Christmas in Vietnam, what to do?

From glowing streets to lively cafés, Christmas in Vietnam has evolved into a festive social gathering, particularly among young people. Whether you’re an expat or a local, this guide highlights what to do in Vietnam during Christmas to enjoy the holiday to the fullest.

(Photo taken by Minh Hien)

For expats living in Vietnam, Christmas is one of the most anticipated moments of the year. From illuminated streets to themed cafés and packed churches, the festive atmosphere now extends well beyond religious communities, especially among young people. Though not a public holiday, Christmas in Vietnam has evolved into a shared moment of connection and reunion, giving expats a comforting sense of familiarity shaped by local culture.

Visiting churches in Vietnam in Christmas

Regardless of religions, visiting churches remains a popular practice to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam. Across major cities, churches draw large crowds with festive decorations, carol singing, and celebration booths, welcoming not only Catholics but also locals and visitors eager to enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

In Hanoi, St. Joseph’s Cathedral stands out for its French Gothic architecture, twin bell towers, and festive lighting, drawing worshippers and visitors alike during the Christmas season. Away from the lively streets of the Old Quarter, Cua Bac Church and Ham Long Church offer a calmer setting with warm yellow walls and handcrafted nativity scenes, inviting visitors to linger in quiet moments.

In Saigon, the Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been under maintenance for the past 6 years, is wrapped in 1,000 km of LED lights this Christmas season, doubling last year’s display. Crowds flock there every night to check in, and a new trend has taken over social media: videos filmed right at 6:30 pm, capturing the exact moment the lights switch on.

Many compare the magical glow-up to a mini version of Shanghai’s iconic Bund (Photo by Le 2024).

Spectacular view at Tan Dinh Catholic Church (Ho Chi Minh city) (Photo: Quynh Danh (Znews))

Must-visit churches this Christmas season:

HN:
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral: No. 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Cua Bac Church: No. 56 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Ham Long Church: No. 21 Ham Long Street, Cua Nam District, Hanoi
HCMC:
- Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral: No.1 Cong xa Paris St, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church): No. 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Jeanne d'Arc Church: No. 169A Hung Vuong Street, An Dong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Cafe for Christmas nights in Vietnam

While hot chocolate and gingerbread are classic comforts on cold Christmas nights in Western countries, Vietnamese coffee remains at the heart of the holiday here. Even during the festive season, locals gather at cafés late into the night, sharing conversations over strong cups of coffee. This relaxed ritual of coffee hopping has become one of the most authentic ways to experience Christmas in Vietnam.

Around this season, many cafés were beautifully decorated, fully embracing the Christmas atmosphere (Photo by: Xuan Anh)

Spending Christmas at a café on Hanoi “Train Street” has become a unique local experience that many expats find unexpectedly fascinating. Seated just inches from the tracks, visitors cradle cups of Vietnamese egg coffee, waiting as the quiet street holds its breath before a train rumbles past. “Having coffee here on a Christmas night feels surprisingly cozy,” said Viet Tsaryov, a Ukrainian Logistics and Supply Chain Management student, recalling why the moment stood out during his last Christmas in Vietnam.

“Back home, my little brother always got a toy train set for Christmas, and we’d spend hours building tiny tracks and villages under the tree,” he added. “Sitting here now, with a warm cup of coffee and the train passing so close, it feels like stepping into that childhood memory. Only this time, everything is real and full of life.”

Youngsters and tourists enjoying coffee while watching the train pass by at Hanoi “Train Street” (Photo by: La Casta Cruise)

In Saigon, right beside the Notre Dame Cathedral, young locals gather for cà phê bệt (sit-down coffee), a uniquely Saigon culture where people sit right on the ground, on small mats, newspapers, plastic stools, or even their own shoes. With cheap cups of coffee and familiar Vietnamese street snacks, groups of friends enjoy simple, joyful hangouts.

Young people enjoy sit-down coffee, chatting, and watching the city center go by (Photo by: Khuong Nguyen)

Sceret Santa in Vietnam

Introduced to Vietnam over time, Secret Santa has become a popular Christmas gift-exchange activity among young people, adding surprise and festive joy to the holiday season. There are plenty of options to consider what to give your friends and loved one that is still truly Vietnamese.

