Vietnam Christmas 2025 Guide: Best Places, Events & Local Fun

Christmas in Vietnam is lively, colorful, and musical. Everything from beautifully displayed lights to food fairs means the Christmas season in Vietnam is meaningful and festive.
With VIET DOVE Travel, let's enjoy just like the Vietnamese locals; you can experience the beautiful warmth of a true Vietnamese Christmas.

Is Christmas a Major Holiday in Vietnam?

Yes, Christmas is celebrated all over Vietnam, even when Christianity is not the country's main religion and not a national holiday like Tet (Lunar New Year). But this is one of the happiest and most colorful times of the year in Vietnam.
In cities like Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An, you will see lovely decorations around the city, public celebrations, and glowing lights lining the city streets.

How Do Vietnamese People Celebrate Christmas?

Vietnamese people celebrate Christmas their own way, which combines Western traditions with a more local flavour:

• Homes and streets are decorated with lights, stars, nativity scenes, and little Christmas trees.
• Gift giving is also common, especially among young people and families.
• There is no roast turkey to be had, but families will often enjoy a special meal or street food.
• Churches host elaborate Christmas Eve ceremonies, with music, plays, and open-air festivities that attract thousands of people.

Is there snow in Vietnam? How can it feel like Christmas?

Yeah, but it's fake snow lol. But don't worry, Vietnam has plenty of Christmas spirit left in it, especially:

• The cool and crisp weather in December (ideal sweater weather!)
• Churches are beautifully lit and decorated, so it will feel like you stepped into a Christmas postcard
• Locals are preparing for Christmas, caroling, shopping, and an overall joyful mood
• Even without the snow, the joyful atmosphere, music, and decorations breathe holiday spirit.

What Christmas activities and events should you participate in?

Go to Christmas Eve Mass

I realize not all of us are religious, but to join a local mass is a beautiful cultural experience.
Churches will host:

•  Nativity re-enactments
•  Christmas choir and hymns
•  Candlelight prayers

I remember one of my best experiences was sitting quietly outside a church in Da Nang on Christmas Eve with a bunch of locals singing together. It was calming and sincere- like Christmas and true joy at its core.

Go to Food Fairs for Christmas

Some local churches will host food fairs the day after the 25th December evening, and it's a good opportunity to experience:

• Vietnamese snacks
• Sweets
• Warm drinks

You will find entire families, kids wearing Santa hats, and tourists mingling around hot food stalls.

There are amazing church decorations to take photos with

Churches in Vietnam really do look lovely, and they are adorned with:

• Giant Christmas trees
• Hand-made nativity scenes
• Brightly colored lights and paper lanterns

All of which can easily be made into the most beautiful photos of you and your family, especially in the cool evening.

Can I find Traditional Christmas food or drinks?

Vietnam does not have holiday foods like turkey or mulled wine, but:
There are plenty of Western-style restaurants and cafes that have holiday menus in all of the tourist areas.
You will likely find:

• Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, or pasta
• Christmas cookies and/or cakes
• Festive drinks like spiced coffee or hot chocolate

In places like Hoi An's Ancient Town cafes or the expat-run restaurants in Da Nang expat-run restaurants, you will find they usually embrace the Christmas season.

Is the Christmas Season More Expensive?

In general, the prices during Christmas are cheaper than during other times in Vietnam.
Actually:

• You are likely to find some deals for hotels and tour packages because most of December is low season for local travel.
• Many shops and malls have Christmas promotions and discounts.
• The Christmas dinners in restaurants may have special fixed menus, but their prices are still fairly reasonable.

Where Should I Go for the Best Christmas Experience?

Here are some of the best places to go for a Christmas experience in Central Vietnam:

Churches (for a cultural immersion, local vibe)

• Hanoi: St. Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon): famous for the amazing neo-Gothic architecture; it can be super busy with Christmas Eve crowds..
• Ho Chi Minh City: Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Nha Tho Duc Ba): another take-your-breath-away landmark in the middle of downtown
• Danang Cathedral (Pink Church): iconic, with great lighting in the evening and right in the centre.
• Phu Cam Cathedral, Hue: a larger-scale celebration with the mid-way food stalls out front, cheered with live music and spirit.
• Chapel of the Sacred Heart (Hội An): small celebration with a more intimate feel, located right in the middle of the old historical town.

Tip: On December 24th, make sure to arrive early to find a good spot for viewing. Many events will be starting around 6 - 7 PM.

Main Streets & Public Squares

• Hanoi: Around Hoan Kiem Lake (Hồ Gươm): it is a hot spot for both locals and tourists.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Phố đi bộ Nguyễn Huệ): famous for its Christmas lights in the busy pedestrian traffic.
• Bach Dang Street (Da Nang): lit up along the riverside and has a festive vibe.
• Nguyen Thai Hoc & Le Loi Street (Hue): admire the decorated shops and cafes along the holiday experience.
• Tran Phu Street - Old Town Streets (Hoi An): the streets lit up with flying lanterns & lights with holiday music.

Shopping Malls & Markets

Vincom Plaza (Da Nang & Hue) is lit up inside, playing music, and will have a Santa photo booth if you want to take pictures with Santa.
Local night markets: the night markets are fun for taking snacks for the road or souvenirs; I would encourage shopping at them for clothes! Still a good place to watch people and eat.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Like a Local

Being in Vietnam for Christmas is truly special and provides a nice sense of warmth, community, and wonder. You will find Christmas in Vietnam can be celebrated just like it is in your home country.
So do not stay in your hotel, but step outside and mingle with the locals and celebrate to make your own story.