Christmas in Vietnam: Do They Celebrate It? The Ultimate Travel Guide

2025-12-17

If you're wondering what Christmas in Vietnam actually looks like, you're not alone. Travelers often ask: Do they celebrate Christmas in Vietnam? Is it a public holiday? Is Christmas big here? And the answer surprises almost everyone: Yes, Vietnam celebrates Christmas with far more color, lights, and street energy than many Western travelers expect.

From French-era cathedrals glowing under festive decorations, to youth crowds taking photos on walking streets, to couples exchanging gifts, to entire parishes building massive nativity scenes, Christmas here is vibrant, local, and uniquely Vietnamese.

This comprehensive guide will take you through the history of Christmas in Vietnam, how locals celebrate, what cities offer the best experiences, and insider travel tips to help you enjoy the season like someone who truly lives here.

Want to see the city sparkle without getting lost in the crowd?
Zip Through the Festive Streets on a Vespa >>>

1. The Origin & History of Christmas in Vietnam

To understand the energy of Christmas in Vietnam, you have to go back centuries, not decades.

Early Arrival Through Missionaries (16th - 18th Century)

Christianity arrived in Vietnam through Portuguese and French missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries. French Jesuit priest Alexandre de Rhodes, also responsible for the Latin-based Vietnamese writing system (quốc ngữ), helped formalize Catholic communities in the country.

Over time, these communities grew, especially in central and southern Vietnam. That’s why today many Christmas hotspots are in long-established parishes like:

• Phát Diệm (Ninh Bình)
• Bùi Chu (Nam Định)
• Tân Định (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Thủ Thiêm (HCMC)
• Phạm Thế Hiển Parish (District 8)

French Colonial Influence (19th - 20th Century)

When France colonized Vietnam, Catholic institutions expanded. French architecture left behind some of today’s most iconic Christmas locations:

• Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Hà Nội St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Đà Nẵng Cathedral (Rooster Church)

These cathedrals become the epicenter of Christmas celebrations every year.

These cathedrals aren't just for photos. They hold the city's deepest secrets.
Discover the Stories Behind the Cathedrals >>>

Christmas in Modern Vietnam

Even though Vietnam is not a Christian-majority country, Christmas has evolved into a nationwide cultural event, similar to how Lunar New Year (Tết) is widely celebrated even by non-religious families.

Today, Christmas in Vietnam is both a religious celebration and a major urban festival, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang. However, Christmas is not considered a public holiday like Tet in Vietnam, so don’t worry about a flock of tourists traveling or businesses shutting down during this time. 

2. When Do Vietnamese Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam?

Vietnam celebrates Christmas on the same dates as Western countries:

• Christmas Eve: December 24
• Christmas Day: December 25

However, Christmas Eve is the main celebration for the public, not December 25.

Why Christmas Eve Matters More

Vietnamese youth, families, and couples consider December 24 the “real” holiday. Streets become crowded, churches run full evening masses, and shopping malls conduct special events.

December 25 is not a public holiday in Vietnam, so life returns to normal, schools operate, offices open, and people go to work.

3. How Vietnamese Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam Today

Christmas in Vietnam is a multicultural blend of Asian warmth, Western decoration, and local creativity. Even non-Christians join the fun.

A. For Catholic Families

Catholic communities make up roughly 7% of the population (~7 million people), and Christmas is one of their most important religious events. Celebrations include:

• Decorating homes and even the whole neighborhood with nativity scenes
• Attending Christmas Eve Mass
• Joining parish performances
• Preparing festive meals with their friends and family members

In large parishes, entire streets become massive Christmas villages, attracting thousands of local visitors.

B. For Non-Catholic Families

Most Vietnamese do not view Christmas as a religious holiday but as:

• A time to go out
• A festive season for photos
• A romantic evening for couples
• A fun night for families with children

Expect lots of lights, lots of crowds, and lots of photos.

C. For Young People (The Biggest Celebrators)

Vietnamese Gen Z and Millennials love Christmas. You will see a lot of young people:

• Dress up
• Take photos under public light displays and Christmas decorations.
• Giving gifts to their loved ones
• Hang out at coffee shops and malls

Even though the holiday is not officially Vietnamese, its energy has become uniquely Vietnam.

D. For Couples

Christmas in Vietnam is similar to Valentine’s Day:

• Couples going on dates and giving each other gifts
• Take photos under public Christmas decorations.
• Attend late-night Mass together

For many, it’s the most romantic night of December.

