The hotel’s “Joy of Giving” theme, which will be brought to life with Metropole Hanoi’s renowned French sophistication and joie de vivre, also serves as a reminder that the final holidays of 2020 are more than ever an opportunity to share and give back. The year 2020 has been challenging for all and giving back is the way forward.

Christmas Tree at Metropole Hanoi Hotel/ Photo: Huyen Ha

“We want to end the year on a joyful note by embracing the Christmas spirit and giving back to those in our community. When gifts come from the heart, the warmth of Christmas brings joy and unity to people everywhere,” said Metropole Hanoi General Manager William Haandrikman.

Marking the Christmas spirit in its 120th year, Vietnam’s most storied hotel hosted its annual tree-lighting ceremony in late November with a stylish white-and-gold-decorated Christmas tree in its garden.

The hotel has invited disadvantaged children from the local Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation to participate in the ceremony, as well as a dinner with entertaining activities for the kids, such as face-painting and balloon-twisting. Blue Dragon is a Hanoi charity that helps street kids, children with disabilities, or those  rescued from human trafficking.

Metropole Hanoi's specialties for this year Christmas & New Year Eve/ Photo: Huyen Ha

The children will be asked to hang their Christmas wishes from Metropole Hanoi’s festive tree so that guests and other visitors can donate and help make the children’s dreams come true.

Two of the children, along with Haandrikman, the general manager, will then press a special “MH” button to light up the whole hotel in more than 500,000 glittering bulbs, officially commencing the beginning of the holiday season.

On the special festive occasion of the year, Metropole Hanoi is also offering a special promotion on its room rate, featuring Premium rooms from VND 4.4 million for single occupancy (US$190) and from VND 4.88 million for double occupancy (US$211) (with breakfast included) as well as other discounts on spa, food and beverage and seasonal gifts and foods.