12 Ways to Spend Christmas in Vietnam for the Most Memorable Holiday Ever
For years, I have been celebrating the holidays in a place where snow is as rare as a reindeer in the jungle—Vietnam. I’ve got to say that every Christmas season has been unforgettable.
Instead of piling on winter clothes, I wandered around in shorts, savoring tasty bowls of pho and experiencing a lantern festival that felt like pure magic. Who needs sleigh rides when you can zip through colorful streets on a motorbike, right?
If you’re thinking about shaking up your holiday season, I’d love to share the best ways to spend Christmas in Vietnam. Trust me, this is one Christmas experience you won’t want to miss.
And who knows? You might discover a new holiday tradition involving sandcastles instead of snowmen.
Immerse in midnight mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral
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Address: 40 P. Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000
Contact details: +84 967 931 667
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost: Free of Charge
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the most famous spots in the city. Its towering façade and beautiful stained-glass windows are a sight to behold, especially when it’s all dressed up for the holidays.
Walking through its grand doors, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe. Attending the midnight mass here is something special. The air is buzzing with excitement as choirs sing carols and the church bells chime in a joyful tune.
The atmosphere is electric, yet deeply reverent. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas with the local community, and you’ll get to see how Vietnamese culture blends with traditional Christian celebrations.
Pro tip:
Arrive early enough to explore the cathedral’s surrounding area. The streets around the cathedral are filled with charming cafes, quaint little shops, and intriguing art galleries.
Stroll through magic on the Golden Bridge
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Address: Hoà Phú, Hòa Vang, Da Nang
Contact details: +84 905 766 777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $$
Spending Christmas on the Golden Bridge feels like diving into a fairy tale. This striking bridge, supported by giant stone hands, offers amazing views of mountains and forests. The air is crisp and fresh, and there’s often a magical mist in December.
Walking along the 150-meter pathway, you’ll see festive decorations and twinkling lights that really bring out the Christmas spirit.
Whether you’re snapping photos of the stunning landscape or just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, it’s a truly enchanting experience.
Pro tip:
Pair your stroll with a guided tour of the surrounding Ba Na Hills. These tours often include fascinating historical insights and hidden gems of the area that you might miss exploring alone.
Illuminate your night at the Lantern Festival
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Address: Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Contact details: +0934971791
Operating hours:
- 14th Day of the Lunar Month – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
The Lantern Festival is an enchanting event that transforms the ancient town into a glowing wonderland. The streets are adorned with thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a mesmerizing and festive atmosphere.
You will be captivated by the sight of lanterns floating down the Thu Bon River, casting a warm, reflective glow. Don’t miss the chance to release your own lantern into the river—it’s a special experience that truly adds to the holiday spirit.
Along your stroll, you’ll find street vendors everywhere. They offer delicious traditional Vietnamese foods and delicate handmade lanterns.
To top it all off, look out for folk music performances and traditional dance shows. These events make the whole scene even more vibrant, adding to the unique charm of the festival.
Pro tip:
Engage with the local artisans who create the beautiful lanterns. Many of them offer short workshops where you can learn to make your own lantern.
This hands-on experience provides a unique souvenir and a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship and tradition behind the festival.
Bask in the glow of Stone Church’s festive lights
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Address: P. Hàm Rồng, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 333100
Contact details: 0967 000 118
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: Free or charge
The Stone Church is a historic structure radiating with festive lights, transforming the entire area into a winter wonderland. It’s definitely the place to be for anyone looking to soak up that magical holiday spirit.
The light displays around the church and plaza are simply captivating. The twinkling lights create such a warm and cozy vibe, perfect for a relaxed stroll.
You’ll see both locals and visitors soaking up the lively atmosphere. Street performers and carolers fill the air with cheerful tunes, making the night even more special.
Make sure to check out the nearby holiday market. It’s full of unique gifts and yummy treats. The glowing church, the festive community, and the stunning mountain view create a Christmas experience you won’t want to miss.
Pro tip:
Make your way to the church’s bell tower for a panoramic view of the beautifully lit town. Access to the bell tower is often overlooked by visitors, but the climb is well worth it.
Set sail on a Halong Bay
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Address: Hạ Long Bay, Quảng Ninh
Contact details: 0084 946 505 505
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Spending Christmas on Hạ Long Bay offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its emerald waters and countless limestone islands covered with rainforests.
The majestic karst landscape is even more stunning when lit up with festive lights on the boat. Many cruises offer a special Christmas dinner with a variety of delicious Vietnamese and international dishes.
To top it off, there are fun activities on board, like traditional music performances and cultural demonstrations. These will definitely add a cheerful touch to your holiday.
Pro tip:
Book an overnight or multi-night trip instead of a day tour. This allows you to experience the bay’s magic at different times of the day, especially the serene and mystical morning mist, which you can only witness by staying overnight.
Be enchanted by ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Vietnam National Opera & Ballet
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Address: Hanoi Opera House, 01 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Contact details: +84 24 3933 0113
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $$
During Christmas, one of the most popular events at the Hanoi Opera House is “The Nutcracker.”
This historic venue provides the perfect setting for a magical evening. As soon as you walk in, you’ll be charmed by its elegant architecture and festive decorations.
The performance itself is enchanting, with amazing choreography, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. The talented dancers bring the magical tale to life, transporting you to a world filled with sugar plum fairies and waltzing flowers.
As an extra touch of holiday magic, a magnificent Christmas tree graces the stage, becoming one of the highlights of the show.