4. Public Christmas in Vietnam Activities in Big Cities (Hanoi – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City)

Now let’s explore how Christmas comes alive in Vietnam’s biggest cities:

Christmas in Vietnam: Hanoi

Hanoi blends European-style Christmas charm with northern Vietnamese winter weather: cool, misty, atmospheric.

Where Hanoi Feels Most Festive

A. St. Joseph’s Cathedral Area

The cathedral square becomes the heart of Hanoi’s Christmas vibe, filled with:

• Light displays
• Street snacks
• Photo backdrops
• Live music (sometimes)
• Massive Christmas tree

The cathedral’s French Gothic architecture stands out even more beautifully when lit up during Christmas. A lot of people gather here on December 24 to celebrate, take photos, or enjoy snacks from surrounding vendors. The area becomes pedestrian-only on Christmas Eve, making it a lively but crowded space. Expect carol singing, festive decorations, and a massive Christmas tree. Church grounds open 8:00–21:00; Mass schedule varies during Christmas

B. Hoàn Kiếm Walking Street

Walking street hosts live bands, family activities, and seasonal decorations, especially on weekends near Christmas.

Christmas in Vietnam: Danang

Danang offers a brighter, beachside Christmas atmosphere, perfect for travelers wanting something more relaxed.

Highlights of Xmas in Danang

• Beautiful cathedral decorations
• Han River light shows
• Beach hotels hosting Christmas dinners
• Ba Na Hills turning into a European Christmas village

 Danang Cathedral (Rooster Church): A Pink Gothic Christmas Spot

This cathedral glows with colorful lights and an illuminated nativity scene every December. Locals visit primarily on Christmas Eve for Mass, while tourists come earlier for photos and quieter views. Its central location makes it one of the easiest Christmas spots to reach in Danang.

Christmas in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon is the most festive city in Vietnam during Christmas. Decorations appear everywhere, from parishes to malls to entire neighborhoods.

Where Christmas in Vietnam Is Biggest in Saigon

A. Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral (District 1)

Even though the cathedral has been undergoing renovation since 2017, the surrounding area still turns into a massive gathering spot during Christmas. Thousands come for photos under the decorated trees and street displays. On Christmas Eve, the nearby Bishop’s House often hosts outdoor nativity displays. The outdoor area is open 24/7 (Mass inside the cathedral remains limited during renovation).

B. Tân Định Church (The Pink Church)

Famous for its vibrant pink facade, Tân Định Church is one of Saigon’s most visited photo spots during Christmas. Large light displays, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes make this location extremely crowded on December 23–24. The church’s exterior alone is worth seeing at night when fully illuminated. 

C. The “Christmas Street” Phạm Thế Hiển Parish (District 8)

This neighborhood is transformed into a glowing tunnel of lights each Christmas. Families create enormous nativity scenes reaching several meters high, turning the entire street into a living Christmas museum. Expect extremely heavy traffic—best explored on foot or by motorbike with a guide.

District 8 is stunning but the traffic is crazy. Let our drivers handle the chaos for you.
Ride Into the Heart of Christmas Alleys >>>

D. Shopping Malls (Takashimaya, Vincom, Saigon Centre)

Saigon malls go big on Christmas, with massive trees, light tunnels, snow shows, and festive installations.

Saigon Centre x Takashimaya: The Most Beautiful Mall Decorations in Saigon

Every year, Takashimaya creates Saigon’s most photographed Christmas tree and seasonal display. Expect crowds of families and young people taking photos throughout December. Indoor events include music performances, Santa meet-and-greets, and themed pop-up shops.

5. Best Things to Do for Tourists During Christmas in Vietnam

Using the more practical, visitor-focused tone from Concept 5, this section is built for travelers wanting real recommendations.

A. Visit the Top Christmas Churches

Vietnam’s colonial architecture shines brightest during Christmas. The top picks:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (HCMC)
• St. Joseph's Cathedral (Hanoi)
• Danang Cathedral (Da Nang)
• Tân Định Church (HCMC)

Pro tip: Churches are busiest on Dec 24 from 18:00 - 23:00.

B. Explore Christmas Light Streets

• Phạm Thế Hiển (HCMC)
• Hang Ma Street (Hanoi)
• Bach Dang Street lights (Danang)

These areas are great for photos, people watching, feeling the Christmas vibe and street food.

C. Enjoy Christmas-Themed Buffets & Hotel Dinners

Vietnam’s urban hotels offer excellent Christmas events, often including:

• Live music
• Unlimited buffets
• Santa visits
• Champagne or mulled wine

For this activity, check out the websites of 5-star hotels such as Sofitel, Caravelle, Hotel des Arts… Prices range from 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 VND per person.

