From December 3 to 6, 2026, the Hội An International Lantern Festival 2026 will take place in Hội An Ancient Town, Đà Nẵng City, under the theme “Hội An – Colors of Heritage.” Featuring lantern art installations, hands-on workshops, artistic exchanges, and a lantern parade, the festival invites visitors to discover the traditional craft of lantern making, appreciate the beauty of local heritage, and immerse themselves in the creative atmosphere of the ancient town.
Celebrating the artistry of traditional lantern making, the festival creates a space for cultural exchange and connections between Hội An and international friends. By bringing together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity, the event further highlights Hội An’s identity as a heritage city and a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Crafts and Folk Art.
Discover the stories behind lantern making and enjoy hands-on experiences
Visitors can begin their journey at the Exhibition: “History of Hội An Lanterns”, held daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Hội An Communal House (27 Lê Lợi St.). The exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the stories behind the lanterns that have become an iconic feature of the ancient town, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the traditional craft and its place in local cultural life.
Moving from discovery to hands-on creativity, the Lantern Making Experience Space at Sông Hoài Square welcomes visitors daily from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Here, participants can try their hand at making traditional lanterns, gaining a closer understanding of the skill, patience, and creativity behind each handcrafted piece while connecting with the stories of local artisans and their communities.
Photo: Huỳnh Văn Truyền
Beyond visitor experiences, the Seminar: “Hội An Crafts in the Process of Integration and Innovation” offers perspectives on preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship. By exploring the relationship between heritage, cultural integration, and innovation, the discussion highlights how traditional knowledge and skills can continue to find relevance in contemporary life.
Explore heritage through art and creativity
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the Lantern Art Installation Space at An Hội Sculpture Garden and The Ancient Town creates inviting stops for visitors to stroll, admire artistic displays, and capture memorable festival moments. Here, lanterns become a medium of artistic expression, transforming familiar spaces into a visual experience shaped by colors, forms, and light.
At Sông Hoài Square, the Photography Exhibition and Exchange “Impressions of Hội An Lanterns” takes place daily from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Through the perspectives of photographers, visitors can discover different artistic interpretations of Hội An’s lanterns and find inspiration to capture the ancient town through their own lenses.
Throughout the festival, the Lantern Pattern Design and Fashion Application Contest “Weaving Light” will be held in The Ancient Town. The contest explores the connection between traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design, and fashion, demonstrating how cultural heritage can inspire fresh creative ideas and new forms of artistic expression.
Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere and cultural encounters
The Opening Ceremony of “Hội An International Lantern Festival 2026”, “Minh Đăng Dạ Hành” – Lantern Parade, Art Performance Program “Colors of Heritage”, and Closing Ceremony of “Hội An International Lantern Festival 2026” will bring a series of cultural highlights to the four-day celebration. Visitors can combine sightseeing with watching the lantern parade through The Ancient Town or enjoying artistic performances at Sông Hoài Square.
From 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily, the Đà Nẵng OCOP Products Marketplace at An Hội Sculpture Garden introduces visitors to a variety of local products. During the same hours, Faifo Trading Port – Where Journeys Converge at Hội An Memories Land offers another cultural experience to enrich the festival journey.
Photo: Mai Thành Chương
All the daily activities mentioned above will take place from December 3 to 6, 2026. From discovering the history of lantern making and creating handcrafted lanterns to appreciating artistic expressions, the festival offers multiple ways to engage with cultural heritage. It also celebrates Hội An as a creative city where local communities and traditional values continue to inspire contemporary life.
This December, make a date with Hội An to create your own lantern, wander through captivating art installations, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the ancient town. From December 3 to 6, 2026, the Hội An International Lantern Festival 2026 invites visitors to explore the stories of traditional craftsmanship and experience the creative spirit of a city deeply rooted in its cultural identity.
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