Tet (also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) is widely considered one of the most important and celebrated traditional festivals in Vietnam. People from all walks of life diligently prepare for this occasion with great care and enthusiasm, since Tet is a time to come together with loved ones and pay homage to ancestors, as well as usher in a year filled with prosperity, growth, and good fortune.
In 2025, Tet will fall on Saturday, January 25th. As per tradition, festivities will officially begin a few days prior, with the most important ceremonies taking place on the first day. Traditionally, people will spend this time visiting temples and ancestral altars to pay their respects, as well as cleaning their homes, decorating them with red and gold ornaments, and preparing an abundance of delicious food to share with family and friends.
The second and third days of Tet are dedicated to visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional games. During this time, it is believed that the more visitors a household receives, the more prosperous it will be in the coming year. Traditional games, such as ‘Banh Chung’ making, calligraphy writing, and dragon dancing, are popular ways for families and communities to come together and celebrate.
Tet Holiday 2025: A Festive Occasion in Vietnam
Overview of Tet
Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, is the Lunar New Year and the most important festival in Vietnam and the Vietnamese community worldwide. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional Vietnamese calendar, which follows the lunar cycles. Tet 2025 will fall on Monday, January 27th. The holiday period typically lasts for three days, but it can be extended to a week or more, especially for businesses and schools.
The preparations for Tet begin weeks in advance, with families deep cleaning their homes, buying new clothes and decorations, and preparing traditional dishes. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a special dinner called “canh giao thừa,” which features symbolic dishes such as sticky rice cake and square glutinous rice cake. After midnight, fireworks light up the sky to welcome the new year.
Customs and Traditions
During Tet, Vietnamese people follow various customs and traditions to bring good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. These include:
- Exchanging lucky money in red envelopes (called “li xi”)
- Visiting family members and ancestors’ graves
- Attending traditional games and performances
- Releasing caged birds to symbolize freedom and luck
- Eating traditional Tet dishes such as “banh chung” (sticky rice cake), “mut” (candied fruits), and “xoi gac” (sticky rice with a red bean filling)
Dates of Tet Holiday 2025
Event | Date |
---|---|
New Year’s Eve (Giao Thua) | Sunday, January 26th, 2025 |
Tet Day (Mùng 1 Tết) | Monday, January 27th, 2025 |
Second Day of Tet (Mùng 2 Tết) | Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 |
Lunar New Year 2025: Dates and Traditions in Vietnam
When is Tet in Vietnam 2025?
The specific dates for the Lunar New Year, known as Tết in Vietnamese in 2025 are as follows:
Start Date: | Saturday, January 25, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
End Date: | Sunday, February 2, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chinese Zodiac Sign: | Year of the Rabbit
Lunar New Year 2025 Traditions in VietnamTết is the most important holiday in Vietnam, and it is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs. Some of the most popular traditions include:
When Tet Falls in 2025: A Guide for VisitorsWhen is Tet in 2025?Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Vietnam. In 2025, Tet will fall on Sunday, January 26th. The holiday period typically lasts for three days, but many businesses and schools will be closed for a longer period of time. What to Expect During TetDuring Tet, Vietnamese families gather to celebrate the new year. Traditional customs include visiting temples, giving gifts, and eating special foods. Many people also travel to their hometowns to visit their families. Planning Your Trip to Vietnam for TetIf you are planning to visit Vietnam during Tet, it is important to book your accommodations and transportation in advance. Many hotels and flights will be fully booked during this time. You should also be prepared for large crowds and long lines. However, Tet is a wonderful time to experience Vietnamese culture and traditions. Things to Do During TetThere are many things to do during Tet in Vietnam. Here are a few ideas: 1. Visit a temple. Temples are a popular destination for Vietnamese people during Tet. You can visit a temple to pray for good luck and prosperity in the new year. 2. Give gifts. Giving gifts is a traditional way to celebrate Tet. You can give gifts to your family, friends, and colleagues. 3. Eat traditional foods. Many special foods are eaten during Tet. These foods include banh chung (sticky rice cake), thit kho (braised pork), and candied fruits. Tet Festival 2025: Planning Your Trip to VietnamTet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the country’s most important holiday and a joyous time for travelers to experience the traditions and vibrant culture of Vietnam. When is Tet in Vietnam 2025?In 2025, Tet will fall on Saturday, January 25th. The holiday period typically lasts for about a week, from the 23rd to the 29th of January, with many businesses and services closed. Traveling to Vietnam during TetBooking flights and accommodation in advance is essential during Tet, as many Vietnamese people travel to their hometowns and popular tourist destinations are likely to be crowded. Consider arriving a few days before Tet to avoid the rush and have more time to enjoy the festivities. Tet FestivitiesTet is a time for family reunions, feasting, and traditional activities. Some of the popular traditions you can experience during Tet include:
