Christmas in Vietnam seamlessly blends local traditions with global holiday cheer, resulting in a warm and vibrant celebration. From sparkling streets and lively churches to seasonal foods and events, it is a memorable time to explore the country’s culture and festive spirit.
History of Christmas in Vietnam
Christmas in Vietnam is celebrated on December 24th (Christmas Eve) and December 25th (Christmas Day). Although Vietnam is not a predominantly Christian country, Christmas has a long and meaningful history here.
Catholicism was introduced to Vietnam in the 16th century, mainly through Portuguese and French missionaries. Initially, Christmas was an important religious holiday for Catholics. However, over time, thanks to cultural exchange and Western influence, Christmas has become a festival loved by the community, far beyond the scope of religion.
Today, Christmas Eve is often more festive than Christmas Day itself. The streets come alive with young people taking photos under glowing decorations, families going together to church, and couples going on romantic dinners together on 24th December each year. This combination of both traditional religious views on Christmas, along with the effects of Colonialism and modern urban living, creates a unique blend of both religious and cultural identities for the Christmas holiday in Vietnam.
Weather in Vietnam at Christmas
Because Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the weather varies significantly throughout the year. That is the reason why we have different climates in each area in Vietnam during the Christmas season, particularly:
- In northern cities like Hanoi, Sapa, or Ninh Binh, December brings cool to cold temperatures, from 12°C to 20°C. Especially, in highlands like Sapa, it may dip to near freezing and sometimes, lightly snow and frost.
- In central Vietnam, the weather is warmer compared to the north. The temperature of some famous cities (Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An) is often between 18°C and 25°C. However, occasional rain is still possible in early winter, especially in Hue.
- In the South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc), the Christmas holiday falls in the dry season. Although it’s winter, the weather is still warm and sunny with the temperature around 30°C during the day and 24°C at night, perfect for a beach vacation.
With this diverse climate, Vietnam allows travellers to enjoy Christmas either on a cool winter holiday or in a warm tropical destination.
5 Unmissable Activities to Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam
Christmas in Vietnam has something for everyone: cultural immersion, festive entertainment, and simple holiday fun.
Let’s see the top 5 most popular activities for Indian visitors to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam.
Go to Church
Going to mass on Christmas Eve offers many travelers a rewarding look at Catholic Vietnam. And even if you are not religious, the atmosphere is often so warm and convivial.
Churches brighten up with lights, nativity scenes, and festive decorations. Crowds come early, and the streets around major churches are animated meeting spots. Particularly noticeable during this time are St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
Take Photos in Christmas-decorated streets.
Another simple but very popular activity during Christmas is to walk around the central areas to see the sparkling streets and take souvenir photos with friends. Most of the major streets, shopping centers, and hotels are invested in elaborate decorations, creating famous check-in locations on social networks. Popular spots, such as Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City or the Old Quarter in Hanoi, are crowded with people taking photos and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Participate in Local Festivals and Events
If you like vibrant entertainment, there are many seasonal events in Vietnam during the Christmas week that range from cultural performances to themed parties.
Recently, holiday markets, parades, and countdown shows have added to the growing list of events hosted by various popular tourist destinations such as Ba Na Hills, Grand World Phu Quoc, and Hoi An Ancient Town. Many resorts offer live music, buffets for adults, and games for children.
Shopping for Gifts and Souvenirs
A perfect time to shop for gift items, the Christmas holiday season is accompanied by sales events from various retailers. Shoppers will discover a wide range of gift options at retailers during this time of year, including handcrafted goods, textiles, and clothing produced by local artisans. Shoppers have two options for inexpensive gift shopping: the well-known Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, or the mall where limited edition holiday collections can be found.
Try Christmas foods
Food is always the best part of any festival, and Vietnam provides a unique mix of traditional and Western flavors.
During the Christmas season, many restaurants, hotels, and cafes in Vietnam serve typical dishes such as roast chicken, yule log, gingerbread, hot chocolate, warm wine, etc. Some places also organize Christmas buffets or European-style dinner sets, suitable for couples or families.
5 Best Cities to Enjoy the Vietnam Christmas Atmosphere
In Vietnam, each region offers a distinct style of Christmas celebration. If you’re visiting Vietnam during Christmas, the local travel experts of Vietnamtour.in will surely arrange a memorable itinerary for you, featuring iconic locations for photography, shopping, and experiencing the wonderful atmosphere of this holiday in Vietnam.
Below are five destinations that deliver exceptional holiday vibes.
Hanoi
Thanks to the cool winter, mix of French colonial architecture, and lively street culture, the capital city of Vietnam is arguably the most atmospheric place to experience Christmas in Vietnam.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral – The Heart of Hanoi’s Christmas Spirit
Hanoi Cathedral is always the number one choice for Christmas in Vietnam. From mid-December, this area is brightly lit with tall pine trees, large grottos, and carefully invested miniature landscapes. On the night of December 24, thousands of people, both young and old, flock here, creating a bustling yet solemn atmosphere.
Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake
The Old Quarter takes on a beautiful form during Christmas: the streets of St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hang Ma Street are full of seasonal decorations, snow sprays, ornaments, and tiny gift shops. The buildings with Vietnamese-French architecture get soft yellow lights, adding an enchanting touch to this quarter, almost like a village from storybooks.
