CULTURE AND SPORT

A European-style church illuminated for Christmas has become a seasonal landmark in HCM City, attracting thousands of visitors and worshippers each evening.

Hanoi will hold a 15-minute fireworks display at five locations across the city to welcome the New Year 2026, from 11.45 pm on December 31, 2025 to midnight on January 1, 2026.

A Vietnamese spring roll-making workshop at Uccle Arts School in Brussels introduced Europeans to the nuances of Vietnamese cuisine, filling the classroom with the aromas of fresh herbs and spices.

The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports launched the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2025 at Thong Nhat Park on the evening of December 19, showcasing the capital’s rich cultural heritage.

The 9th Vietnam-Laos-China ball-throwing festival began at 7/5 Square of Dien Bien Province, on the evening of December 19.

Vietnam’s U22 football team were awarded substantial bonuses after winning the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games, with rewards coming from the Vietnam Football Federation and sponsors.

Vietnamese fans poured onto streets nationwide late on December 18 after U22 Vietnam clinched a dramatic victory over Thailand in the SEA Games 33 final.

Vietnam scored their third goal in extra time after they leveled 2-2 with hosts Thailand in the main 90 minutes of the 33rd SEA Games men's football final to secure the title.

Vietnam’s women’s team failed to defend their SEA Games title after losing 6-5 to the Philippines on penalties in the final on December 17.

Ahead of Christmas 2025, chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai has sent a congratulatory letter to Catholic and Protestant communities nationwide.

The knowledge of preparing and enjoying cha ca La Vong has been designated a national intangible cultural heritage, recognising one of Hanoi’s most celebrated culinary traditions.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced shortlists for the 98th Academy Awards across 12 categories, however, Vietnam’s wartime film Red Rain was absent.

Vietnam U22 will take on Thailand U22 in the men’s football final at the 33rd SEA Games, with head coach Kim Sang Sik poised to make history.

Late goals from Le Van Thuan and Thanh Nhan lifted Vietnam to a 2-0 win over the Philippines on December 15, securing a place in the mens football final at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

Vietnam’s women’s football team secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Indonesia in the SEA Games 33 semifinal on December 14 in Thailand, booking their spot in the final.

The Vietnam “Pho” Day, in response to the Pho Week in Europe 2025, kicked off in Germany and Bulgaria on December 12.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated Vietnam’s U22 men’s and women’s football teams after their group-stage victories secured places in the semi-finals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

The 2026 Hanoi Creative Design Festival will light up the capital with a range of engaging activities aimed at fostering a vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem.

The Hue International Tea Festival 2025 opened at Truong Sanh Palace in the Hue Imperial Citadel on December 11, bringing together the finest tea traditions from around the world.