Introduction
Vietnam is a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and unforgettable cuisine — but what often surprises travelers is just how festive and magical Christmas feels here. Although Vietnam is not a Christian-majority country, Christmas is widely celebrated across cities, towns, and even rural regions. December transforms Vietnam into a colorful world of sparkling lights, lively streets, decorated churches, bustling markets, and joyful gatherings. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, Christmas in Vietnam blends cultural traditions, Asian warmth, and Western influence into an experience that feels unique and refreshing.
For international travelers planning a December trip, preparing early makes the journey even smoother. Many visitors prefer arranging essentials like accommodation, travel insurance, and foreign currency ahead of time. Services such as Videshi Mudra, a brand of Princess Forex, help travelers conveniently exchange currency before departure, ensuring they can enjoy Vietnam’s festive season without last-minute hassles or high airport exchange rates.
If you’re curious about the currency you’ll use while traveling and how global currencies differ, explore our guide to currencies and symbols of different countries.
Unlike many other parts of the world where Christmas centers heavily around religious traditions or family gatherings indoors, Vietnam brings Christmas onto the streets. Young people flock to night markets and shopping streets, couples plan romantic outings, families take photos in front of large Christmas trees installed in downtown areas, and restaurants offer festive menus. According to Vietnam Tourism’s annual survey, December is one of the most popular months for foreign travelers, with holiday-themed activities contributing significantly to winter tourism.
Vietnam’s distinctive charm lies in the way it integrates global celebrations with local flavor. The festive season becomes a cultural mosaic — a blend of Catholic traditions, youth culture, modern nightlife, and Vietnamese street vibrance. This guide explores the complete experience of celebrating Christmas in Vietnam, from the cultural backdrop and religious traditions to food, events, destinations, and must-do activities.
The Unique Cultural Background of Christmas in Vietnam
To understand how Christmas is celebrated in Vietnam today, it’s essential to look briefly at its cultural roots. Vietnam has one of Asia’s largest Catholic communities, with around 7 million Catholics — nearly 7% of the population. Many of these communities, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang, create elaborate Christmas events that attract thousands of visitors of all beliefs.
The French colonial era introduced Christian customs, architecture, and Christmas festivities to Vietnam. This influence is still visible today in the country’s grand cathedrals such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, and Phu Nhai Basilica in Nam Định Province. During December, these churches become the center of dazzling decorations, mass celebrations, carol performances, and street fairs.
However, Christmas in Vietnam is not purely religious. It has evolved into a popular cultural festival embraced by people from all backgrounds. Teenagers go out in groups to capture festive photos for social media, couples exchange gifts as a symbol of affection, and families enjoy a relaxing evening strolling through illuminated streets. The atmosphere combines spirituality, romance, and entertainment in a way few places do.
How Vietnamese People Celebrate Christmas Today
Christmas in Vietnam is a lively, colorful celebration that blends local customs with global influences. The festive spirit builds up gradually throughout December, but the main celebrations happen on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. Vietnamese people tend to go out on the night of December 24th, making it one of the busiest evenings of the year.
Streets in major cities fill with families, bikers, and groups of young people exploring festive corners decorated with lights, Santa statues, snow backdrops, and giant ornaments. Popular areas like Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City or Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi become vibrant hubs of activity. Shopping malls decorate their entrances with giant Christmas trees and interactive displays that attract endless photo sessions. Many households, even non-religious ones, put up small trees or string lights around their homes to participate in the joyful mood.
Churches play a central role in holiday celebrations. Catholic families attend midnight Mass, where hymns are sung in Vietnamese, and nativity dramas are performed by children. In smaller towns and villages, entire neighborhoods come together to build elaborate nativity scenes that sometimes stretch across multiple houses.
Food is another major part of the celebration. Restaurants offer special Christmas menus, bakeries sell festive treats, and even street vendors join the theme with Santa hats and holiday snacks.
