Christmas in Vietnam: Celebrations and Activities to Try

When you think of Christmas, you probably picture snow, cozy fireplaces, and hot chocolate. I get it, I used to as well. But after spending years in Southeast Asia, my idea of the festive season has completely changed. Imagine trading snowflakes for twinkling lights on palm trees and swapping hot cocoa for a fresh fruit smoothie. That’s a little taste of Christmas in Vietnam.

If you’re thinking about seeing the whole country during the holidays, a comprehensive tour can be a great way to experience everything without the stress of planning. Our 15 Days Join Group Grand Vietnam Tour is perfect for solo travelers or couples wanting to see all the highlights during this festive time. 

While it isn’t an official public holiday in Vietnam, the Christmas season is a huge deal. The cities come alive with a special kind of energy that’s both festive and uniquely Vietnamese. It’s a time for dazzling lights, delicious food, and joyful gatherings.

How Do Vietnamese People Celebrate Christmas?

The celebrations here might be different from what you’re used to, but they are full of joy and community spirit. It’s less about quiet family time at home and more about getting out and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere with everyone else.

Marveling at Colorful Decorations

As December rolls in, Vietnam’s cities put on their holiday best. Streets, shopping malls, and cafes are draped in thousands of sparkling lights. You’ll see massive, decorated trees and festive scenes pop up everywhere. It’s a truly impressive sight.

One of my favorite things to do is join the locals on an evening motorbike ride. We just cruise through the city to see all the displays. Catholic neighborhoods go all out, with entire streets creating amazing nativity scenes and light shows. Have you ever seen a whole neighborhood work together on decorations? It creates a wonderful sense of community.

Attending Midnight Mass

For a more serene and traditional holiday experience, attending a midnight mass is a beautiful option. The country’s grand cathedrals are stunning any time of year, but they are especially moving during Christmas. They become hubs of activity, decorated with flowers, lights, and intricate nativity displays.

Vietnam is home to some truly magnificent cathedrals with fascinating histories. If you’re interested in their architecture and stories, you can discover more about the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Vietnam. The Christmas Eve services are solemn and beautiful, filled with classic hymns and nativity plays performed by local children. These masses are open to everyone, offering a peaceful moment of reflection amidst the city’s joyful chaos. It’s a great way to see the more traditional side of the celebration.

Indulging in a Christmas Feast

Food is a big part of any celebration in Vietnam, and Christmas is no exception. While you might not find turkey and stuffing, you will find plenty of festive meals. Many hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas menus with both Western and Vietnamese dishes.

A treat that has become a holiday staple is the bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule log cake. This dessert, a legacy of French influence, is very popular. Families often buy one to share, and it’s a sweet way to cap off a festive meal. Sharing festive food is a wonderful experience for all ages and a highlight of traveling with family. If you’re looking for an itinerary that caters to everyone, our Vietnam Family Holidays 14 Days package is packed with fun activities for both kids and adults.

Experiencing Bustling Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are a relatively new trend in the larger cities, but they’ve quickly become a holiday favorite. These markets are fantastic places to get into the festive mood. They are filled with stalls selling gifts, ornaments, and tasty holiday snacks.

The air buzzes with excitement as people wander through the brightly lit stalls. You can find unique handmade gifts or simply enjoy some festive Vietnam street food. The lively atmosphere makes it a fun outing for friends and families alike.

Joining Youthful Street Gatherings

Christmas Eve, in particular, feels like one big street party. The energy is absolutely electric. Young people especially pour into the city centers to celebrate together. Pedestrian areas, like Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City, become packed with cheerful crowds.

Celebrating with friends is a huge part of the local culture, and Christmas Eve is one of the best nights for it. For more ideas on group activities, check out our guide on Things To Do In Vietnam With Friends. Everyone is out with their friends, taking photos, wearing Santa hats, and just enjoying the festive vibe. It’s a very social and high-energy way to celebrate. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Enjoying a “Cold” Christmas in the Mountains

If you want a break from the tropical heat, you can head for the mountains to find a more “wintry” Christmas. Destinations like Sapa and Da Lat offer a completely different holiday setting. The cooler temperatures give the air a crisp, festive feel.

Imagine celebrating in a cozy cafe overlooking misty mountains or wandering through streets lined with pine trees. These mountain towns provide a picturesque and romantic backdrop for a holiday getaway. It’s the perfect choice if you’re a quieter, more atmospheric celebration.

Embracing Fun Holiday Facts & Traditions

Beyond the big activities, Vietnam has some unique Christmas customs that add to its charm.