Tet Market GuideTet markets are a vibrant part of the Tet experience, where you can find everything from food and drinks to decorations and gifts. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these bustling marketplaces: Tips for Visiting Tet Markets
Public Holidays During Tet 2025: Important DatesTet, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important festival in Vietnam. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls on a different date each year. In 2025, Tet will be celebrated from Saturday, January 25th to Tuesday, January 28th. Public HolidaysTet is a public holiday in Vietnam, and all government offices, schools, and businesses are closed. Banks and other financial institutions are also closed during Tet. The public holidays for Tet 2025 are as follows:
Important DatesIn addition to the public holidays, there are a number of other important dates associated with Tet. These include:
Tet 2025: A Celebration of Family and ReunionWhen is Tet in Vietnam 2025?Tet, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. In 2025, Tet will begin on **Saturday, January 25th** and end on **Wednesday, January 29th**. The public holiday for Tet in 2025 will be from **Saturday, January 25th to Monday, January 27th**. Preparations for TetIn the weeks leading up to Tet, Vietnamese families begin preparing their homes and making special foods. Traditional dishes include banh chung (glutinous rice cake), thit kho (braised pork), and canh gio heo (pig’s feet soup). Houses are decorated with red and gold lanterns, and the streets are filled with colorful flowers. Family ReunionsTet is a time for family reunions. Vietnamese families from all over the country travel to their ancestral homes to celebrate together. On Tet Eve, families gather for a special dinner called the Reunion Dinner. During Tet, families spend time together playing games, watching traditional dances, and exchanging gifts. Visiting the TempleOn the first day of Tet, many Vietnamese people visit temples to pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. They also burn incense and offer food to their ancestors. Traditional GamesDuring Tet, Vietnamese people enjoy playing traditional games such as bau cua tom ca (a gambling game), xoc dia (a dice game), and da cau (a form of shuttlecock). These games are often played for entertainment and small stakes. Tet DecorationsVietnamese homes and businesses are decorated with a variety of traditional decorations during Tet. These decorations include:
These decorations are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Lunar Festivities in Vietnam: Understanding Tet 2025IntroductionTet, or in its full name Tết Nguyên Đán, is one of the most important festivals in Vietnam, marking the start of the Lunar New Year. Celebrated annually, the date changes slightly with the lunar calendar, but it usually falls in late January or early February. When is Tet 2025?Tet 2025 in Vietnam will begin on Monday, January 27th, 2025, and end on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025. Significance of TetTet is a time for families to gather, make offerings to ancestors, visit temples, and celebrate the arrival of the new year. It is also a time for reflection and renewal, as people prepare for the year ahead. Pre-Tet PreparationsThe weeks leading up to Tet are filled with preparations, such as cleaning homes, buying new clothes, and preparing traditional foods. Traditional Activities of TetSome of the traditional activities of Tet include:
The Number SevenThe number seven holds significant importance in Vietnamese culture, and this is also reflected in the celebrations of Tet. Some examples include:
These are just a few examples of the many ways that the number seven is incorporated into the Tet celebrations. When is Tet in Vietnam 2025Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is one of the most important holidays in the country. In 2025, Tet will fall on January 28th. Tet is typically celebrated over a period of three days, with a variety of traditions and customs associated with the holiday. Cultural Immersion During Tet 2025: A Unique ExperienceVisiting Vietnam during Tet is a great way to experience the country’s culture and traditions. Here are a few of the things you can expect to see and do during Tet 2025: 1. Watch the Tet paradeTet parades are a common sight in Vietnam during the holiday. The parades typically feature colorful floats, traditional costumes, and music. 2. Visit a pagodaPagodas are Buddhist temples and are a popular place to visit during Tet. Visitors can pray for good luck and prosperity in the new year. 3. Eat traditional foodTet is a time for feasting and enjoying traditional Vietnamese food. Some of the most popular dishes served during Tet include bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), thịt kho tàu (braised pork belly), and canh khổ qua (bitter melon soup). 4. Play traditional gamesTet is also a time for playing traditional Vietnamese games. Some of the most popular games include cards, chess, and mahjong. 5. Set off fireworksFireworks are a common sight in Vietnam during Tet. People set off fireworks to celebrate the new year and to ward off evil spirits. 