Christmas in Vietnam: A Complete Guide to Festive Celebrations

Experience the magical Christmas in Vietnam, where traditional Asian culture beautifully blends with festive Western celebrations. From vibrant street decorations to midnight mass at historic churches, discover how Vietnamese people embrace this joyous holiday with their unique cultural twist.

Is Christmas Celebrated In Vietnam?

Yes, they do! Even though Vietnam is known for big celebrations like the Lunar New Year, Christmas is also a big holiday here. Around 7 million people in Vietnam are Christians, making it the 5th largest Christian group in Asia. So, Christmas is a special time for them.

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A long time ago, in the 16th century, people from Portugal, Spain, and France brought Christianity to Vietnam. Since then, even though there were challenges, Christians in Vietnam have kept their faith alive. Now, Christmas is a popular holiday celebrated all across the country with lots of fun activities.

If you're in Vietnam in December and want to wish someone a Merry Christmas, you can say "Chuc mung Giang sinh." It's a way to share the joy of the season with the friendly people of Vietnam, whether you're in the busy cities or the peaceful countryside.

What is the History of Christmas Celebrations in Vietnam?

Christmas in Vietnam has a long history that began in the 16th century when people from Portugal, Spain, and France introduced Christianity to the country. 

At first, there were some challenges, but when Vietnam was under French control, Christianity, especially Catholicism, became more widespread. However, things changed in 1975 when the Communists took over.

It started getting better in the late 1980s when economic reforms were introduced. Vietnam became more open to Western ideas, and people got more freedom to practice their religion openly.

Despite some challenges, Christmas in Vietnam is now a big festival celebrated by people of all religions. 

One special place during Christmas is the Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh Province, where many Catholics in Vietnam come together for Christmas Eve Mass. It's a time for celebration, with a nativity play by children and a chance for everyone to enjoy the festive spirit.

What Are 6 Traditional Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam?

Similar to celebrations worldwide, Christmas in Vietnam offers various ways to enjoy the holiday. Let's explore popular activities that Vietnamese people engage in to celebrate this well-known festivity!

1. Decorate The House With Christmas Trees And Items

In Vietnam, people love to decorate their homes with Christmas trees and colorful stuff like Santa Claus figures, bells, and lights. 

It's not just inside homes – you'll also find these festive decorations brightening up streets and public places where folks gather during the holiday season. 

The Christmas tree is like a symbol of joy, and everyone adds their own special touch with different decorations. Whether it's Santa or jingling bells, these decorations make homes and streets look super festive and bring everyone together in the holiday spirit.

2. Dress Up In Santa Outfits And Walk Around The Streets

In Vietnam, celebrating Christmas has a unique twist. Everyone, not just Christians, joins in the fun by dressing up in Santa Claus outfits. Parents and grown-ups get into the festive spirit, wearing Santa costumes to bring joy to kids with gifts like candies and toys.

What's even more awesome is that it's not just for adults – kids and young folks also dress up as Santa for fun or to perform during Christmas events. The streets light up with Santas, creating a happy and festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season in Vietnam.

3. Spend Christmas Night In The Church

In Vietnam, spending Christmas Eve in a nicely decorated church is a special tradition for Christians. 

Even though not many people in Vietnam are Christian, some still like to go to churches like the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City or the Big Church in Hanoi for Christmas. 

People go to hear Christmas music, like Christian hymns, and watch Nativity plays. After the church ceremony, everyone heads to the city center for music shows to keep the Christmas spirit going. 

It's a lovely way for people in Vietnam, no matter their beliefs, to celebrate together during the holiday season.

4. Enjoy Christmas Food In Vietnam

Christmas in Vietnam is a time to enjoy tasty food. People might have chicken soup or turkey, which are known Christmas dishes around the world, along with local favorites.

During this happy time, lots of food stalls and restaurants are open. Vietnamese folks often prefer eating out for Christmas instead of having private family gatherings. It's a nice way for everyone to taste the special Christmas foods and share in the festive spirit.

5. Give Christmas Gifts And Cards To Loved Ones

In Vietnam, Christmas is a big occasion, and giving gifts and cards is a special tradition. It's not just for Christian families; many people love to exchange surprises. Kids, especially, get excited about receiving gifts from parents and others as a reward for their efforts before Christmas.

Before Christmas Eve, young Vietnamese folks often share cute cards, small gifts, or sweet messages through email or phones with friends and family. It's a way to send warm wishes for the season.

Christmas is also a time for charity. Groups organize programs to give gifts to those in need, like kids in orphanages, the elderly, the homeless, and people who are struggling. Young volunteers, acting like "Santa Claus," bring joy and gifts to places like orphanages and hospitals. It's all about spreading happiness beyond our own homes during this festive season in Vietnam.

6. Take a photo

Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year so you will find decorated and lighted trees, as well as Santa’s everywhere. Taking a photo to save beautiful memories with family members, lovers, and friends is something very meaningful.

Top 5 Famous Churches In Vietnam To Enter The Christmas Spirit

If you're looking forward to celebrating Christmas in Vietnam this year, make sure to visit some renowned churches for the ultimate Christmas experience. Here are the top 5 well-known churches that you should consider to make your Christmas holiday in Vietnam the BEST.

1. St. Joseph's Cathedral - Hanoi City

Built in 1886, St. Joseph’s Cathedral stands as one of the earliest churches constructed by the French in Vietnam. Situated to the west of Hoan Kiem Lake, this church has been a witness to numerous historic events and milestones in the capital of Vietnam.

• Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Free

2. Chicken Church - Da Nang City

There's another church in Da Nang City built by the French called Chicken Church. What's special about it is that it has many names. Originally, it was known as Da Nang Cathedral, but people also call it Pink Church because of its unique pink color outside. Some folks refer to it as Tourane Church or Sacred Heart Church of Jesus. 

This cool building is a great place for young people, especially during special times like Christmas in Vietnam.

• Address: 156 Tran Phu, Hai Chau 1, Hai Chau District, Danang, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Free

3. Nha Trang Cathedral - Khanh Hoa Province

Nha Trang is a super famous place to visit because it has awesome sea views and cool services. Also, the churches here are really pretty, especially Nha Trang Cathedral. It was built by the French in the 1880s, making it one of the oldest churches in the city by the sea.

This church is not just old, it's also important for history and culture. It's a cool spot for tourists, especially during Christmas in Vietnam. If you're planning to celebrate Christmas in Nha Trang, it's a good idea to stay at Vinpearl Nha Trang to have the best time during the holiday.

• Address: 31 Thai Nguyen, Phuoc Tan, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Free

4. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Ho Chi Minh City

In the middle of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, there's a famous place called Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral. It's on Paris Commune Square and many Vietnamese, foreigners, and people who live in the city know about it. Even after almost 160 years, the cathedral is still a strong and important place for about 6.2 million Catholics in Saigon. It's also a cool spot for tourists, especially during Christmas in Vietnam.

• Address: No.1, Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Free

5. Tan Dinh Church - Ho Chi Minh City

Like Chicken Church in Da Nang, Tan Dinh Church is unique with its special pink outside in Ho Chi Minh City. It's one of the coolest Gothic buildings that everyone who is into religion or likes taking photos should check out, especially during Christmas.

• Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Free

With the above-mentioned information, hopefully, this article has provided you with the most useful tips for celebrating Christmas in Vietnam.