Travel Tip: Make Your Vietnam Christmas Trip Hassle-Free
December is peak tourist season, so planning ahead is key. One thing many travelers often overlook is currency exchange — but it becomes crucial when navigating local markets, taxis, food stalls, and small vendors that may not accept cards.
Using a service like Videshi Mudra ensures you get your foreign currency sorted before you arrive, making your travel smoother and more budget-friendly. You can use a live currency converter to estimate expenses before arriving in Vietnam. With transparent rates and doorstep delivery, it helps you avoid airport markups and lets you jump straight into Vietnam’s Christmas magic the moment you land.
Travelers coming from Europe often compare conversion rates in advance, especially when checking Euro to Indian Currency trends before their trip.
Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam
Although Christmas is celebrated across the country, certain cities deliver a particularly vibrant and unforgettable experience. Because Vietnam blends modern energy with deep cultural identity, each destination offers its own version of the holiday spirit.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City is the undisputed capital of Christmas festivities in Vietnam. December transforms Saigon into a glowing city of lights. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon becomes the center of attention with thousands of people gathering every Christmas Eve. Nearby areas like Dong Khoi Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Pham Ngu Lao Street are decorated with giant trees, light tunnels, Christmas villages, and interactive displays.
Shopping malls such as Vincom Center, Takashimaya, and AEON Mall create elaborate photo zones, while luxury restaurants and rooftop bars host Christmas dinners, buffets, and themed parties. Because Saigon has a huge young population and a large expat community, the nightlife scene during Christmas is exceptionally lively.
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital offers a more traditional and charming Christmas atmosphere. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, with its French Gothic architecture, becomes the soul of Hà Nội’s Christmas celebrations. The cathedral square transforms into a festive market with glowing lights, nativity scenes, Christmas music, and local snacks. Streets like Hang Ma, Old Quarter lanes, and Hoan Kiem Lake sparkle with lights and decorations.
Hanoi’s cooler winter weather adds a cozy Christmas vibe — perfect for hot chocolate, roasted corn, sweet potatoes, and traditional Vietnamese winter treats sold by street vendors.
Da Nang
Known for its peaceful beaches and modern skyline, Da Nang offers a relaxed yet festive Christmas ambiance. Hotels and resorts along My Khe Beach host beautiful dinners, live music events, and beachfront celebrations. The city’s Dragon Bridge area is decorated with lights, and the cool coastal breeze enhances the holiday charm. Da Nang is ideal for families seeking a less crowded, comfortable Christmas experience.
Hoi An
Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most culturally rich ancient towns, becomes magical during Christmas. The lantern-lit streets, UNESCO-preserved architecture, and peaceful riverside scenes combine beautifully with the festive decorations. Many cafes and boutique hotels celebrate the holiday with special menus and musical evenings. The blend of old-world charm and Christmas décor creates one of the most romantic holiday destinations in Vietnam.
Sapa
If you dream of a cold, misty Christmas surrounded by mountains, terraced fields, and ethnic villages, then Sapa is ideal. Although snowfall is rare, temperatures drop significantly in December, creating a wintery feel. Local communities host cozy celebrations, and the town square decorates a Christmas tree. Trekking, mountain views, and hot pot dinners make Christmas here peaceful and memorable.
Festive Activities & Things to Do During Christmas
Christmas in Vietnam offers a mix of cultural, social, and leisure activities suitable for every kind of traveler. What makes Vietnam special is how the festivities blend seamlessly with daily life, giving visitors a sense of warmth and inclusiveness. For travelers arriving from abroad, it’s helpful to get your foreign currency arranged in advance so you can enjoy these activities easily — services like Videshi Mudra make this process smooth and hassle-free before your trip.
Experience Midnight Mass
Even if you are not Catholic, attending midnight Mass in Vietnam is a unique cultural experience. Churches prepare elaborate ceremonies filled with candles, hymns, nativity reenactments, and community gatherings. In places like Saigon and Hanoi, crowds fill the streets around churches, adding a lively atmosphere that feels both spiritual and festive. Having local currency on hand also helps when buying candles, snacks, or small souvenirs sold around these church areas.