6. Exchange giftsTet is a time for giving and receiving gifts. People typically exchange gifts with family and friends during the holiday. 7. Visit friends and familyTet is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the new year. People typically visit each other’s homes during the holiday. 8. The Significance of the Number 8The number 8 is considered to be lucky in Vietnamese culture. This is because the number 8 is associated with prosperity, wealth, and good fortune. Vietnamese Traditions at Tet 2025: A Glimpse into the CulturePreparations for TetWeeks before Tet, Vietnamese families engage in rigorous cleaning, decorating their homes with bright colors and traditional symbols. They also prepare delicious food delicacies. Family Reunions and Ancestor WorshipTet is a time for family togetherness. Loved ones travel from far and wide to gather at the family altar and pay respects to their ancestors. Lion and Dragon DancesThese vibrant performances bring good luck and prosperity to the community, attracting crowds of onlookers. Fireworks and ExplosionsPyrotechnics play a significant role in Tet celebrations, symbolizing the banishment of evil spirits and bringing in good fortune. Receiving Lucky MoneyChildren and the unmarried receive “li xi” (red envelopes filled with money) from elders, a symbol of prosperity and well-being. Tet GamesTraditional games such as “bai doi” (playing cards) and “xem boi” (fortune-telling) provide entertainment and bring families closer. Tet Music and PerformancesThe joyous atmosphere is amplified by traditional music, songs, and theatrical performances that honor Vietnamese culture. Visiting Relatives and FriendsTet is a time for social connections, with Vietnamese visiting their extended families, neighbors, and friends to exchange well wishes. The Number 9 in Tet CelebrationsThe number 9 holds great significance in Vietnamese culture, representing luck and abundance. It is reflected in various aspects of Tet traditions:
Travel Tips for Tet 2025: Planning Ahead for a Memorable ExperienceWhen is Tet in Vietnam 2025?Tet, or Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. In 2025, Tet will fall on January 23rd and 24th. 10. Embrace the Local CultureTet is a time to celebrate Vietnamese culture. Attend traditional lion dances, visit local temples, and sample the delicious Tet delicacies. By immersing yourself in the local festivities, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Vietnamese traditions. 9. Book Transportation and Accommodation EarlyTet is a popular time to travel, so it’s essential to book your transportation and accommodation well in advance. Consider booking flights, trains, or buses several months prior to the holiday to secure the best rates and availability. 8. Exchange Currency BeforehandMake sure to exchange your currency into Vietnamese dong (VND) before arriving in Vietnam. Banks and currency exchange offices typically offer better rates than exchanging at the airport or hotels. 7. Pack Appropriate ClothingThe weather during Tet can be mild in the north and warmer in the south. Pack light, breathable clothing, but also include a jacket or sweater in case of cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. 6. Respect Local Customs and EtiquetteTet is a time for family and community. Be respectful of local customs and etiquette. Avoid loud noises, refrain from pointing at people or objects, and always remove your shoes when entering a home. 5. Learn Basic Vietnamese PhrasesLearning a few basic Vietnamese phrases will enhance your interactions with locals. Greetings like “Chuc mung nam moi” (Happy New Year) and “Xin chao” (Hello) can go a long way in breaking the ice. 4. Prepare for Crowds and NoiseTet is a bustling and lively celebration. Prepare for crowds in public places, especially during parades and fireworks displays. Noise levels may also be higher than usual, so consider bringing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. 3. Sample Tet DelicaciesIndulge in the delicious food and drinks associated with Tet. Try traditional dishes like Banh Chung (sticky rice cake), Thit Kho (braised pork), and Canh Mung (mung bean soup). Don’t forget to savor the sweet and refreshing fruits that are in season during this time. 2. Experience Local Festivals and FireworksTet is marked by vibrant festivals and fireworks displays throughout Vietnam. Attend local flower markets, enjoy colorful parades, and marvel at the spectacular fireworks that illuminate the night sky. 1. Plan Your Itinerary in AdvancePlan your itinerary for Tet in advance to make the most of your time. Research destinations, book tours, and purchase tickets for events to avoid last-minute disappointments. When is Tet in Vietnam 2025?Tet, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and celebration. In 2025, Tet will begin on Sunday, January 26th and end on Monday, February 3rd. The Tet holiday is a time for Vietnamese people to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. It is a time for families to gather and share meals, for friends to exchange gifts, and for everyone to enjoy the festive atmosphere. People Also AskWhen is Tet celebrated in Vietnam?Tet is celebrated in Vietnam on the first day of the lunar new year, which typically falls in late January or early February. How long does Tet last?Tet typically lasts for three days, but some people celebrate for up to a week. What are some of the traditions of Tet?Some of the traditions of Tet include: |