Year-End Festivals 2022 in Vietnam and Worldwide

Not only in Vietnam but globally, festivals are often organized extensively at the year's end to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with renewed hopes. Stretching from the North to the South, many destinations organize festivals to both commemorate important occasions and entice tourists. Let's explore the year-end festivals of 2022, helping you plan accordingly to not miss out on the lively atmosphere of these celebrations.

Irresistible Festive Season at the End of the Year

I. Year-End Festivals 2022 in Vietnam

In December, a series of remarkable and enticing festivals unfold across the country, from the North to the Central and Southern regions. Take the time to immerse yourself in these celebrations.

1. Year-End Festivals in the Northern Region

The spectacular year-end festivities in the Northern region include:

Bình Liêu Flower Festival

The Bình Liêu Flower Festival in Quảng Ninh takes place annually from December 15th to 17th. Similar to previous years, this year's flower festival promises to bring many exciting activities and captivating images of the Bình Liêu mountainous forests, attracting tourists from all around.

2. Year-End Festivals in the Central Region

Similar to the Northern region, many provinces in the Central region also organize numerous unique festivals and events during this year-end period.

Mường Ethnic Cultural Festival (10 - 12/12)

The Mường Ethnic Cultural Festival takes place annually from December 10th to 12th in Thanh Hóa province, aiming to honor and promote the values and culture of the Mường ethnic group. On this day, numerous diverse activities unfold, with the participation of various provinces, artisans, athletes, and actors. All these activities vividly embody the cultural essence of the Mường ethnic group.

Hue Festival 2023

The Hue Festival is also a year-end celebration in 2022. This program is organized to honor the cultural values of Hue and promote its image. Numerous continuous activities will take place, with the theme 'Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development.' The festival will kick off with the Opening Ceremony - Kite Flying Festival, leading to the Countdown program.

New Rice Eating Ceremony (November to January)

The New Rice Eating Ceremony takes place from November to January for the Ede people living in the villages of the Central Highlands. This festival is known as a ritual to review the hardships and achievements of the people after a harvest season. Additionally, through this festival, the people also pray for favorable conditions and abundant harvests in the upcoming season.

Here, besides the opportunity to participate in unique programs, you can also indulge in delicious dishes and local specialties such as bamboo rice and grilled chicken.

3. Year-End Festivals in the Southern Region

Embracing the lively and vibrant atmosphere of the North and Central regions, the Southern region also boasts numerous festivals, with one of the highlights being the

Dalat Flower Festival

The Dalat Flower Festival kicks off on November 11 but doesn't officially open until December 18. During this period, the streets of Dalat and the festival venue are adorned with an impressive array of flowers. Not only that, but many exciting programs will take place, attracting tourists seeking enchantment. This unique festival aims to promote local agricultural products and enhance the tourism image of Dalat.

The Dalat Flower Festival showcases exquisite decorations, with every street adorned in a riot of colors from the blooming flowers.

Ok Om Bok Festival

The Ok Om Bok Festival is organized by the Khmer community in the South at the beginning of December in the Ô Môn district (Can Tho) to express gratitude to the Moon God. Alongside this, government units seize the opportunity to promote the tourism image of Can Tho. Similar to other festivals, this celebration features a plethora of joyful activities such as releasing lanterns and boat racing.

II. Highlighted Festivals in December in Vietnam and Around the World

Not only in Vietnam but also around the world, year-end festivals in 2022 are abundant. Many festivals have made their way to Vietnam, warmly embraced by the people, such as Christmas and New Year.

1. Christmas Celebration (25/12)

Christmas Day is one of the major celebrations of the year, observed on December 25th. However, in some countries, it is celebrated on December 24th. According to the Bible, this day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite being a significant day for Christians, people of various beliefs also welcome and anticipate Christmas with joy.

Around early December, streets and shops come alive with vibrant decorations, twinkling lights, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and colorful gift boxes, creating a cheerful atmosphere, bringing warmth and dispelling the winter chill. Everywhere you go, you can easily encounter beautiful Christmas scenes and hear melodies of the season. To fully enjoy the Christmas spirit and its meaning, you can gather with friends and family at churches, where various exciting activities take place.

Christmas celebrations take place from December 24th to 25th.

2. Gift-giving Day (25/12)

Compared to Christmas, Gift-giving Day (Boxing Day) is less known, but it is an important year-end festival in some countries, originating from England.

Research indicates that on this festival, collection boxes placed at churches will be opened and the contents distributed to the poor. Additionally, on this day, servants traditionally had the day off to celebrate with their families.

3. Saint Martin's Day in the Netherlands (11/11)

Saint Martin's Day is a significant year-end festival in 2022 for the people in the Netherlands, taking place annually on 11/11, highly revered by the Dutch.

This celebration is dedicated to children as a meaningful gift. On the evening of Saint Martin's Day, children hit the streets carrying colorful lanterns, singing, and reciting poems.

Not only that, 11/11 is also a discount shopping festival in many countries, including Vietnam. On this day, stores unleash strong sale programs, attracting a bustling crowd of shoppers.

4. Chichibu Night Festival in Japan (2 and 3/12)

The Chichibu Night Festival in Japan is another eagerly anticipated year-end festival in 2022, known as the largest float festival in the country.

During the two festival nights, elaborately decorated floats with lanterns and intricate carvings parade through the streets accompanied by the rhythmic beats of taiko drums and the melodious tones of flutes. Similar to major festivals in Vietnam like New Year's and Lunar New Year, the Chichibu festival also features a spectacular fireworks display lasting over 2 hours.

5. Klausjagen in Switzerland

Klausjagen in Switzerland is known as the quirkiest year-end festival in the world. On this day, Swiss people gather on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne to chase Santa Claus using only bells. Originally a tradition to ward off evil spirits with noise, it later evolved into a festive celebration by the Christian community.

6. Shuangshier in China (12/12)

What festival falls on 12/12? According to research, 12/12 is the Shuangshier festival celebrated in China. Similar to 11/11, December 12th is a massive shopping day in China, with significant discounts on all items. People take advantage of this opportunity to buy their favorite products at the best prices, saving costs.

Here's the complete guide to the year-end festivals in 2022. Save it to plan your travels, explore unique festivals, and rejuvenate before welcoming the upcoming new year.