D. Join Walking Streets & Public Activities

• Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street (HCMC)
• Hoàn Kiếm Walking Area (Hanoi)
• Han River area (Danang)

These areas are perfect for solo travelers, couples, groups and families to take nice photos with Christmas decorations, watch Vietnamese people and foreigners enjoy the festive spirit, and explore the Vietnamese culture and cuisine together. 

6. Travel Tips: Traffic, Safety & Weather During Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas in Vietnam is extremely crowded, especially on December 24 evening.

Traffic tips

• Avoid cars in District 1 (HCMC) and Hoàn Kiếm (Hanoi) during Christmas Eve.
• Use GrabBike instead of GrabCar if you need .
• Streets near churches are blocked for pedestrians.
• Expect traffic jams in the central area of big cities from 18:00 - 23:00. 

Safety tips

• Watch your belongings (crowded areas = pickpocket risk). Wear your bag/backpack in front of your body and don’t put your phone/wallet or any valuables in your pockets to avoid pickpocketing.
• Stay hydrated; December is still warm in the south if you spend Christmas in this region.

Weather tips

• Hanoi: cold, 14 - 20°C
• Danang: cool, 18 - 23°C
• Ho Chi Minh City: warm & dry, 26 - 32°C

Where You Should Be for the Best Christmas Experience

• Modern metropolitan vibe with a lot of Christmas decorations: Ho Chi Minh City
• Romantic, vintage vibe with cold Christmas weather: Hanoi
• A good balance between nature & city vibe: Danang

7. Fun & Interesting Facts About Christmas in Vietnam

• Christmas in Vietnamese means “Giáng Sinh”. If you see the words, it means Christmas is coming
• Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day, is the main celebration.
• There’s almost no snow in Vietnam. The only place you can see snow is far north on mountainous areas (Sapa or Fansipan peak), and only once in every few years.
• Couples treat Christmas like Valentine’s Day.
• Some alleys in Saigon turn into mini Christmas villages.
• Santa outfits are extremely popular for children.
• Christmas food is not traditional in Vietnam. People hang out and eat BBQ, hotpot, or seafood.

Skip the turkey. Celebrate Christmas with a sizzling Vietnamese BBQ & Seafood feast.
Feast on a Local Holiday Dinner >>>

8. How to Say Merry Christmas in Vietnamese

Here’s the official phrase:

“Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh!”

Pronunciation: Chook-moong Zahng-sinh

Other useful phrases:

• Giáng sinh vui vẻ! - Have a joyful Christmas
• Ông già Noel - Santa Claus
• Cây thông Noel - Christmas tree

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas in Vietnam is a fascinating mix of culture, faith, celebration, and creativity. Whether you're walking under cathedral lights, exploring Saigon’s Christmas alleys, joining a festive hotel dinner, or simply watching crowds gather and taking pictures… you're witnessing a modern Vietnamese tradition that’s warm, lively, and unforgettable.

The holiday may not be a day off here, but its spirit fills every street in December. And as you explore this unique season, from north to south, you’ll understand why travelers say Christmas in Vietnam feels surprisingly magical.

Don't spend your Christmas stuck in a taxi. Join the most exciting ride in town.
Book Your Christmas Vespa Adventure Now >>>

If you want the most immersive way to experience the lights, parishes, and street life of Saigon, hop on a vintage Vespa, have a Christmas feast the real Vietnamese way, see the best of Saigon and and let us show you how we celebrate.

 

Other tips

• Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City: The Best Churches for Foreign Guests
• Where is Mekong? A Guide to Cai Be Floating Market & Is It Safe to Visit Mekong Delta?
• Christmas in Vietnam: Do They Celebrate It? The Ultimate Travel Guide
• Flood in Central Vietnam: A Real Look at the Disaster, the Pain, and the Strength Behind It
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport Guide 2025 - The Gateway to Saigon for Every Traveler
• Vietnam Flood Warning - Live Traveler Advisory & Safety Guide (Updated November 7, 2025)
• Halloween in Vietnam 2025: Saigon Special - Where to Go, What to Wear, and How to Slay the Night
• Ha Giang Loop: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your 2025 Tour
• Vietnam Raining Season Guide: When to Go & What to Expect
• Top Things to Do in Hoi An
• What Souvenirs to Buy in Hanoi: 19+ Best Things to Buy (2025 Guide)