Every Christmas in Vietnam, the two most developed cities of Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City light up in multi-colours to be part of the festive atmosphere of the whole world! Here is the list of cool places to go to enjoy Christmas this year.
Christmas in Hanoi
The big church
The big church Hanoi has always been the best place to be every Christmas in Vietnam. It is not only the place for solemn masses for Catholics in the country but also for other important occasions of the year.
Moreover, around the church there are many nice rooftop cafes, where you can look up at the whole main square of the church glittering, alive and bustling with the magical atmosphere that only Christmas can bring.
See more: Traveling to Hanoi in winter, in the heart of silence and poetry…
The shopping centres
These are often the first choice for young people. Because apart from activities, relaxing games to play, visitors can shop, go to the cinema or eat well.
Indeed, during this period, famous shopping malls such as Royal City, Times City…are lavishly decorated with gigantic trees, dazzling lamps to attract “photo-fans” to take selfies.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The pedestrian street around Hoan Kiem Lake has always been the historical and cultural emblem of the capital. The place is beautiful, colourful and friendly. Don’t miss the family and romantic strolls along the waterfront in the middle of winter. The laughter and happy faces of the children will surely warm your heart.
Hàng Ma district
This district has earned its reputation for good deals. In fact, it offers very rewarding, varied and fashionable goods. Thanks to its dynamic economic side, this area has become a checklist for the best Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
Ho Tay Lake Amusement Park
The Ho Tay Lake Amusement Park was a hit during the Christmas season last year, with its magnificent decorations of the Christmas tree forest, the old bearded man’s sleigh including his adorable reindeer, the little chalets… This year, it promises you again many beautiful surprises, as well as jovial musical programs.
Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City
The area around Notre Dame Cathedral
This building is not only a beautiful piece of architecture of the city’s historical heritage, but also the sacred place reserved for the most venerated masses.
Come to the cathedral and you will have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the festive air, to be recharged by the pure and childlike joy that Christmas songs evoke.
After contemplating the remarkable statue of the Holy Mary, you can enter the cathedral to visit the frescoes telling stories from the Bible. Around the Notre Dame de Sai Gon, it is easy to access other delightful areas, such as Diamond Plaza, Turtle Lake, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ton Duc Thang…
The coffee shops that have decorating for Christmas
Christmas is always an opportunity to take commemorative photos because the subject is quite cozy, close, and romantic. If you want to have a cozy, compact place to take pictures, just chat and be ready to chat and eat, then immediately visit the coffee shops that have finished decorating for Christmas.
My House Cafeteria, April Tea Shop, The Seat Cafe, Maison de Boony, InFact Coffee Saigon, Le Petit Marron… are restaurants with lovely spaces, many beautiful photo angles for you to welcome Christmas early.
The shopping centres
Over the years, shopping centres such as Diamond Plaza, Kumho, Vincom, Saigon Center… have established themselves and are now a popular meeting place for visitors to Sai Gon. We love the beautiful diversity of its Christmas decor, as well as the constant quality of the products present in the shops. You can end your busy shopping day with a great meal in the delicious restaurants within these centres.
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
The inviting pedestrian street takes on a festive air with special shows, impressive exhibitors, and authentic Christmas scene concepts. It’s impossible to resist the invitation to take a walk along the street and be dazzled by the silhouettes of joy, the sounds of happiness and the fast-paced dances that show how quickly time passes in the last days of the year.
The “western” district of Bui Vien
The Bui Vien district is a favourite place for young people, especially the “party” tourists who come to Ho Chi Minh City to have fun. It is the second most pedestrianised street in the city and is 850m long, from the train tracks on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to Cong Quynh Street.
At Christmas time, Bui Vien doesn’t need to “change its look” as its activities are still rooted in the festive atmosphere, with its busy bars, crowded discos and restaurants whose smell makes passengers’ mouths water.
Why not come here to simply sip a tall glass of cold beer with friends, chat about anything and everything and dance in the street with the very charming and smiling Santa Claus.
Chinatown
This district is attractive now because of its shops selling Christmas decorations in a wide variety of styles and at the lowest possible price.
The Vietnamese go to this district not only to make their purchase, but also to take their picture next to the windows with the multitudes of Christmas colours, to taste artisanal and culinary products, and of course, to meet the star of the hour: the Santa Claus!
The largest Christmas street in Ho Chi Minh City
Since early November, many shops on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Phung Hung (District 5, Ho Chi Minh City) have sold Christmas decorations with many eye-catching items and beautiful designs such as Pine trees, snowmen, Mr. Santa Claus, bow accessories, snowflakes, etc. to serve the shopping and decoration needs of the people.
Shops selling Christmas decorations are always bustling with customers. Many stores display decorative items spilling out onto the sidewalk, staff members take to the streets to invite customers to come and shop.
Christmas in Vietnam, the everyone start to give gifts to each other but this consists mainly of giving food and sweets. The tradition of Christmas, both religious and pagan, is becoming more and more a part of the Vietnamese calendar, and is adapted to the climate and culture of the Vietnamese who like to gather in the streets to spend a good time together, with family and friends.
Whatever you do, you will find the streets decorated with Christmas lights and traditional lanterns, a rather unusual mix! The churches are packed for Christmas mass, a warm atmosphere guaranteed.