Enjoy Street Decorations & Photo Spots
Vietnamese people love taking photos during Christmas, and cities know exactly how to impress. Streets are decorated with shimmering lights, giant ornaments, reindeer sculptures, and festive backdrops. Neighborhoods like Pham The Hien Parish (District 8, Saigon) are famous for transforming entire streets into Christmas villages. Travelers often stop for street snacks, drinks, and small gifts — another reason why exchanging currency beforehand through Videshi Mudra can make your festive evenings smoother.
Explore Christmas Markets
Pop-up Christmas markets have grown popular in recent years, offering handmade crafts, local souvenirs, baked goods, candles, ornaments, and artworks. These markets are found in malls, schools, cafes, and community centers. Some cities even host European-style holiday markets with mulled wine and pastries. Many stalls accept cash only, so having Vietnamese dong ready (instead of relying on cards or last-minute exchanges) makes the shopping experience much easier — something Videshi Mudra helps you prepare for before traveling.
Join Festive Dining Experiences
From Western-style Christmas feasts to Vietnamese-inspired holiday menus, food plays a major role in the celebrations. Restaurants serve roasted turkey, beef Wellington, seafood buffets, and desserts like yule logs and tiramisu. Many cafés introduce Christmas drinks such as cinnamon lattes, peppermint chocolate, and ginger tea. Dining out during peak holiday times is more convenient when you have local currency on hand, especially at smaller eateries and cafés.
Experience Vietnam’s Famous Nightlife
Christmas Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for nightlife in Vietnam. Rooftop lounges, bars, and clubs host themed parties, DJ events, and countdown celebrations. Young people often dress up in red-and-white outfits, Santa hats, and festive accessories — giving the night a cheerful, youthful energy. Travelers also find it easier to navigate entry fees, local taxis, and street vendors when their currency is already sorted through Videshi Mudra before landing in Vietnam.
Christmas Food in Vietnam: A Cultural Blend of East and West
Food is a central part of Christmas celebrations in Vietnam, but unlike Western countries where specific dishes are traditional, Vietnam offers a fusion of culinary influences. Wealthier families or urban households may prepare Western-style meals, while others enjoy Vietnamese dishes enhanced with festive touches.
Restaurants offer everything from roasted turkey and glazed hams to Vietnamese chicken curry, garlic butter prawns, and hotpot dinners. Seafood is especially popular during Christmas, and coastal cities like Da Nang or Nha Trang create special seafood buffets for the holiday.
Bakeries and pâtisseries also thrive during the season. Inspired by French traditions, many shops sell bûche de Noël (yule log cakes), almond cookies, fruit tarts, and gingerbread. The festive season also encourages young people to share desserts at cafés designed with Instagram-worthy decorations.
Street food vendors add to the holiday flavor by selling grilled skewers, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and milk tea — creating a comforting winter taste. The food scene during Christmas showcases Vietnam’s adaptability, creativity, and love for celebrations.
Vietnamese Christmas Traditions You Should Experience
Although Christmas is not an official public holiday, several traditions have become a cherished part of Vietnamese culture. Families often take children to visit decorated churches, nativity scenes, and Santa parades. Many young people exchange small gifts such as chocolates, scarves, or plush toys.
Children, in particular, love the tradition of writing letters to “Ông Già Noel” (Santa Claus). Some schools and organizations arrange visits from Santa who distributes gifts to kids. Charity giving also becomes prominent during Christmas, reflecting Vietnam’s community spirit. Groups organize donation programs for disadvantaged families in rural areas, bringing blankets, toys, clothing, and food supplies.
Watching Christmas shows, light displays, musical performances, and choir concerts has become increasingly popular in cities. The holiday brings together people of all backgrounds, creating a harmonious blend of culture, religion, and modern celebration.
