Gentle, peaceful Christmas vibe in Hoi An ancient town

The most striking symbol of this year’s Christmas is “ lantern Christmas tree” installed at Song Hoai Square. Built from hundreds of traditional silk lanterns, an enduring cultural emblem of the old town, the tree offered a soft, golden glow after sunset.

The installation blended seamlessly into its surroundings, creating a festive focal point that felt unmistakably Hoi An. It is respectful of tradition while subtly reimagining a global celebration through local materials and aesthetics.

Strolling through the ancient streets during Christmas, visitors encountered an atmosphere that many described as unusually serene.

Instead of crowded walkways and constant noise, there was space to slow down, to admire moss-covered tiled roofs, narrow alleys, and timeworn façades reflected in the gentle flow of the Hoai River.

International visitors found this special approach especially appealing. This is the first time Kneidl Fenske, a tourist from Germany, has brought his family to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year in Hoi An.

“The Christmas atmosphere here is very gentle, and the weather is warm. It’s not loud or overwhelming, but you still see models of Christmas trees and small decorations displayed in shops. It truly feels like a peaceful and meaningful Christmas”, said Fenske.

For others, the season carried deeper emotional resonance. Younis Posh, visiting with his family from India, said they chose Hoi An after a year marked by hardship.

“This year was very difficult for the people of Hoi An and Vietnam as a whole because of weather challenges. Now life is gradually stabilizing. Christmas this year brings hope for a better new year, especially for tourism”, said Posh.

That sense of renewal was also evident in how local businesses and tourism operators marked the holiday. Rather than investing in elaborate displays, many opted for creativity and sustainability.

Employees were encouraged to craft Christmas trees and decorations from recycled materials such as plastic bottles, cardboard, scrap wood, and leftover fabric.

The result was not only visually engaging but also aligned with the town’s long-term commitment to environmentally responsible tourism.

Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, the Managing Director of Emic Travel Hoi An, said her company organized an internal competition to design Christmas trees from discarded materials.

“The goal is to inspire creativity among our staff while spreading messages about environmental protection and green living to visitors,” she explained.

Christmas in Hoi An this year brings a sense of warmth born from the peaceful rhythm of the ancient town, from environmentally friendly creative touches, and from the way local authorities, businesses, and residents join hands to shape a gentle, intimate Christmas that feels unmistakably Hoi An.