Another meeting point is Hoan Kiem Lake. Colorful lights adorn its pathways, attracting locals and tourists to this area for an evening stroll, photo opportunities, and music and performances commonly presented in the area.
Ho Chi Minh City
If you want to experience a vibrant, colorful, and modern Christmas celebration, Ho Chi Minh City will do the trick. Unlike Hanoi, the weather in Ho Chi Minh is warm and sunny in December, giving the holiday a tropical twist. The city welcomes Christmas with a lot of eagerness, and most shopping malls, theme parks, hotels, and churches do their best to show off their decorations.
District 1: Vibrant and Sparkling
District 1 is considered the most festive part of the city. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is usually full of families, groups of friends, and young people taking photos with elaborate Christmas displays. Large shopping malls like Vincom Center, Saigon Centre, and Diamond Plaza reveal big Christmas trees, LED light tunnels, gift displays, and seasonal pop-up markets.
The street musicians often show up and play Christmas songs, which makes the pedestrian street lively and cheerful even at night.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Although currently undergoing renovation, the area around Notre-Dame Basilica is still a symbolic Christmas center. The square nearby and Diamond Plaza usually present large holiday installations, including light displays and other decorative elements. Many people gather here to enjoy the lights, take photos, and join outdoor celebrations on Christmas Eve.
Da Nang
Da Nang has often been characterized as Vietnam’s most livable city—and at Christmas time, it has become one of the most enjoyable holiday destinations. The city greets Christmas with mild weather, clean streets, a beautiful riverside area, and easy access to beaches that create a pleasant, relaxed Christmas atmosphere with a touch of modern flair.
Da Nang Cathedral (the Pink Church)
The Pink Church is one of Da Nang’s most popular Christmas destinations. Its unique pink color and stunning Gothic architectural style make it a great place for tourists to take photos.
On Christmas Eve, the church grounds are beautifully illuminated with a Christmas theme, including stunning Christmas lights, glorious nativity displays, and hundreds of people who come to attend mass and/or be involved in various community events.
Han River & Iconic Bridges
During the holiday season, lights illuminate the Han River waterfront. Glowing lights and color-changing effects adorn the Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge. Visitors can stroll around the riverside in the evening or enjoy a Christmas buffet on river cruise boats.
Hoi An
Hoi An is magical all year round, and Christmas adds another layer to the ancient town. Without flashy modern decorations, the combination of lantern-lit streets, old yellow walls, and warm hospitality makes for a unique holiday experience.
A Christmas setting is romantic and nostalgic
Hoi An’s Ancient Town shines every night with hundreds of silk lanterns. During Christmas, shops and restaurants add wreaths, ornaments, and lights to their spaces, creating a mix of traditional and festive décor. Soft Christmas music is often a common feature in many cafés and boutique hotels, usually adding to the cosy ambiance.
Riverside celebrations
December is the livelier period of the Thu Bon River area, and most boats offer rides along with a lantern-lit view. Many restaurants along the riverfront have Christmas dinners with mixed Vietnamese and Western dishes that are ideal for travelers looking for a romantic evening.
Sapa
If your idea of Christmas includes cold weather, misty mornings, and maybe even frost, Sapa is the best choice in Vietnam. Lying right in the northern highlands, Sapa offers temperatures that can drop below 10°C in December.
Winter Wonderland Vibes
The town is nestled in mountains and terraced fields that, in December, are often shrouded in mist. It does not always snow, certainly not with any regularity, but when it does, then it is usually in light falls around the higher villages. The crisp mountain air lends a real feel to Christmas that is missing in tropical Vietnam.
Stone Church in Sapa Town
Sapa’s Stone Church, built during the French colonial era, is the focal point of Christmas. Decorations and lights attract big crowds, and evening mass is especially popular, as ethnic minority communities join in the celebrations.
Tips to Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam
If you’re planning a visit to Vietnam for Christmas, here are some practical tips to make it an enjoyable experience.
- Get started early! Most popular hotels and restaurants will fill up quickly on Christmas and New Year’s.
- Know the weather in your area: Northern Vietnam is cold, while the Southern part is warmer. Be sure to dress appropriately.
- Be prepared for large crowds on Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is typically the busiest night of the year for celebrations in Vietnam.
- Bring cash for smaller vendors: Although there are now options available for paying digitally, many of the smaller vendors that operate from roadside market stalls still only accept cash.
- Combine Western and local traditions: While in Vietnam during Christmas, participate in both traditional Vietnamese celebrations and typical Western customs. Examples include: having a festive dinner together, visiting a local church for the Midnight Mass service, and attending cultural interpretation events.
- Be respectful of religious locations: When visiting a local Church, follow any particular church’s Protocols Of Conduct.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in Vietnam is a great combination of local culture, community spirit, and holiday cheer. Whether you prefer winter chills to the north or beach sunbathing on the south side of the country, options for enjoyment abound in every way possible. From beautifully decorated churches and lively streets to festive foods and unforgettable events, Christmas in Vietnam is definitely worth a try.
So, which city in Vietnam would you like to explore during Christmas? Just let Vietnamtour.in know — we’ll point you toward the places with the most beautiful lights, decorations, and holiday spirit.