Christmas in Vietnam: Discover Traditions, Festivities and Local Charm

Every year, Vietnamese people celebrate Christmas with several fascinating welcoming events. Visiting the church on this holiday is also quite important for Vietnamese Christians.

Celebrated as one of the most significant holidays globally, Christmas festival has never failed to draw people with different ways of celebrating in many countries, including Vietnam. We will help you learn about famous churches to explore XMas in Vietnam and discover how this celebration is held in Vietnam!

When is Christmas in Vietnam celebrated?

With approximately 7 million Christians, the Vietnamese Christian community is the 5th most populous in Asia, contrary to popular notion that Vietnam hardly celebrates other holidays apart from Lunar New Year and Mid Autumn Festival, Christmas day in Vietnam is an absolutely essential holiday in Vietnam.

Woman hand holding mobile phone take a photo of christmas tree

Portuguese, Spanish, and French missionaries brought Christianity into Vietnam throughout the sixteenth century. Following several ups and downs throughout the course of history, Christians and Catholics in Vietnam have been able to preserve their faith and celebrate Vietnam christmas holiday yearly.

Although Vietnam xmas is widely celebrated, it is not a national holiday in Vietnam. Schools, businesses, and government offices operate as usual. However, the growing popularity of the holiday, especially among the younger generation, has made it an important cultural event.

In Vietnam, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, just like in many countries around the world. It known as Giáng Sinh or Noel in Vietnamese. And December 25th is the official date, the celebrations often start on Christmas Eve, December 24th.

Large cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang come alive with vibrant activities. Streets are filled with colorful lights, decorated Christmas trees, and festive music. Catholic churches hold special Midnight Masses, and many people, regardless of religion, participate in these ceremonies.

Big Christmas tree

How do Vietnamese people celebrate Christmas?

1. Christmas decorations

The Christmas tree with so many vibrant objects including Santa Claus figures, bells and lights is among the most often used Christmas decoration items in Vietnam.

Not only used for house décor, those objects are also frequently seen along the streets since Vietnamese people usually gather in shopping centers and other public place like churches, markets, shops, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theater,... during this holiday. 

Man decorating christmas tree with his girlfriend

2. Savor Vietnamese Christmas cuisine

Christmas in Vietnam has several traditional foods, much as any other event. Along with many regional delicacies, Christmas dinners in Vietnam could have turkey or chicken soup, which are global classic Christmas meals.

Many food vendors and restaurants are open on this day since Vietnamese people usually celebrate Christmas by dining out rather than hosting small family events.

3. Wear Santa's attire and stroll the streets

Wearing Vietnamese santa attire has become among the most fascinating Christmas customs in Vietnam. Adults or parents would dress in Santa Claus costumes and be ready with toys and sweets for children.

Children and young people also wear these Santa's attire for entertainment value or stage performance on the occasion. 

4. Christmas night in the church

Celebrating Christmas Eve in church is an absolutely necessary custom for Christians. Local churches sometimes welcome plenty of guests and host interesting activities close by on this occasion.

The family go christmas night in the church

5. Give cards and Christmas gifts

Christmas is seen as a major celebration in Vietnam, presents are practically given to everyone enjoying this holiday. Since Christmas is a part of their religious life, Christian families enjoy this activity more than others. Children are usually the most thrilled to get unexpected presents from their parents and other adults.

Top 7 churches to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam

1. Saigon's Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (Ho Chi Minh City)

Main church of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City is the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica located in Ho Chi Minh City.

Different from other churches in the Saigon area, this Roman-style cathedral was constructed using materials imported from France without surrounding walls. Still among the most famous buildings in the city, its great architecture draws lots of tourists.

Read more: Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City: Festive Activities and Attractions

Saigon's Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

2. Tan Dinh Church (Ho Chi Minh City)

One of the most unique churches in Vietnam, Tan Dinh Church, finished in 1876, is strikingly pink. The main tower is Gothic in design with Roman and Baroque elements, tall 52.6 meters. Five bells totaling 5.5 tons inside add to the majesty of the church.

3. Hanoi St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral, sometimes known as the Hanoi Cathedral, built between 1884 and 1886. Originally opened on Christmas Hanoi in 1887, this magnificent Gothic-style church is 64.5 meters in length and 20.5 meters in breadth, with two really remarkable bell towers rising to 31.5 meters.

Our Lady is displayed on the square in front, the sanctuary is covered in delicate golden decorations. The cathedral turns into a focal point of celebration during the Christmas season, drawing people who come to take photos and enjoy the festive mood. 

Hanoi St. Joseph's Cathedral

4. Stone Cathedral Phat Diem (Ninh Binh)

Often called Vietnam's "Catholic capital", Phat Diem Cathedral is among the most beautiful cathedrals in the nation. Built between 1875 and 1899, this unusual cathedral shows curved rooftops and a crucifix on a lotus pedestal by deftly combining Buddhist and Catholic architectural features.

Built from stone and wood, the entire complex exhibits an amazing mix of Vietnamese and Western styles that draws guests from all around.

5. Dalat Cathedral (Lam Dong)

Built between 1930 and 1943, Da Lat Cathedral, often known as Rooster Church, was built in European style from the 17th century, this church deftly combines local cultural components with Western architectural ideas. One of Da Lat's most famous place, its unique appeal makes it must-see for everyone visiting the lovely city of flowers during the Christmas season.

Dalat Cathedral 

6. Christ the King Cathedral (Nha Trang)

Christ the King Cathedral, sometimes known as Mountain Church, is situated on a little hill in Nha Trang's city center and draws lots of people, particularly during the Christmas in Vietnam when it is exquisitely ornamented with festive decorations. Like an old Roman castle, its gray stone construction lends it a timeless beauty.

7. Danang Cathedral

Renowned for pink Gothic architecture, Da Nang Cathedral, sometimes known as the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, situated right in the middle of Da Nang. Built in 1924, it has a 70-meter tall main bell tower with a rooster.

The local Catholic community uses the cathedral as a place of worship as well as a well-liked tourist destination attracted by its peaceful environment and lovely stained glass windows.

Danang Church

If you're looking for a reliable car rental in Vietnam, consider Vietnam Budget Car Rental. We offer a wide range of vehicles, from 4-seat cars to 45-seat buses, perfect for family trips, group tours, or business travel.

Our professional drivers ensure safety and comfort, while our transparent pricing guarantees no hidden fees. With 24/7 customer support, we're here to assist you anytime. Let Vietnam Budget Car Rental accompany you on your journey! Contact us now for the best rates and tailored travel solutions.