7 Ways to Unwrap the Delights of Christmas in Vietnam
Christmas is a time of celebration all around the world. In Vietnam, Christmas may not be a traditional holiday, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among young people.
While Christmas in Vietnam may not look exactly the same as it does in other parts of the world, it is still a time of joy. From festive parties and events to the exchange of gifts with loved ones, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit in Vietnam.
So, if you are planning on spending the holiday season in Vietnam, here is a guide to help you make the most of the festive season.
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7 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam
In Vietnam, Christmas is mostly celebrated in urban areas and is seen as a time to have fun with friends and family. It is not a public holiday, so most businesses and schools remain open.
1. Attend a Christmas Party or Event
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam is attending holiday-themed parties. In Vietnam’s bustling cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi where the nightlife is always lively, and this is especially true during the holiday season.
At these events, you can expect to find live music, delicious food, and fun games and activities. Whether you are looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, these events are a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Some Christmas events hosted by luxury hotels and resorts in Vietnam are quite costly and require reservations in advance. For example, a Christmas Eve Dinner or a Christmas Day Brunch at Hotel Metropole Hanoi can cost $150 to $250 per person.
However, there are events that are open to the public in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s Bui Vien Street, so you can easily join in the celebration.
2. Decorate the house
While Christmas decorations may not be as widespread in Vietnam as they are in other parts of the world, they are still a fun and enjoyable way to get into the holiday spirit.
Many people decorate their homes for Christmas by setting up a Christmas tree and decorating with lights and ornaments. String lights and wreaths made of evergreen branches are also classic Christmas decorations.
So, if you are celebrating Christmas in Vietnam, consider adding some festive touches to your home and spreading the holiday cheer.
3. Exchange Gifts
Giving gifts is a way to show your appreciation and affection for the people you care about, and it is a tradition that is enjoyed by many during the holiday season.
If you are looking for gift ideas for your friends and family in Vietnam, consider giving something special and thoughtful. Chocolates, sweets, wine, and champagne are always popular choices, as are toys and games for children.
Clothing and accessories, such as scarves, hats, and gloves, can also make great gifts, especially during the colder months. Personalized gifts, such as photo albums or custom-made artwork, can also be a meaningful and heartfelt way to show your love and appreciation.
4. Enjoy a Christmas feast
While there are no traditional Vietnamese dishes that are specifically associated with Christmas, it is still fun to enjoy a festive feast during the holiday season. Many restaurants and cafes in Vietnam offer special Christmas menus and deals, so be sure to check out the options and indulge in some holiday cheer.
Because there are many tourists and ex-pats in Vietnam, you will find that many western restaurants be serving popular holiday-themed dishes like roast turkey, ham, roast potatoes, and mince pies. You can also find a variety of holiday-themed desserts, such as Christmas cakes, cookies, and puddings during Christmas in Vietnam at western restaurants.
In addition to traditional Christmas dishes, many restaurants and cafes in Vietnam also offer festive drinks. These can include seasonal cocktails, hot chocolate, and other special treats. So, if you are looking to celebrate Christmas with a delicious feast, be sure to check out the options and enjoy some holiday cheer.
5. Spend time in the Church
For Christians in Vietnam, celebrating Christmas Eve at church is an important and beloved tradition. On this special occasion, local churches are often bustling with visitors.
The evening typically begins with a special Christmas Eve service, which is a time for worshippers to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This service can include a variety of elements, such as worship songs, readings from the Bible, and sermons.
Some of the most popular and well-known churches in Vietnam to celebrate Christmas are:
⛪St. Joseph’s Cathedral – Hanoi
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a historic church located in the capital city of Hanoi, Vietnam. Constructed in 1886, it was one of the first churches built by the French in Vietnam and has played a significant role in the city’s history. The church is located at 40 Nha Chung street in the Hoan Kiem district, just to the west of Hoan Kiem Lake, and is a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors to St. Joseph’s Cathedral can enter the church for free, making it a budget-friendly attraction for travelers. If you are interested in history, architecture, or religion, this church is a must-see destination when visiting Hanoi.