Offbeat Christmas Destinations Worth Exploring
Beyond the major cities, Vietnam offers numerous hidden gems where Christmas feels more intimate, peaceful, and culturally immersive. These destinations are perfect for travelers seeking authentic local experiences rather than crowded tourist streets.
Nha Trang
This coastal city blends beachside relaxation with festive spirit. Resorts along Tran Phu Beach decorate their lobbies and outdoor areas with Christmas trees made of seashells, starfish ornaments, or lantern-style lights. Many beachfront restaurants serve special dinners accompanied by live music. The tropical weather adds a unique twist — celebrating Christmas under palm trees with cool sea breezes feels refreshingly different from traditional cold-weather celebrations.
Hue
The former imperial capital offers a culturally rich Christmas atmosphere. Its ancient pagodas, royal architecture, and slower pace create a gentle holiday vibe. Catholic communities in Hue organize nativity scenes and midnight Mass gatherings, while cafés along the Perfume River host acoustic nights and Christmas-themed desserts. The combination of history and festivity makes Hue a calm and soulful Christmas destination.
Da Lat
If you’re dreaming of a cool-weather Christmas without snow, Da Lat is the perfect choice. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat’s pine forests, flower gardens, French villas, and misty hills create a cozy holiday mood. Resorts and homestays decorate beautifully, and the chilly climate encourages hot pot dinners, warm milk teas, and lakeside strolls. Da Lat’s relaxed energy makes it a romantic and family-friendly place to spend Christmas.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s island paradise offers a tropical Christmas experience with luxury resorts, night markets, and water activities. Holiday dinners on the beach, Christmas brunches, and outdoor movie nights are popular here. Phu Quoc’s international resorts host elaborate buffets and performances, making it a great destination for families and couples seeking a luxurious celebration.
Family-Friendly Christmas Activities in Vietnam
Christmas in Vietnam is filled with activities suitable for children and families. Parents often take their kids to shopping malls or public squares decorated with life-sized Santa statues, snow-effect machines, and themed photo corners. Many cafés and restaurants organize kids’ workshops where children can decorate cupcakes, make gingerbread houses, craft ornaments, or participate in storytelling sessions.
Schools and organizations sometimes host Christmas fairs featuring games, musical performances, gift exchanges, and charity drives. Parents use these events not only to entertain children but also to teach kindness and generosity. Families also enjoy taking evening motorbike rides through brightly lit streets, which becomes a cherished seasonal ritual in urban areas like Saigon and Hanoi.
Visiting nativity villages is another heartwarming activity. Entire neighborhoods collaborate to create massive nativity scenes decorated with lights, painted backdrops, artificial snow, and handmade figures. Children enjoy exploring these artistic displays, and families capture unforgettable holiday memories.
Understanding the Weather: What to Expect Across Vietnam
Vietnam’s weather varies dramatically from north to south in December, which shapes how Christmas is experienced in each region.
Northern cities like Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh experience cold winter temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The chilly air enhances the festive atmosphere, and visitors often enjoy warm drinks, roasted snacks, and cozy cafés. In mountainous areas like Sapa, temperatures occasionally drop near freezing, creating a wintry holiday mood even without snow.
Central Vietnam — including Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An — stays mild and pleasant in December. The region may see occasional rain, but the cool breezes make it ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and riverside dinners. Coastal areas around Nha Trang or Quy Nhon remain warm enough for beach activities.
Southern Vietnam offers a different kind of Christmas entirely. Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, and the Mekong Delta enjoy dry, sunny weather with temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. This allows visitors to explore night markets, dining events, and nightlife without winter layers. The festive decorations shine brightly under warm tropical skies, creating a uniquely Vietnamese holiday vibe.
Since temperature and humidity vary across regions, travelers often plan their itineraries accordingly. Having local currency arranged in advance through a service like Videshi Mudra helps ensure smoother travel between regions, especially for local transport, markets, and small vendors who primarily accept cash.
