Hoi An is preparing for a spectacular celebration of light, art, and cultural heritage this December. The Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026 will take place from December 3 to 6, 2026, transforming the ancient town into a colorful showcase of traditional craftsmanship, artistic installations, and cultural performances.
Under the theme “Hoi An – Colors of Heritage,” the four-day festival will bring together Vietnamese traditions and international creativity, offering visitors a special opportunity to experience one of Vietnam’s most charming heritage destinations.
If you are planning a trip to Central Vietnam at the end of the year, here is what to know about the festival, its main attractions, and other cultural events taking place nearby.
When and Where Is the Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026?
The Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026 will take place from December 3 to 6, 2026, across Hoi An Ancient Town in Central Vietnam. Under the theme “Hoi An – Colors of Heritage,” the four-day celebration will bring together traditional lantern-making, contemporary art, cultural performances, and international exchanges.
This marks the first time Hoi An has organized an international lantern festival on this scale. The event also coincides with the 27th anniversary of Hoi An Ancient Town’s UNESCO World Heritage recognition on December 4, 1999, making it a particularly meaningful occasion to celebrate the town’s cultural identity and craftsmanship.
Festival activities will be held at Hoai River Square, An Hoi Sculpture Garden, along the Hoai River, and throughout several streets of the ancient town, including Nguyen Phuc Chu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, and Tran Phu streets.
One of the main attractions will be approximately 15 large-scale artistic lantern installations, inspired by Hoi An’s history, traditional crafts, and local life. Alongside Vietnamese designs, visitors can expect lantern displays representing Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Laos, reflecting the town’s longstanding connections with international cultures.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 PM on December 3 at Hoai River Square, featuring the ceremonial illumination of the lantern displays and artistic performances. Throughout the festival, visitors will have opportunities to explore lantern-making workshops, meet local artisans, enjoy traditional performances, and discover regional cuisine at the “Taste of Hoi An” food space. Around 20 experience booths are planned to operate from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM daily.
Other highlights include the “Lanterns and Regenerative Art” exhibition, the “Colors of Heritage” cultural program, and Minh Dang Da Hanh on December 4, a lantern procession and cultural reenactment inspired by Hoi An in the early 20th century.
The celebration will conclude on December 6 with the “Hoai Giang Night” artistic performance along the river. Selected lantern installations are also expected to remain on display beyond the four-day festival, extending into the Lunar New Year festival period in early 2027.
More than a visual celebration, the festival aims to preserve Hoi An’s traditional lantern-making heritage while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and community participation.
What to Expect at the Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026
A Spectacular Display of Lantern Art
Lanterns have long been one of Hoi An’s most recognizable cultural symbols. During the festival, this traditional craft will take on a larger and more creative form.
Approximately 15 major lantern installations are planned across the ancient town, including Hoai River Square, An Hoi Sculpture Garden, Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Tran Phu Street, and the Hoai River.
The displays are expected to reflect Hoi An’s history, local traditions, and everyday life through different shapes, colors, and materials.
International lantern installations representing countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Laos are also planned, adding a cross-cultural dimension to the celebration.
Selected installations are expected to remain on display beyond the main festival dates, potentially extending into the Lantern Festival period in early 2027.
Hands-On Lantern-Making Experiences
One of the most meaningful ways to experience Hoi An is to discover the craftsmanship behind its famous silk lanterns.
During the festival, visitors can join lantern-making activities, meet local artisans, and learn more about the techniques that have helped preserve this traditional craft.
Workshops using recycled and environmentally friendly materials are also planned as part of the event’s creative program.
For families and travelers interested in Vietnamese culture, these hands-on experiences offer a chance to engage with local traditions rather than simply admire the decorations.
Traditional Performances and Cultural Exhibitions
The festival will feature the Colors of Heritage artistic program, bringing together different forms of Vietnamese performing arts.
Visitors can look forward to performances featuring traditional music, folk songs, Bai Choi, Tuong classical theater, dance, and cultural costume presentations.
Another highlight is the lantern-themed art exhibition, which explores how traditional craftsmanship can be interpreted through contemporary creativity and sustainable materials.
These activities provide an opportunity to discover the stories and artistic traditions behind Hoi An’s distinctive cultural identity.
Minh Dang Da Hanh: A Journey Through Old Hoi An
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is Minh Dang Da Hanh, scheduled for the evening of December 4.
This cultural program will recreate elements of Hoi An’s atmosphere in the early 20th century through traditional costumes, lantern processions, craft demonstrations, and folk performances.
The event will also reflect the cultural exchanges that shaped Hoi An during its history as an international trading port, including Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences.
For visitors, it offers a particularly interesting way to connect the town’s historic architecture with the traditions that developed around it.
Hoai Giang Night: A Cultural Finale by the River
The festival is scheduled to conclude on December 6 with a closing program at Hoai River Square.
A highlight will be Hoai Giang Night, an artistic performance celebrating the history and cultural life of Hoi An through traditional music, dance, regional folk art, and lighting effects along the river.
The performance will provide a fitting conclusion to four days dedicated to the town’s heritage and creative spirit.
Experience Hoi An Your Way With Asia Pioneer Travel
The Hoi An International Lantern Festival 2026 offers another reason to discover Central Vietnam, but the town has much more to share beyond its illuminated streets.
From exploring historic merchant houses and traditional crafts to enjoying countryside experiences and visiting nearby heritage sites, Hoi An can be part of a journey designed around your interests and preferred pace.
At Asia Pioneer Travel, we create private, tailor-made Vietnam journeys that combine cultural discoveries with comfortable accommodations, thoughtfully planned activities, and the flexibility to travel your way.
Whether you want to experience Hoi An’s lantern celebrations or explore Vietnam’s cultural highlights on a longer vacation, our team can help you design an itinerary that suits your travel dates and interests.
