Have you ever tried celebrating Christmas in a tropical country? Traveling through Vietnam in December you could enjoy a cozy Christmas - magic sometimes. From midnight mass into festive fairs in the major cities throughout the country. We offer you a handy list of ideas including worth-visiting destinations and desirable activities for Christmas time. All the enjoyment is waiting for your exploration in Vietnam. Happy Christmas!
Have Christmas in Hanoi
The roundabout near Hoan Kiem Lake after dark
Hanoi capital is a bustling center at any walking time of year, especially in holiday seasons like Christmas. At this time of year, temperatures often remain around 10 degrees. Get bundled up and join the locals for tea, go for food tours in the famous eatery axes, and evening strolls around the city’s picturesque lakes.
Catch a Christmas Concert in a Church
Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral (features like Notre Dame de Paris) is one of the oldest colonial buildings in Hanoi. The Cathedral appeals a huge number of locals and foreigners on the night of December 24. They gather to this gothic church for festive activities, choral singing, and an annual Christmas mass.
Try a Fusion Christmas Dinner at Pépé la Poule
If you are looking for a cozy spot for Christmas night to try something different, you could think about picking a favorite in Pépé la Poule at the rooftop tables of Westlake for a five-course dinner. Tourists will be served with a gourmet line-up cooked by the famous Chef Yu Masuda, which could bring you a different taste of festive cuisine, entrees dishes, and mains, homemade pasta, and dessert.
Christmas in Sapa
Downtown Sapa
Sapa is often covered with foggy and has the terrific valleys, which make a fantastic backdrop for Christmas and admire tourists coming here. The weather of December in this area is variable, it could be sunny and clear, or foggy and wet for sometimes. Snow occasionally shows up this time of year. No matter the weather is good or terrible, you still can stay warm when you venture mountain markets, villages & tea fields.
Enjoy the SaPa Winter Festival
Sapa Winter Festivals focuses on the unique culture of the ethnic minorities in the area. If you could spend your last weekend of December in Sapa, you will have a perfect opportunity to experience exotic folk games, dances performance, and even street parades. Visitors traveling to Mount Fansipan can also enjoy giant sparkling Christmas trees at Sun World Fansipan Legend.
Participate in Gala Dinner at Victoria Sapa
Have you been looking for roaring fireplaces, twinkling lights, and European charm? Victoria Hotel in Sapa should be added to your list. This hotel in Sapa has a European and Asian Christmas banquet style. On Christmas Eve, the hotel often hosts a Christmas Gala Dinner, with songs by H’mong schoolchildren and dances from local ethnic groups.
Midnight Mass at Holy Rosary Church
It seems like there is nowhere better than Holy Rosary for the Christmas spirit in Sapa. The stately stone church is quite famous and attracts a lot of people for visiting. On Christmas occasion, go and join Vietnamese people in Lao Cai province when they gather around the church grounds with the high spirits, willing to unite and listen to the Christmas sermon.
Christmas in Hoi An
Historic shophouses in Hoi An's Ancient Town
December’s weather in Hoi An is quite the same as Hanoi, which could make you hesitate to explore the Christmas holiday. But don’t worry, Hoi An has charming beauty, and it particularly is highlighted in the holiday season. This storylike town will lure you with the soothing countryside and lantern-lit nights.
Wake Up to Christmas Brunch at Almanity
A suggestion for having Christmas is at Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort where offers you turkey and trimmings Almanity gives you all missing criteria for a true Christmas holiday. From honey-glazed ham to roasted turkey with plenty of gravy, Almanity Resort has the Christmas classics covered. Whenever you need a stretch, the palm-tree-lined pool is just a few steps away.
Party in the Ancient Town at Mango Mango
Signature dishes at Mango Mango are delight and surprise with locally fresh sourced ingredients. At the most appealing restaurant in the Ancient Town, a famous chef will offer you unforgettable meals on the holidays (naturally.) Mango's mouthwatering five-course menu stars dishes such as duck tacos, yellowtail ceviche, wild prawns with crispy rice, beef hanger steak with pumpkin puree, and mango flambe for dessert. Besides, Hoi An is a heaven for gastronomy in Central Vietnam, you can give a try with the signature Chicken Rice and Cao Lau (a kind of local noodles).
Watch a Vietnamese Nativity Play
Hoi An’s annual Christmas show always draws a crowd of Catholics and curious onlookers to the church on Ly Thuong Kiet. Part musical, part nativity play, the program starts at sunset and features caroling and a Christmas mass just before midnight.
Christmas in Dalat
Riding along pine-covered roads in Dalat
Dalat's crisp highland weather makes it the perfect Christmas escape. Traveling with a loved one? Even better. Scenic lakes, cozy villas, and flower-lined streets all contribute to that European feeling. Join the action around Xuan Huong Lake, share a steaming hotpot dinner, and spend a few leisurely hours in a hilltop cafe.
Christmas Enjoyment in Ho Chi Minh City
The weather in HCMC on Christmas is a contrast to that in the north of the country, it is warm. Therefore you can experience the festive season in a different atmosphere with a bunch of places for entertainment.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
One of the must-visit destinations in Saigon that you have to pay a visit this Christmas is the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral. This ideal attraction is located right in the center of the city, and it is surrounded by a wide range of restaurants, shopping malls, cafes, and clubs. If you are Catholic, taking a few minutes to join some special rituals is necessary. Otherwise, you can take a walk in the area around the church. The streets are often decorated with dazzling lights and the Jingle Bells song is played everywhere. All of them will make your night memorable.
Sail Away on the Saigon River
Maybe you are overwhelmed by the streets and want to experience Christmas in the setting of water, we would recommend a feasible approach. You could rent a boat for Christmas cruise then spend dinner on the water. The suitable time for you to cast off is right before sunset, the lights of motorcycles reflecting off the water, the outlines of skyscrapers standing out in the dusky sky.
So, this is all about “How Christmas is Celebrated in Vietnam”. If you have questions, feel free to contact Indochina Tours, we are always happy to help.
