside.

Here are the key details:

The opening ceremony will feature a lantern-lighting event, music, dance, and artistic performances celebrating Hoi An's cultural heritage.

Our tip: Arrive around 4:30–5:00 PM to explore the Old Town before sunset, join some of the afternoon activities, and then enjoy the lantern displays after dark. Set aside at least one full evening to experience the festival without rushing.

2. What to See and Do at the Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026?

The festival is much more than a display of beautiful lanterns. Throughout the four days, visitors will have opportunities to meet local artisans, watch traditional performances, discover Hoi An's multicultural past, and taste some of the town's best-known dishes.

2.1. Admire the Giant Lantern Installations

One of the main highlights of the festival will be around 15 large-scale artistic lantern installations displayed across Hoi An Ancient Town, its public squares, and along the Hoai River.

Some installations will draw inspiration from the town's history and traditional crafts, using materials such as bamboo, wood, and ceramics.

Others will reflect the cultural traditions of Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Laos, highlighting Hoi An's long history as an international trading port.

After sunset, these illuminated artworks will bring a different atmosphere to the familiar yellow-walled streets and riverside walkways.

For photography lovers, this will be one of the best opportunities to capture Hoi An's lanterns on a larger scale than usual.

Good to know: If you're visiting Hoi An after December 6, you may still have a chance to see some of the displays. Selected lantern installations are expected to remain in place until the Lantern Festival in February 2027.

2.2. Make Your Own Traditional Hoi An Lantern

Have you ever wondered how Hoi An's famous silk lanterns are made?

During the festival, local artisans will lead hands-on lantern-making workshops, giving visitors a closer look at one of the town's most recognizable traditional crafts.

You'll discover how bamboo is shaped into delicate frames, how colorful fabric is attached, and how the finished lanterns are assembled.

It's a lovely activity for families, couples, or anyone interested in Vietnamese craftsmanship. You may even get to take home a lantern made with your own hands!

The festival will also feature an exhibition called "Lanterns and the Art of Rebirth," showcasing creative lantern designs made from recycled and environmentally friendly materials.

These displays offer a fresh perspective on how Hoi An's traditional artisans are adapting their skills while preserving techniques passed down through generations.

2.3. Enjoy Traditional Vietnamese Performances

Beyond the lantern displays, the festival will celebrate the performing arts through a cultural program called "Colors of Heritage."

Visitors can look forward to several traditional Vietnamese art forms, including:

• Bai Choi: A traditional folk game combining singing, storytelling, and entertainment, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• Hat Boi: A form of Vietnamese classical theater known for its colorful costumes, elaborate makeup, and expressive performances.

• Traditional folk music: Live performances featuring melodies and instruments from Central Vietnam.

• Ao Dai fashion shows: Presentations of Vietnam's traditional dress, highlighting its elegance and cultural significance.

Modern artistic performances will also be included, bringing together traditional and contemporary interpretations of Vietnamese culture.

For international visitors, these performances are an enjoyable way to discover local traditions, even without understanding every word being sung or spoken.

2.4. Travel Back in Time with "Minh Dang Da Hanh"

One of the festival's most anticipated events will take place on the evening of December 4, 2026.

Called "Minh Dang Da Hanh," this special cultural program will recreate the atmosphere of Hoi An in the early 20th century, when the town still reflected its long history as a busy international trading port.

Visitors will see people dressed in traditional Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese costumes, recalling the different communities that once lived and traded here.

The evening is expected to feature:

• Traditional costume parades and lantern processions

• Folk dances and cultural performances

• Demonstrations of local handicrafts

• Artistic activities inspired by Hoi An's historic trading-port culture

What makes this event particularly interesting is the chance to experience Hoi An's history beyond its old buildings and museums.

Walking through the lantern-lit streets while watching traditional processions should offer a memorable glimpse into the town's multicultural heritage.

Our tip: If you can only attend the festival for one evening, December 4 is an excellent choice, especially if you're interested in history, traditional costumes, and cultural performances.

2.5. Taste Hoi An's Famous Local Specialties

A visit to Hoi An wouldn't be complete without trying its local food, and the lantern festival will be a great opportunity to do just that.

The dedicated food and cultural area, "Taste of Hoi An," will introduce visitors to traditional dishes, local crafts, and cultural experiences.

Among the specialties worth trying are:

• Cao Lau: Hoi An's signature noodle dish, made with thick, chewy noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers.

• White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac): Delicate steamed rice dumplings, usually filled with shrimp or pork and served with a light dipping sauce.