Christmas Shopping & Souvenirs in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best countries for Christmas shopping because its markets combine affordability, craftsmanship, and variety. During December, shopping streets fill with ornaments, Santa hats, LED accessories, handmade crafts, scented candles, and festive home décor. Travelers often enjoy browsing local markets like Ben Thanh Market, Dong Xuan Market, or Hoi An’s Night Market to find unique decorations made from bamboo, silk, ceramic, and lacquer.
Many boutiques and craft stores sell personalized gifts such as embroidered bags, custom leather goods, paintings, or clay miniatures. Foreign visitors often prefer handmade lanterns, silk scarves, ceramics from Bat Trang Village, and wooden carvings as both Christmas gifts and souvenirs.
Modern malls carry international brands and offer seasonal discounts during the festive period. Meanwhile, Christmas pop-up markets organized by expat communities feature high-quality artisanal products, European baked goods, artisan soaps, and jewelry. These lively markets combine local and global influences, making holiday shopping exciting and meaningful.
Because most traditional markets and souvenir stalls prefer cash, travelers benefit from exchanging foreign currency beforehand through trusted providers like Videshi Mudra, avoiding higher last-minute exchange rates at airports or tourist hotspots.
Cultural Etiquette for Celebrating Christmas in Vietnam
While Christmas in Vietnam is joyful and open to everyone, understanding local etiquette helps travelers appreciate the celebration respectfully. Christmas Eve is often extremely crowded, especially near cathedrals, so patience is essential. When visiting churches, modest clothing and quiet behavior are appreciated, even if you’re just sightseeing.
Gift-giving is more casual in Vietnam compared to Western traditions. Small, thoughtful items like chocolates, sweets, or small decorations are common among friends. Vietnamese people appreciate courteous greetings such as “Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh,” which means Merry Christmas in Vietnamese.
In public celebrations, people usually prioritize taking photos. Standing politely, waiting your turn, and respecting personal space helps maintain harmony. When dining out, it’s common to toast with “Một, Hai, Ba… Dzô!” — a cheerful Vietnamese way of saying “Cheers!”
If you prefer exchanging after arrival, checking trusted currency exchange locations in advance helps avoid tourist-rate counters.
Conclusion
Christmas in Vietnam is more than a holiday — it is an experience, a cultural fusion, and a joyful celebration that brings people together in ways that feel uniquely Vietnamese. Whether it’s the glowing cathedrals of Saigon, the cozy winter nights in Hanoi, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or the peaceful mountains of Da Lat, each destination reflects a blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
What makes Christmas here so special is the warmth of the people. Even though the holiday isn’t a national public holiday, Vietnamese communities celebrate it with enthusiasm, inclusiveness, and a sense of togetherness. Families stroll through decorated streets, young couples exchange gifts, children laugh beneath giant Christmas trees, and churches open their doors to visitors of all beliefs. From street vendors selling holiday treats to luxury hotels hosting festive dinners, everyone contributes something to the season’s magic.
Vietnam’s Christmas experience is defined not only by visual beauty but also by its emotional warmth. The season becomes an opportunity to give, share, and appreciate the people around us. Travelers who experience Christmas in Vietnam often leave with memories that blend cultural wonder, local hospitality, and heartfelt joy.
Whether you wish to explore vibrant city nightlife, enjoy peaceful countryside celebrations, or simply soak in the festive ambiance of decorated streets and cozy cafés, Christmas in Vietnam offers endless possibilities. It is a holiday that feels familiar yet refreshing, traditional yet modern — a perfect reflection of Vietnam’s evolving cultural landscape.
To enjoy all of these experiences smoothly, especially when shopping, dining, or traveling across regions, many international travelers prefer sorting their foreign currency in advance through Videshi Mudra to avoid inconvenience and start their trip stress-free.