What truly defines the PAL community are the invaluable relationships formed among passionate, talented, and generous people.

Artisan chocolate and desserts locations in Vietnam

Maison Marou

Known for its Vietnamese craft chocolate, Maison Marou offers beautifully packaged chocolate bars, gift boxes, and seasonal collections, making it a popular choice for premium sweet gifts during Christmas.

Location:

Hanoi: No. 91A Tho Nhuom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh City: No. 90 Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.

Cocoa Project

Also specializing in chocolate, Cocoa Project stands out by blending local Vietnamese ingredients such as Ben Tre coconut, red atiso, and pomelo peel, along with street-inspired Vietnamese cultural imagery, making it a unique choice for Christmas gifts.

Location: No. 143 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

L’Păng Baker

A rising star in Hanoi's bakery scene, earning praise for its handmade croissants and pastries bursting with diverse flavors like pistachio, Earl Grey, lemon, almond, and chocolate.

Location: No. 30 Hang Da Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi.

Bơ by Butterman

A well-loved bakery famous for cookies and marshmallows, Bơ by Butterman is suitable for gifting to friends, colleagues, or family members.

Location: No. 67 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Festive street and local gift spots in Vietnam

Hang Ma Street (Hanoi)
One of Hanoi’s most iconic Christmas destinations, Hang Ma Street is famous for its festive atmosphere during the holiday season. The street is filled with colorful decorations, ornaments, lights, and small gift items, attracting both locals and visitors looking for affordable and cheerful Christmas gifts.

Fahasa & Phuong Nam Bookstores
With extensive networks across Vietnam, Fahasa and Phuong Nam bookstore offer books, stationery, educational toys, and gift items suitable for thoughtful, family-friendly Christmas gifts.

MyKingdom Toy Store
With branches in big cities in Vietnam, MyKingdom offers high-quality toys and gift items for children and families, making it a reliable choice for safe and fun Christmas presents.

Hobiverse
Hobiverse operates in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, specialising in hobby and collectible art toys such as figurines and board games, ideal for teenagers and young adults seeking playful gifts.

POP MART Vietnam
POP MART has official stores in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, known for designer toy blind boxes and collectible figures that make trendy, highly giftable festive presents.

When celebrating Christmas and University Holiday in Vietnam, it is essential to know that you can still access critical services for international students.

Learn more

References:

La Casta Cruise (2024) Top 10 Breathtaking Hanoi Christmas Photo Spots for Foreign Visitors, La Casta Cruise website, accessed 18 December 2025. https://lacastacruise.com/travel-guide/hanoi-christmas-photo-spots.html

Le LNT (11 December 2024) 'Nhà thờ Đức Bà lung linh ánh sáng chào đón Giáng sinh 2024' (Notre Dame Cathedral shines brightly to welcome Christmas 2024), VTV, accessed 17 December 2025. https://vtv.vn/doi-song/nha-tho-duc-ba-lung-linh-anh-sang-chao-don-giang-sinh-2024-20241210195643988.htm

Ngoc Tan (14 December 2022) 'Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội trang hoàng lộng lẫy, du khách rủ nhau check-in "từ sáng đến đêm"' (Hanoi's Grand Cathedral is lavishly decorated, and tourists flock there to take photos "from morning till night"), Vietnamnet, accessed 18 December 2025. https://vietnamnet.vn/nha-tho-lon-ha-noi-trang

Tuan Anh and Bich Phuong (24 December 2024) 'Nhà thờ Đức Bà đông nghịt khách tham quan đến nửa đêm' (Notre Dame Cathedral was packed with tourists until midnight), VnExpress, accessed 18 December 2025. https://vnexpress.net/nha-tho-duc-ba-dong-nghit-khach-tham-quan-den-nua-dem-4831244.html

Quynh Danh (2022) Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội (Hanoi's Grand Cathedral), Zing News website, accessed 18 December 2025. https://photo.znews.vn/w1920/Uploaded/zdhwqmjwq/2022_12_23/nhatho_zing_2_1.jpg

Story: Pham Thanh Thao and Tram Hoang, Professional Communication students. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam as an institution.

18 December 2025

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