• Banh Mi: A crispy Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with meats, pâté, vegetables, herbs, and flavorful sauces.

Around 20 food, craft, and cultural experience stalls are expected to welcome visitors at Hoai River Square and An Hoi Sculpture Garden.

Opening hours: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM daily during the festival.

It's a convenient place to stop for a snack between performances, discover handmade souvenirs, or simply enjoy the evening atmosphere.

2.6. Explore Art Exhibitions and Creative Activities

The festival will also provide opportunities for visitors interested in art, design, and photography.

A photography competition called "Impressions of Hoi An Lanterns" will celebrate creative images capturing the beauty and cultural significance of the town's lanterns.

An online lantern-pattern design competition will invite new interpretations of this centuries-old craft, encouraging artists and designers to explore contemporary ideas.

There will also be discussions about traditional handicrafts, where local artisans and cultural experts will share how Hoi An's craft traditions are being preserved and adapted to modern life.

These activities offer another way to appreciate the people and craftsmanship behind the lanterns that have become such an important symbol of Hoi An.

3. Best Places to Enjoy the Lantern Displays in Hoi An

With several festival locations spread across the Ancient Town, you can easily combine the main attractions during an evening walk.

Here are some of the best places to explore:

• Hoai River Square: This will be one of the festival's central locations, hosting the opening ceremony, large lantern installations, and cultural activities. It's a good starting point for visitors who want to experience the main festival atmosphere.
• An Hoi Sculpture Garden: Located near the riverside, this area will feature lantern displays, local crafts, food stalls, and interactive activities. It's particularly suitable for visitors interested in workshops and cultural experiences.
• Nguyen Phuc Chu Street: Running along the Hoai River, this lively pedestrian street is known for its lantern shops, cafés, and evening atmosphere. During the festival, it will be one of the main areas for illuminated installations.
• Tran Phu Street: One of Hoi An's most historic streets, Tran Phu is lined with traditional houses, temples, and old merchant buildings. The lantern installations will add another layer of color to its well-preserved architecture.
• Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street: This historic street, near the Japanese Covered Bridge, offers another beautiful setting for lantern displays against the backdrop of Hoi An's traditional architecture.
• Along the Hoai River: The riverfront is already one of Hoi An's most popular places after sunset. During the festival, reflections from the lantern installations will make it an especially appealing place for an evening stroll and photographs.

Our tip: You don't need to rush between all the locations. Most of the main festival areas are within walking distance of one another, so take your time, stop at a café, and enjoy the different displays along the way.

4. Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An During the Festival

If you're planning to visit Hoi An in December, a little preparation will help you make the most of the experience.

• Plan for an evening visit: The main lantern displays will look their best after sunset. Arriving in the late afternoon also gives you time to join workshops or explore the food stalls.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes: The festival will be spread across several streets and public spaces, so expect to do plenty of walking.
• Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella: December is part of the rainy season in Central Vietnam, and Hoi An can experience showers and occasional flooding. Check the weather forecast before heading out, especially if you plan to spend the evening by the river.
• Expect larger crowds: Popular areas such as Hoai River Square and the riverfront may get busy, particularly during the opening ceremony and special performances.
• Check for program updates: While the main dates and activities have been announced, individual performance times, workshop schedules, and some practical details may still be adjusted by the organizers.
• Don't confuse this event with Hoi An's monthly Lantern Festival: The International Lantern Festival from December 3 to 6, 2026, is a special four-day event with international art installations and cultural programs. It is separate from the traditional full-moon lantern celebrations held in Hoi An each lunar month.

5. Is the Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026 Worth Visiting?

If your Vietnam trip falls between December 3 and 6, the Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026 is well worth adding to your itinerary.

What makes this first edition particularly interesting is the combination of traditional craftsmanship, international cultural exchange, local cuisine, and artistic performances, all set within Hoi An's UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.

Rather than simply admiring the lanterns, you'll have opportunities to meet the artisans who make them, learn about the town's trading-port history, and experience local traditions through music, food, and hands-on activities.

If you have more time in Central Vietnam, consider spending two or three days in Hoi An to explore its historic streets, nearby craft villages, and surrounding countryside at a relaxed pace.

Planning a trip to Hoi An or Central Vietnam? At Kampá Tour, our local travel experts can help you create a private journey that combines cultural highlights, authentic local experiences, and time to enjoy special events like this one.

And if you're visiting Hoi An during the festival, which experience would you be most excited about: the giant lantern displays, the traditional performances, or making your own lantern?