Vietnam may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, but this diverse country has its own unique ways of celebrating the holiday season. From cities decked out in lights to peaceful mountain retreats and sunny beaches, Vietnam offers a wide range of experiences for anyone looking to make their Christmas special. Here’s where to spend your Christmas in Vietnam and why each destination promises unforgettable holiday memories.

Is Christmas Celebrated in Vietnam?

Since our country is more influenced by Buddhism and Taoism than by Christianity, Christmas is not a public holiday in Vietnam. Today, Christmas in Vietnam is welcomed by both the Christian community and the local population, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Christmas celebration lasts two days: December 24 and 25. 

About three weeks before Christmas, the streets are decked out in glittering decorations. The homes of Catholic families are specially decorated with Christmas trees and other attractive decorations. On Christmas Eve, they gather for a meal and attend midnight mass. The most beautiful and crowded churches in Vietnam on this occasion are St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Notre Dame Cathedral in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. As for non-Christians, it is an opportunity to meet up with friends and stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoying the festive Christmas atmosphere.

Where to Spend Christmas in Vietnam?

Hanoi

Christmas in Hanoi offers an enchanting holiday experience with streets lit up by festive decorations. The Old Quarter sparkles with holiday lights, and St. Joseph's Cathedral becomes the heart of celebrations, adorned with Christmas decorations and hosting mass services that draw both locals and travelers. Hanoi’s winter chill makes it feel more like a classic Christmas. This atmosphere makes Hanoi an ideal destination to spend Christmas in Vietnam.

Attend Christmas Mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral

Since it is the centerpiece of the celebration, arrive early on Christmas Eve to get a good spot. The grand Gothic-style cathedral is decorated with lights, nativity scenes, and wreaths. If you want something less crowded, head to Cua Bac Parish Church (56 Phan Dinh Phung Street), where you can attend a smaller mass and a Christmas market.

Visit Hang Ma Street

It is one of the most famous streets for selling seasonal decorations (Christmas, New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.). Shop for ornaments, holiday-themed gifts, and festive costumes. 

Indulge in a Festive Meal

If you want something traditionally Christmas, take your friends, partner, or family out for a meal in one of the Western restaurants in Hanoi. These restaurants usually come out with holiday specials, including mulled wine and festive pastries. If you want something totally different this holiday season, go for Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy a hearty bowl of Pho this Christmas!

Go to Cafes and Bars

Cafes and bars also have their own decorations, special drinks, and maybe even festive events like movie screenings! Spend time with your friends and loved ones at a cozy cafe in Hanoi, or have a nice glass of mulled wine or eggnog at a bar in the Old Quarter! For something a little more traditional, have a nice cup of egg coffee, which pairs perfectly with the cold winter air.

Sapa, Lao Cai

Christmas in Sapa is magical, with its misty mountains and chance of frost or even snow in December. The cool mountain air and terraced landscapes dusted with white make it feel like a true winter wonderland.

For a cozy, festive atmosphere complete with warm fires and breathtaking mountain views, Sapa is perfect. The town's holiday spirit comes alive through local markets and decorated wooden lodges.

This Christmas season, celebrate the festivities right in the town center at the Sapa Stone Church. The iconic church hosts Christmas Eve mass, drawing crowds of locals and tourists. Outside, you’ll find a bustling market selling handmade gifts and hot drinks.

After a walk around town, enjoy a hearty Vietnamese hot pot meal at a local restaurant, perfect for warming up after exploring the cold mountain air.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and serene landscapes, offers a peaceful and scenic landscape. The area’s natural beauty is enhanced by the cool, misty weather of December. Ninh Binh is great for those seeking a quiet and nature-focused holiday away from the crowds. The region’s tranquility, combined with festive touches, makes it a unique and relaxing destination to spend Christmas in Vietnam.

Ninh Binh is one of the two cradles of Vietnamese Catholicism in the North, alongside Nam Dinh. Ninh Binh boasts the highest concentration of churches in the country, and among all these religious edifices, the imposing Phat Diem Cathedral stands out for its unique architecture, blending Oriental and European styles. It remains the seat of Catholicism in Vietnam.