Pro tip:
Purchase box seats if you can. These seats offer a more intimate and unobstructed view of the stage, enhancing your experience as you enjoy the performance.
Go Christmas shopping at Saigon Square
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Address: 77-89 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Contact details: 1300 072 757
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Saigon Square offers a delightful mix of retail therapy and festive fun, making it a must-visit spot during the holiday season.
This place offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere with stalls brimming with fashionable apparel, quirky souvenirs, and budget-friendly finds.
You’ll notice seasonal stalls packed with Christmas-themed goodies and local crafts that add to the festive cheer. Don’t forget to haggle a bit—it’s part of the fun, and you might score some amazing deals.
After your shopping spree, enjoy a stroll around the bustling streets of District 1. The holiday lights make everything even more magical.
Pro tip:
Take some time to explore the upper floors of Saigon Square. You’ll often find less crowded stalls with unique items and even better bargains.
Plus, the shopkeepers upstairs are usually more open to negotiating prices, giving you a chance to score some great deals.
Take the kids to Snow Town Saigon
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Address: Toà nhà The CBD Premium Home, 125 Đồng Văn Cống, Phường Thạnh Mỹ Lợi, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh 700000
Contact details: +84 1900 588838
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: $$
A visit to Snow Town Saigon promises a day full of laughter, joy, and unforgettable Christmas memories with the kids. This place has loads of fun, as kids can enjoy a range of snowy activities like sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen.
The indoor snow park maintains a cool 18°C, creating an authentic winter atmosphere that’s refreshing and exciting.
There’s also an adorable snow play area designed just for toddlers, so even the youngest family members can have a great time. And don’t miss the Christmas-themed decorations and festive displays that add an extra touch of holiday charm.
Pro tip:
Pack an extra set of clothes for the kids. While Snow Town Saigon provides winter jackets and boots, playing in the snow can get wet and messy.
Revel in the Winter Festival at Sun World Ba Na Hills
Address: Hòa Ninh, Hòa Vang, Da Nang
Contact details: +65 6980 5977
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
The Winter Festival at Sun World Ba Na Hills is a fantastic mix of holiday cheer and stunning views. When you step in, you’ll be greeted by a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and beautiful Christmas trees.
As you wander around, there’s no shortage of fun activities. You can go ice skating, enjoy festive parades, watch live performances, and even meet Santa.
The European-style village transforms into a snowy paradise, making it feel even more magical.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Golden Bridge. This amazing architectural marvel offers breathtaking panoramic views that you won’t forget.
Pro tip:
Take the cable car ride to the top. Not only is it the world’s longest non-stop, single-track cable car, but it also offers breathtaking views of the lush mountains and scenic landscapes below.
Indulge in a Christmas Eve feast at Metropole Hanoi
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Address: 15 P. Ngô Quyền, Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000
Contact details: +84 24 3826 6919
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: $$
Dining at Metropole Hanoi on Christmas Eve promises a night overflowing with delicious food, festive cheer, and unforgettable memories. This luxury hotel is famous for its elegant atmosphere and superb culinary delights.
The experience begins with a lavish spread that combines traditional Christmas dishes with gourmet Vietnamese cuisine. The chefs prepare a sumptuous feast, offering everything from roasted meats to exquisite desserts.
After your meal, extend the enchanting evening with a leisurely stroll through the beautifully adorned gardens. The festive decor beautifully ties together the entire celebration, leaving you with even more cherished memories.
The evening gets even better with live music to add to the festive spirit, making it a time of indulgence and joy.
Pro tip:
Reserve a table at Le Beaulieu, the hotel’s renowned French restaurant. Known for its exquisite ambiance and gourmet cuisine, dining here adds an extra touch of elegance and sophistication to your holiday celebration.
Have a photo ops with Santa Claus at Crescent Mall
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Address: 101 Đ Tôn Dật Tiên, Tân Phú, Quận 7, Hồ Chí Minh 07000
Contact details: +84 28 5413 3333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $
Crescent Mall is a great place to get those special holiday photos with Santa Claus. It’s perfect for capturing moments that the whole family will love and remember. When you visit the mall, Santa will be there, ready to welcome the kids with his warm smile.
The setup is bright and festive, with cheerful decorations that fill the air with joy. Kids can share their Christmas wishes, and parents can take photos that’ll look great in their memory books.
While you’re there, check out the holiday events happening around the mall. From festive performances to holiday markets, there’s always something fun to enjoy.
Pro tip:
Plan to visit the top floor of Crescent Mall after your Santa photos. There’s a fantastic food court with a variety of cuisines, perfect for treating the family to a post-photo op meal.
Go ice skating at Vincom Ice Rink
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Address: 720A Điện Biên Phủ, Vinhomes Tân Cảng, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh 72300
Contact details: +84 981 139 105
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Cost: $
Vincom has an Ice Rink that’s a super fun way to celebrate the holidays, perfect for both experienced skaters and those looking to try something new.
The rink is spacious and always well-maintained. The holiday tunes fill the air, creating a lively atmosphere. You don’t need to worry about bringing skates because you can rent them right there.
It’s the perfect spot for a family outing, a date night, or just hanging out with friends. They also host special holiday-themed events, which makes the place even more joyful.
One of the best things about the rink is the friendly staff. They’re always ready to help beginners and make sure everyone has a great time. After you’re done skating, you can explore the rest of Vincom Center for more holiday shopping and fun activities.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the skating lessons offered at the rink. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn the basics or looking to polish your skills, these lessons are a fantastic way to make the most of your ice skating experience.