⛪Chicken Church – Da Nang City
Chicken Church, also known as Da Nang Cathedral or Pink Church, is a historic church located in the city of Da Nang in Vietnam. It is one of the many churches built by the French during their colonization of Vietnam and is known for its distinctive pink exterior.
Chicken Church is a popular tourist attraction in Da Nang and is a great place to visit during the holiday season, especially during Christmas. The church is a beautiful architectural work and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
⛪Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral – Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a historic church located in the Paris Commune Square in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is one of the most well-known sites in the city and is a popular destination for Vietnamese and foreign Christians, as well as local residents.
During Christmas, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a particularly popular destination for tourists. Visitors can attend religious services, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn more about the history of the church. If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City during the holiday season, be sure to add Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral to your list of must-see attractions.
6. Visit a Christmas Market
Christmas markets are becoming more and more popular during Christmas in Vietnam, especially in urban cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These markets are great places to find all sorts of festive items, including decorations, gifts, and food.
Christmas markets are typically held throughout the month of December in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 and 2. There, you can find a wide range of holiday-themed items, such as Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments. You can also find a variety of gifts, including chocolates, toys, clothing, and other special items.
7. Spend time with loved ones
Above all, Christmas is a time to be with the people you love and to celebrate the joy and happiness of the holiday season. No matter how you choose to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam, it is important to take the time to enjoy each other’s company and create special memories.
Whether you are with your family, friends, or significant other, make an effort to spend quality time together and appreciate the bond you share. You can do this by spending time together at home, attending festive events and activities, or simply enjoying each other’s company over a special meal.
Christmas in Vietnam FAQs
Is Christmas a public holiday in Vietnam?
Christmas is not a public holiday in Vietnam. While it is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people, it is not an official holiday recognized by the government. Most businesses and schools remain open on Christmas Day, and people are expected to go about their regular daily activities. However, some people may choose to request time off work to celebrate the holiday with friends and family.
How do Vietnamese celebrate Christmas?
Although Christmas is not widely celebrated in Vietnam, it has become more popular over the years and is now enjoyed by many people throughout the country. A lot of Vietnamese and ex-pats go to Christmas parties and decorate their homes with festive decorations. Gifts are exchanged between family members, colleagues or friends. Some people also go to church on Christmas Day to attend special services or participate in carol singing.
How do Vietnamese decorate for Christmas?
Christmas decorations are not as widespread in Vietnam as they are in other parts of the world, and not all Vietnamese people decorate their homes for the holiday season. However, for those who do celebrate Christmas in Vietnam, they often put up Christmas trees, string lights, wreaths and ornaments.
What do Vietnamese celebrate instead of Christmas?
There are a number of other holidays and celebrations that are important to Vietnamese people. Some of the most significant holidays and celebrations in Vietnam include:
Tet Nguyen Dan: Also called Vietnamese New Year, Tet is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It falls on the first day of the lunar new year and is a time of renewal and celebration. People clean their homes, visit temples, and spend time with loved ones during Tet.
Independence Day: Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 2nd, marks Vietnam’s independence. It is a public holiday and is celebrated with parades, speeches, and other events.
Mid-Autumn Festival: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a holiday that is celebrated in Vietnam on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and is a time for people to come together, enjoy traditional foods and activities, and watch the full moon.
The Wrap-Up: Christmas in Vietnam
While Christmas may not be a traditional holiday in Vietnam, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people in urban areas.
There are many ways to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam, including attending festive events and parties, exchanging gifts with loved ones, and enjoying special meals.
If you are spending Christmas in Vietnam, don’t forget to check out the bustling nightlife in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. While there are no Vietnamese traditional dishes associated with Christmas, you will find plenty of fascinating seasonal cocktails to satisfy your taste buds!
I hope you embrace the joy and celebration of Christmas in Vietnam and make it a holiday season to remember!