Christmas has always held a special vibe for me, but the celebrations in my hometown in India tend to feel a little bland. As the year ends, I find comfort in familiar rituals like checking off my wishlist and outings with friends, yet the routine has become repetitive.
To celebrate Christmas in Vietnam, carry cash, visit St. Joseph’s cathedral on Christmas Eve, take a walk through Ho Chi Minh City, watch street shows in Hoi An, explore Christmas menus in Da Nang cafes and experience a wintery holiday in Sapa and a unique tropical one at Phu Quoc.
Vietnam’s peak travel season starts during Christmas, offering a variety of unique experiences across its cities. Read on to discover the top activities that will make the most of your international trip.
Choose A City and Your Vibe
1. Hanoi
The cool weather of the city greatly makes it feel like a real winter holiday. The picturesque city, lakes, and elegant displays make it a worthwhile experience. One of the oldest churches in Vietnam, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the heart of Christmas, buzzing with decorations, street foods, and a whole lot of festival vibes. Both locals and tourists gather here on the night of December 24 for singing and the annual Christmas mass.
The city also has some great markets for the festive season, such as the Hang Ma Street Christmas Market, the Hanoi Old Quarter Weekend Market, and the Vincom & Lotte Mall Markets.
2. Ho Chi Minh City
For lovers of bright lights, loud music, and great crowds, Ho Chi Minh City is perfect. The Notre Dame Cathedral, Tan Dinh Church, and the Diamond Plaza become a sea of lights in the city. You will find several live shows in malls, music concerts, and decorations all around, as well as Santas clicking pictures with tourists on the street. This Christmas celebration will be more on the tropical side with warm weather, palm trees, and glowing, festive vibes all around.
Markets in this city are among the busiest and brightest, including the Nguyen Hue Walking Street Stalls, Takashimaya & Saigon Centre Christmas Market, and Hanh Thong Tay Market.
3. Da Nang
This city offers a Christmas by the beach. The clean beaches and modern bridges, plus the sparkling decorations, make it a peaceful holiday. You can also go to the Da Nang Cathedral, explore arts and crafts markets, and attend street festivals with live music.
The Da Nang Holiday Fair and Helio Night Market feature local artist performances and themed snacks amongst lively decoration and amazing photo spots.
4. Hoi An
This almost-magical city features countless and colorful silk lanterns and fairy lights lining its streets. Christmas markets are prevalent here, selling local handmade items and ornaments that you can also keep as souvenirs. A slow, peaceful, and Instagram-worthy Christmas can be celebrated here, away from city crowds. There is also an annual Christmas show, featuring musicals and plays showcasing the birth of Jesus, that draws a large crowd.
The Hoi An Central Market and Lantern Night Christmas Market are small but beautifully decorated, with local vendors selling gifts and handmade crafts.
5. Da Lat
The French-style houses, pine trees, and cool, breezy weather make this city seem like a little European getaway in the midst of Vietnam. This city features it all, from bright lights and an energetic Christmas vibe to peaceful churches and beautiful gardens and lakes, like the Xuan Huong Lake.
A cafe serving hot drinks overlooking the charming landscape of the city is a comforting experience for anyone in the Christmas mood.
6. Sapa
In Sapa, the temperature drops very low, and frost covers its mountains. Valley and hill views are common, with bonfires and cozy cafes. The winter vibes feel unmatchable here, just without the snow. Lots of Vietnamese go to the Holy Rosary Church for the Christmas sermon on 24th December.
You can also go hiking and enjoy the comfort of a homestay.
7. Phu Quoc
A beautiful, adventurous Christmas is offered by this city, with its numerous activities like water parks, safari parks, and cable car rides. For anyone wishing for warmth and going out with energy, this is perfect. There are also beach resorts and night markets.
Phu Quoc Night Market sells seafood, snacks, and holiday souvenirs. Other than that, there are many beach resort holiday markets for tourists.
Must Do in Christmas Season in Vietnam (+Pro Tips)
1. Midnight Mass
Attend a midnight mass in an old cathedral like St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi or the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. These cool Gothic buildings are prettily colored both from the outside and the inside, mixing their medieval architecture with modern decoration, creating a blend that is worth checking out.
2. Savouring the Festive Mood
Take a walk through the festive streets, enjoying the lights, music, local street performances, and radiance of the Vietnamese crowd. The youthful energy makes the Christmas week feel like a party brimming with excitement. Santa Claus on a motorbike here, delivering gifts, is a common yet extraordinary sight.
Go on foot during this time since, due to peak season, renting a vehicle might be expensive and, not to mention, inconvenient due to high traffic. Moreover, walking through the brightly lit streets lets you enjoy the views and feel the atmosphere more intensely than using transport.
3. Exchange Currencies Beforehand
While there are a lot of places to exchange currency in Vietnam, it is wise to carry a forex card or exchange currencies well before your trip to avoid last-minute hassles. A lot of street vendors in Christmas markets might only accept cash. By exchanging currency online through BookMyForex, you can lock the exchange rates whenever they are favourable and also save the high fees that airport money exchange counters and other dealers charge you.
4. Cruising and Fancy Dinners
You can take a peaceful cruise between islands in Halong Bay, get scenic views of cliffs, water, and have a fancy Christmas dinner on board, as well as go kayaking. It gives luxurious vibes and even sounds dreamy.
About the Author
Bhawna Nijhawan is the Content Manager at BookMyForex and the go-to person for creating engaging, informative content that resonates with the platform’s diverse audience. With over 8 years of experience in content writing and more than 4 years in the forex industry, she knows exactly how to simplify complex forex topics into something everyone can relate to.
