HANOI — As Christmas is a time for giving and remembering those less fortunate than ourselves, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony of the JW Marriott Hanoi, which takes place from 5.30pm to 7.30pm today, aims to make orphans’ wishes come true. 

Each child coming from three orphanages– the Birla Children’s Village Hanoi, the Hữu Nghị Village, and Centre of Social Protection 3 – will be given a shining star to hang on the Christmas tree in the hotel lobby containing their wish for this festive season. Guests can collect a star from the tree and purchase the child’s chosen gift and place it under the tree with the orphan’s star on the box.

The evening will feature choir performances from 35 disadvantaged children and 10 JW Voice singers.

Fortuna Hanoi will also host their lighting ceremony, themed Wishing upon the star, at the hotel lobby at 6pm today. The evening commences with a welcome cocktail where guests will be entertained by exciting Christmas carols. After Christmas tree is lit at 6.30pm, Santa Claus together with his Santarinas invite all guests to continue the evening for a Christmas party.

The 115-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will light its Christmas tree at 6.30pm tomorrow at La Veranda Terrasse. A soaring 15-metre Christmas tree takes centre stage in the hotel’s garden. This year’s tree will be illuminated with more than 50,000 lights and decorated with some 850 nón lá – a traditional conical hat made from palm leaves.

Also tomorrow, at 6pm, Movenpick Hotel will have their own ceremony, featuring a Christmas choir, balloon artist, complimentary homemade Gluhwein or hot chocolate with homemade cookies. The event will also ask guests to consider individuals who less fortunate and contribute to the “Christmas for Orphans” charity programme. All funds raised will go directly to buy clothing for young children. — VNS