Ninh Binh is also renowned for its Tam Coc and Trang An sites, characterized by their jungle-covered limestone mountain complexes, caves, small temples, and peaceful rivers. It’s not a conventional Christmas setting but beautiful nonetheless; it may be perfect for those who want to escape the crowd.

Dalat, Lam Dong

Dalat feels like a dreamy winter wonderland at Christmas, with its cool mountain air, pine forests, and many churches. The chilly weather, often dropping to sweater-worthy temperatures, gives Dalat a more authentic Christmas feel compared to the tropical heat in other parts of Vietnam. The city’s festive lights, cozy cafes, and peaceful nature make it a perfect holiday escape.

Visit Dalat Flower Park

The park is decorated with festive arrangements and bright lights for Christmas, making it ideal for leisurely walks and holiday photos among thousands of blooms. Entrance fee is 100,000 VND/person.

Enjoy a Hot Drink at a Café

Dalat is filled with cozy cafes. One of the best activities to do in Dalat during Christmas is to sip hot cocoa or Vietnamese coffee while taking in panoramic views of the misty hills.

Explore Dalat Night Market

The market is vibrant during the holiday season, with vendors selling treats like grilled sweet potatoes, fresh strawberries, and hot soy milk. You can also shop for handmade gifts and winter accessories.

Take a Horse Carriage Ride around Xuan Huong Lake

Enjoy a romantic ride around the lake, where Christmas lights reflect on the water. This is especially magical in the evening when the city glows with festive decorations.

Visit Domaine de Marie Church

This striking pink church hosts Christmas Eve mass, drawing large crowds of locals and travelers. The decorations and midnight service create a warm, spiritual atmosphere.

Ho Chi Minh City

If you want to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam and enjoy the pleasant temperatures, Ho Chi Minh City is the place to go! In December, the temperature is between 26 and 33 degrees. Head to Notre Dame Cathedral or Tan Dinh Church to watch the festive entertainment and attend midnight mass.

From the beginning of November, the city is adorned with magical decorations: fir trees, reindeer and Santa Clauses are there to delight young and old alike. To make the most of the decorations and entertainment, head to District 1, the hypercenter of the metropolis, or head to Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, which specializes in selling ornaments for festive events.

Just like in Hanoi, you can also visit Christmas-themed cafes, bars, and restaurants in Saigon. One of the must-dos in Ho Chi Minh is having a drink at rooftop bars. Many of the city's rooftop bars and restaurants host Christmas dinners with stunning views of the skyline, complete with seasonal menus and live music.

Families with young children can visit Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11. The park is transformed for the holidays with a giant Christmas tree, festive shows, and fun activities, making it one of the best destinations to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam for kids.

Phu Quoc

For those who want to escape the winter cold, Phu Quoc is the ultimate tropical holiday spot for a sunny Christmas by the sea. With white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts decking their halls with festive cheer, Phu Quoc is one of the best holiday destinations in Vietnam.

Visit Dinh Cau Night Market

During the holiday season, the market features Christmas decorations and stalls selling local seafood, festive treats, and tropical holiday gifts. Try grilled seafood or fresh coconut ice cream as you explore.

Explore VinWonders Phu Quoc

The theme park adds extra holiday fun with Christmas-themed shows, decorations, and activities. It’s perfect for families looking to celebrate with rides, entertainment, and festive photo ops.

Watch the Sunset at Sunset Sanato Beach Club

This spot offers one of the island’s best sunset views and often features Christmas-themed beach parties, complete with DJs, bonfires, and holiday lights illuminating the sandy shore.

Conclusion

Christmas in Vietnam is a delightful blend of tradition, tropical charm, and holiday cheer. No matter where you choose to spend it, Vietnam offers a Christmas experience like no other. Embrace the holiday season with a Vietnamese twist, indulge in local treats, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas, or as the locals say, “Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh!”

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