Public Holidays in Vietnam for 2025

International New Year’s Day Introduction

International New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is recognized worldwide. This day is steeped in tradition and festivity, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh starts. Interestingly, the celebration dates back to ancient times; the Babylonians are believed to have celebrated the New Year around the vernal equinox, around March 20th or 21st. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII reformed the calendar, establishing January 1st as the official start of the year. Customs vary across cultures, with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings being common. In many countries, it is also a time for resolutions, as people reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. International New Year’s Day is not just a celebration of time passing but a global acknowledgment of hope, renewal, and the chance to create a better tomorrow.

Tet Holiday Introduction

Tet Holiday, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most significant celebration in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring. Celebrated on the same day as the Lunar New Year in other Asian cultures, Tet typically falls between late January and mid-February. This festive period lasts several days and is a time for families to come together, honor ancestors, and wish for prosperity in the year ahead.

Tet is rich in traditions, such as cleaning and decorating homes to ward off bad luck, preparing special foods like Banh Chung (square sticky rice cakes), and offering prayers at family altars. A unique aspect of Tet is the custom of giving “li xi,” or lucky money, in red envelopes to children and the elderly, symbolizing good fortune. The holiday also features vibrant parades, lion dances, and fireworks, which are believed to scare away evil spirits.

Interestingly, Tet not only signifies a new year but is also deeply intertwined with Vietnam’s agricultural calendar, celebrating the end of the harvest season. As Vietnam’s most cherished holiday, Tet reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing family bonds, gratitude, and hope for the future.

Tet Holiday Introduction

Tet Holiday, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most significant celebration in Vietnamese culture, marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. Usually occurring in late January or early February, Tet is a time for families to reunite, honor their ancestors, and reflect on the past year. It features vibrant traditions such as preparing special dishes like Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) and offering prayers at family altars. Interestingly, Tet is also a time for renewal, where people clean their homes to ward off bad luck and welcome good fortune. The holiday lasts for several days, often leading to a week-long celebration filled with fireworks, parades, and cultural performances. Tet embodies the spirit of hope, gratitude, and the importance of family, making it a cherished occasion for millions of Vietnamese people worldwide.

Tet Holiday Introduction

Tet Holiday, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is the most significant celebration in Vietnam, marking the Lunar New Year and the arrival of spring. Typically occurring in late January or early February, this vibrant holiday symbolizes renewal and family reunion. Tet is characterized by traditional customs, including preparing special foods like Banh Chung and offering prayers to ancestors. Interestingly, Tet celebrations often last several days, during which people visit family, exchange gifts, and partake in various cultural activities. The festival is steeped in folklore, with each year linked to one of the twelve animals of the zodiac, adding an element of excitement and anticipation as communities reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future. The spirit of Tet emphasizes gratitude, hope, and togetherness, making it a cherished time for millions of Vietnamese people around the globe.

Vietnamese New Year’s Eve Introduction

Vietnamese New Year’s Eve, known as “Giao Thua,” marks the transition from the old year to the new year in the Vietnamese lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and mid-February. This festive occasion is steeped in rich traditions and cultural significance, as families gather to honor their ancestors, reflect on the past year, and welcome the new one with hopes for prosperity and happiness. Giao Thua features unique customs, including the preparation of elaborate meals, the burning of incense, and the offering of fruits and food at ancestral altars. Interestingly, the holiday is also a time for forgiveness and renewal, where individuals seek to let go of past grievances. The eve of the new year is filled with vibrant celebrations, fireworks, and dragon dances, symbolizing good fortune. As the clock strikes midnight, families often share blessings and well-wishes, embodying the spirit of unity and hope that characterizes the Vietnamese New Year festivities.