HA NOI  (VNS) — To begin the Christmas season, several big hotels will host the Xmas tree lighting ceremony.

Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi is partnering with Blue Dragon Children's Foundation by launching the "Wish upon a Star" Christmas tree at the tree lighting tonight. From November 26 until December 31 the tree will be on display in the hotel lobby where guests are invited to make a contribution, which will help to fulfill the dreams of children in need. With a donation from VND100,000, guests can provide hot meals, blankets and pillows to the children.

At the ceremony, there will be a performance of traditional Christmas carols by Miracle Choir, a non-profit music education programme for local underprivileged children.

The Hotel Nikko Hanoi will host the free-entrance event on Saturday from 5-6pm. A hotel staff bell orchestra will stage a unique music performance. A hundred copies of the Vietnamese-language version of the Japanese best-seller The Family Notebook on Education will be given to parents while their children will receive ginger bread and twisting balloons.

The same ceremony will be held at Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi at 6.30pm tomorrow and at the Movenpick Hotel Hanoi on Monday, November 30. — VNS