Annual New Year festival shines in Da Nang
Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi said Da Nang has consistently identified culture as its spiritual foundation, tourism as a spearhead economic sector, and events and festivals as an important driving force to enhance destination appeal, stimulate consumption and contribute to socio-economic development.
A performance at the opening ceremony of the Da Nang New Year Festival 2026 on the evening of December 30. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang (VNA) – The Da Nang New Year Festival 2026, an annual city-level cultural and tourism event, officially is underway in the central economic hub, offering a wide range of artistic and entertainment activities for residents and visitors.

At the opening ceremony on the evening of December 30, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi said the city has consistently identified culture as its spiritual foundation, tourism as a spearhead economic sector, and events and festivals as an important driving force to enhance destination appeal, stimulate consumption and contribute to socio-economic development.

According to the organisers, running until January 3, the festival is being held across multiple locations, including the park on the eastern bank of Dragon Bridge, Bach Dang pedestrian street, Hoi An, Tam Thanh beach park, 24/3 Square, and various tourist sites throughout the city.

A key highlight at the outset is a series of New Year-themed check-in spaces taking place from December 20 to January 3. These include four decorative zones inspired by Christmas, music, the colours of Hoi An, and the golden hues of Da Nang, featuring lighting installations, festive mini-scenes and iconic city symbols.

As part of the festival programme, a combined arts performance featuring modern lighting effects and the participation of artists, singers and bands will be staged for the public and tourists. The Cheer Fest food space, running from December 30 to January 3, introduces local and international cuisine, along with barbecue stalls, craft beer and souvenir shopping areas.

On the first day 2026, the city will welcome the first flights and trains of the new year bringing visitors to Da Nang, with activities including flower and souvenir presentations and traditional art performances at the airport, seaport and in Hoi An.

One of the festival’s highlights is a creative festival axis with modern sound and lighting systems, combined with a variety of street art performances, held over three nights from December 30 to January 1 along the Bach Dang pedestrian street.

Notably, Da Nang will host its first-ever night run from 22:00 to midnight on December 31. The 5km race will start from the Bach Dang pedestrian street, pass Dragon Bridge, Tran Hung Dao Street and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, and conclude precisely at the moment of the New Year countdown.

Alongside festival activities, service providers, accommodation facilities, restaurants and travel businesses across the city are offering a range of promotional and discount programmes to welcome the New Year./.

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