Christmas in Vietnam: Popular Activities During the Holiday Season

What can we do during Christmas in Vietnam?

Christmas in Vietnam is among the most anticipated moments of the year. They seamlessly blend with the diverse religions present in the S-shaped country. The people of Vietnam are known for their sociability, zest for life, and a particular affinity for friendly gatherings. The warm atmosphere on the streets, marked by everyone's smiles, remains the most memorable image of this festive period. Merry Christmas wish in Vietnamese is: “Chúc mừng Giáng Sinh”. Let's explore in this article how Christmas in Vietnam!

History of Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas in Vietnam has its origins in France. During the period when Vietnam was under French rule, the Christmas culture was introduced by the French. The 25th of December, Christmas Day, has become the second most significant celebration in the country, just after Tet. Despite the prevalence of Buddhism in Vietnam, Christmas sparks considerable interest among the population. December, the month filled with pine trees, Santa Claus, the exchange of greeting cards, and small gifts, carries the history of Christmas in Vietnam. This tradition has roots spanning decades, even centuries.

The Christmas Atmosphere in the Streets of Vietnam

With its long and traditional history, Christmas in Vietnam emerges in a happy and cozy ambiance. Majestic pine trees adorn beautiful doorways, creating a festive atmosphere that people love to savor. Stores brim with colorful little gifts and festive invitations. Anticipation builds as each day of Christmas approaches in Vietnam, bringing about a palpable change in people's lifestyles. They venture outside, stroll through the streets in search of the perfect Christmas tree, and craft small gifts for children.

Despite the fact that the Catholic population represents only 10% of the total, it does not diminish the overall enthusiasm for Christmas. Everyone welcomes this time with an open and joyful spirit. A particularly delightful scene is that of young people wandering the streets of Hanoi, admiring Santa Claus walking freely and dancing in pedestrian zones. The magic of Christmas extends beyond religious affiliations, enveloping all citizens in a warm atmosphere of celebration.

Popular Festive Activities during Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas festivities in Vietnam are marked by outdoor activities, particularly enjoyed by the youth. Young people gather in groups to stroll through the streets, visit churches, and express their wishes for a new year full of happiness. For young people in Hanoi, the option is to head to the old town or the cathedral. For those in Ho Chi Minh, an alternative would be Notre-Dame Cathedral or Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. Christmas in Vietnam brings these places to life all night, providing a festive atmosphere for all who frequent them. The night of December 24th offers a particularly enchanting atmosphere, with young people strolling the streets. Moreover, many of them dress up as Santa Claus to distribute gifts to children in orphanages and those from disadvantaged families.

Christmas DIY is also highly popular during the Christmas season in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese create their own Christmas trees using paper, a practice that saves money while preserving the environment. This activity, often done as a family, fosters bonds among its members while adding a personal touch to Christmas in Vietnam. Additionally, if you want to give a Christmas gift to a Vietnamese friend, a scarf, a beanie, or a mug would be excellent Christmas gift ideas.

The Most Beautiful Places to Spend Christmas in Vietnam

Hanoi

1. Old Quarter of Hanoi

During Christmas in Vietnam, you can explore Hàng Mã Street to admire the colorful festivities of Christmas. With numerous products, you'll have plenty of options for Christmas gift ideas. It is claimed that without a visit to the Old Quarter (Phố Cổ), your experience in Hanoi would be incomplete. Venturing into the Old Quarter, you will be captivated by the charming architecture, picturesque lifestyle, and serene culture that permeate the landscape and local population. If you want to experience Christmas in Vietnam, Hanoi, being an excellent choice, harbors many historic streets. When mentioning the city, it is common to refer to the "36 Streets of Hanoi," where traditional craft villages have left their mark through the ages.

2. Saint Joseph Cathedral, Hanoi

One of the main churches in Hanoi during the Christmas event in Vietnam stands out with the majestic presence of a 20-meter Christmas tree. Officially named Saint Joseph Cathedral, it claims the title of the oldest Catholic church in Hanoi. Over the years, Christmas in Vietnam has drawn crowds to the cathedral, serving as a gathering place for the faithful from the capital and surrounding regions. It is renowned for its exceptional architectural design, considered the most admirable church in Hanoi. In the context of the history of Christmas in Vietnam, erected during the French colonial era, the cathedral embodies a characteristic example of European Gothic style, inspired by the architecture of the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Ho Chi Minh City

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Join us to discover Christmas in Vietnam's south. French builders constructed this church entirely from wood. A statue of the Virgin Mary, carved from Italian marble, sits in the front courtyard. Every component, from cement to steel to screws, was imported from France during construction. Therefore, this church is a must-visit destination during your Christmas journey in Vietnam. You'll be impressed by the meticulous care taken by the French. The exterior of the building is made of bricks manufactured in Marseille, left bare without plaster or moss, retaining a vibrant pink hue. On some broken tiles of the church, you can read the words "Guichard Carvin, Marseille St André France" (possibly the origin of these tiles), while another tile bears the inscription "Wang-Tai Saigon."

4. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street

Here, you have the opportunity to stroll, relax, and savor the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Vietnam. It is recognized as the widest pedestrian thoroughfare in Vietnam. Inaugurated on April 30, 2015, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is divided into two main areas: Nguyen Hue Square stretching from Le Loi Street to Ton Duc Thang Street. During your visit to Vietnam at Christmas, you will be surrounded by rows of trees providing pleasant shade, as well as an abundance of blooming flowers. In addition to the two large central fountains, the pedestrian street is equipped with a modern underground system capable of monitoring and remotely controlling the music and lighting systems of the fountains.

 

You have to experience Christmas in Vietnam

Vietnam stands out as one of the gems of traditional culture in Southeast Asia, displaying a long and heroic historical richness that reveals a beauty both gentle and delicate.

Experience the magic of Christmas in Vietnam, where affordable prices align with exceptional service quality. Expect a response to your message within a maximum of 8 hours.

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