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Tet Holiday

Embrace the joy of Tet Holiday, Vietnam's New Year celebration full of colorful traditions, family gatherings, and a feast for the senses!

Saturday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEChinese New Year

OBSERVED INVietnam

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Dive into the vibrant colors and rich cultural traditions of Vietnam as we celebrate Tet Holiday on February 10! Also known as Vietnam's New Year, Tet Holiday is the largest and most celebrated event in Vietnamese culture. Dating back thousands of years and influenced by China’s Lunar New Year, Tet is the time when family, friends, and even ancestors come together to farewell the old and welcome the New Year! From the festive decorations, mouthwatering foods, and the magnificent firework displays, this joyous holiday embodies a true celebration of life and togetherness. So get ready to immerse yourself in this fantastic celebration and experience Vietnamese culture at its finest!

TIMELINE

Tet Holiday Timeline

Origin of Tet

While Tet has been celebrated for thousands of years, it became more pronounced during the Nguyen Dynasty in the 1800s.

Override by French Colonial Rule

During the French colonial rule that began in 1884, the celebration of the Tet was overridden by Western New Year's Day (January 1).

Tet after Geneva Accords

Post the Geneva Accords in 1954, both North and South Vietnam celebrated Tet in their own ways as a symbolic mark of a unified nation.

Tet Offensive

In 1968, Tet took a devastating turn when North Vietnam launched the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War.

Tet After Doi Moi

After the introduction of Doi Moi economic reforms in 1986, Tet saw a resurgence, celebrating prosperity and national solidarity

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Tet Holiday

Cook traditional Vietnamese Food

Experience the rich culinary traditions of Tet by cooking a classic Vietnamese dish. One popular food during Tet is Bánh chưng, a square rice cake made of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork. This dish is usually wrapped in banana leaves and symbolizes the Earth.

DISPLAY

Display a Hoa Mai or Hoa Dao tree

Depending on the region in Vietnam, either a Hoa Mai (yellow apricot flowers) or a Hoa Dao (peach blossoms) tree is displayed prominently in homes during Tet to symbolize life and growth. If these trees are unavailable, consider decorating a small tree with symbols of prosperity, growth, and renewal.

ORGANIZE

Organize a dragon dance

In Vietnamese culture, dragon dances are performed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Consider organizing a small dragon dance with your family or friends for a fun, interactive experience.

GIVE

Give lucky money

One popular Tet tradition is to give lucky money, or "li xi", to children and elders. These gifts are typically given in red envelopes and symbolize the wish for a prosperous new year. This custom can be a creative, tangible way to share the spirit of Tet with your loved ones.

DESIGN

Design your own Tet Festival

Why not stage your own miniature Tet festival? Dress in traditional Vietnamese clothing, play traditional Vietnamese music, and invite friends and family to join in the festivities. It would be a fun way to experience and learn about Vietnamese culture.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Tet Holiday is Important

A fresh start

Tet signifies the beginning of the new lunar year, embodying the theme of renewal and a fresh start. This provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection on the year past, and setting new goals and aspirations for the year ahead. It's a celebration of life, growth, and the continuous cycle of renewal.

A cultural immersion

Tet Holiday allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the rich cultural traditions of Vietnam. From cooking traditional dishes to displaying symbolic trees, this celebration is a feast for the senses. It's an opportunity to deepen our understanding of a culture that is both ancient and dynamic.

Family and Togetherness

Tet Holiday emphasizes the importance of family and togetherness. Families come together to prepare and share meals, give gifts of lucky money, and partake in vibrant celebrations. The holiday's primary focus on unity and familial love is a beautiful reminder of the value of shared experiences and cherishing our loved ones.