• Holiday Greetings: You can wish locals a Merry Christmas with a few different phrases. “Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh” means “Joyful Christmas,” “Giáng Sinh An Lành” is “Peaceful Christmas,” and for a more casual greeting, you can say “Nô-en vui vẻ” for “Happy Noel.”
  
• Gifts & Home Decor: The traditions of exchanging gifts and decorating homes are very popular now. Many families will put up a small tree and hang lights, adding their own festive touch to the season.
  
• Santa on a Motorbike: Santa Claus is known here as “Ông già Noel.” But you probably won’t see him on a sleigh. Instead, it’s common to spot him riding a motorbike, weaving through traffic to deliver gifts!

Top Places to Enjoy Christmas in Vietnam

Now that you know how people celebrate, where should you go to experience it? Each place offers a slightly different flavor of the holiday.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi

This grand, neo-Gothic cathedral is the heart of Christmas in the capital. The area around the cathedral and throughout the Old Quarter comes alive with decorations, street food vendors, and a palpable festive buzz. It’s the perfect place to start your Christmas exploration in Hanoi.

The capital offers so much more than just its Christmas celebrations, with a deep history and vibrant street life to discover. For a full guide on what to see and do, here are the top Things to Do in Hanoi. On Christmas Eve, the square in front of the cathedral fills with people for midnight mass. The mix of ancient architecture and modern celebration creates a really special atmosphere.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City

Down in Ho Chi Minh City, the historic Notre Dame Cathedral is the epicenter of the Christmas action. The cathedral itself is a beautiful landmark, and it draws enormous, happy crowds during the holidays. The festive energy here is contagious.

As the country’s southern hub, the city is buzzing with energy and countless attractions beyond the cathedral square. Be sure to check out our list of the best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City to make the most of your visit. This is the spot for a big, bustling Christmas Eve. The surrounding streets are closed to traffic and become a massive gathering place. Thousands of people come to hang out, take pictures, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Tan Dinh Church: The “Pink Church”

Also in Ho Chi Minh City is the impossible-to-miss Tan Dinh Church. Its whimsical pink facade makes it a popular spot year-round, but it becomes even more spectacular at Christmas. The church is covered in bright lights and festive decorations.

This spot is a photographer’s dream. The cheerful pink walls combined with the sparkle of Christmas lights create a fairy-tale scene. It’s a fun and lighthearted place to see some decorations and get some great holiday photos.

Hoi An Ancient Town

For a truly magical Christmas, I always recommend Hoi An. The ancient town, with its charming, lantern-lit streets, feels like it was made for the holidays. The mix of yellow-walled buildings, colorful silk lanterns, and festive decorations creates an incredibly romantic setting.

Strolling along the river on Christmas Eve is an unforgettable experience. The reflections of thousands of lanterns shimmer on the water. You can release a floating candle for good luck and enjoy a quiet, beautiful celebration away from the big city crowds.

Da Lat

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat’s cool climate offers a unique Christmas experience in Vietnam. The city’s pine forests and French-style villas give it a distinctly European feel, making it a popular escape for those seeking a “wintry” holiday.

Here, you can enjoy a cozy Christmas. Spend your days walking around the scenic Xuan Huong Lake and your evenings sipping hot drinks in a warm cafe. It’s a peaceful and charming alternative to the high-energy celebrations in other cities.

Sapa

If you’re dreaming of a genuinely cold Christmas, Sapa is the place to be. Tucked away in the northern mountains, this region offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to bundle up for the holidays. The iconic stone church in the center of town is the focal point for local celebrations.

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to views of misty rice terraces. A Christmas in Sapa is a true adventure. You can spend your days hiking in the hills and your evenings enjoying the warmth of a homestay. It’s a completely different way to experience the holiday season.

A Holiday to Remember

Christmas in Vietnam is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and social energy. It’s a time when cities sparkle, friends gather in joyful crowds, and unique traditions create a festive season unlike any other. It’s a truly visual and social spectacle.

Whether you’re looking for the vibrant energy of a massive street party in Ho Chi Minh City or the romantic charm of lantern-lit Hoi An, Vietnam has an unforgettable way to celebrate. I hope you get to experience its special holiday magic for yourself one day.

FAQs about Christmas in Vietnam

In Vietnam, Santa Claus is called “Ông già Noel,” which translates to “the old man Noel.” You will see him everywhere during the season, often dressed in the classic red suit. Just do not be surprised to see him riding a motorbike instead of a sleigh to deliver his presents!