Discover a series of unique events, from the Imperial Citadel’s Flavors Festival to ancient court rituals and traditional village festivals, during the 2026 Lunar New Year – a perfect time to experience Tet in Hue.
The ancient capital of Hue is preparing for the Lunar New Year festival of the Year of the Horse 2026 with a series of large-scale events, combining the ancient charm of its heritage with a modern flair. The centerpiece of the series is the program “Tet Phu Xuan 2026 – The Flavors of the Imperial City,” promising visitors multi-sensory cultural experiences that define the spirit of Tet in Hue right from the days leading up to the holiday.
The Flavors of the Imperial City: Cultural Rendezvous during Tet in Hue
The “Flavors of the Imperial City” program is scheduled to take place from February 2nd to 8th (corresponding to the 15th to 21st day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Snake). The festival space will span many iconic landmarks, making it easy for tourists to enjoy the atmosphere of Tet in Hue at Thuong Bac Park, Quoc Tu Giam courtyard, Ham Nghi courtyard, and 23rd August Street.
The highlight of the event is the interplay between the two elements of “Color” and “Taste”. The “Color” aspect is recreated through models of imperial palace architecture, a giant Year of the Horse mascot at Thuong Bac Park, and a space featuring ao dai and lanterns.
Trải nghiệm ẩm thực và văn hóa dân gian
Meanwhile, the “Taste” aspect focuses on culinary excellence with hands-on experiences such as making ginger jam and wrapping traditional banh chung – essential activities for anyone celebrating Tet in Hue.
Besides the cuisine, visitors can participate in folk activities such as calligraphy, clay modeling, and making Thanh Tien paper flowers. In particular, the music festival on February 8th will feature renowned artists like Meritorious Artist Van Khanh and the young talent Quang Hung MasterD, adding a modern beat to the traditional Tet in Hue celebrations.
Hue Tet and its heritage: Recreating royal court rituals
The Hue Monuments Conservation Center presents a series of royal court ceremonies that recreate the traditional atmosphere of welcoming Spring within the Imperial Palace. This offers visitors a rare opportunity to gain deeper insight into the historical and cultural values of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Schedule of Main Royal Court Ceremonies
- February 5 (8:00 AM): Exhibition “Horses and Dragon Horses in Nguyen Dynasty Court Culture” at the Co Mat Vien (Privy Council).
- February 10 (7:00 AM): Thuong Tieu Ceremony (Raising of the ceremonial New Year pole) at Trieu Mieu and The Mieu.
- February 11 (8:00 AM): Lunar New Year Court Ceremony (Thiet Trieu Nguyen Dan) at Thai Hoa Palace.
- February 16 (9:00 PM): New Year’s Eve art performance welcoming the Lunar New Year at Ngo Mon Square.
- February 17–19 (1st–3rd days of Tet): Spring celebration activities held throughout the Hue Imperial Citadel.
- February 23 (7:00 AM): Ha Neu Ceremony (Lowering of the ceremonial New Year pole), marking the conclusion of the royal Tet ceremonial series.
Schedule of folk festivals after Tet
After the main Tet holidays, the former imperial capital continues to come alive with vibrant community-based folk festivals. Among the most notable highlights are the Thu Le Village Wrestling Festival on February 22 and the Sinh Village Wrestling Festival on February 26, where the strength, resilience, and martial spirit of local communities are proudly showcased.
In addition, visitors can take part in the Huyen Tran Temple Festival on February 24–25, or immerse themselves in the riverside atmosphere of the Thuan An Fishing Festival on February 27–28. On the night of the first lunar full moon (March 3), the poetry performance “Poetry Expresses Aspirations” held at Ngo Mon Square offers a poetic and meaningful finale to a spring journey in Hue.
