Christmas Celebrations and Traditions
Unlike in Western societies, where Christmas is celebrated over several days and people often take time off work, Christmas is not a major holiday in Vietnam. While Christmas has become one of the most commercially significant holidays in the West, its limited celebrations in Vietnam can be attributed to cultural and religious differences. A vast majority of people in Vietnam are Buddhists rather than Christians, and as such, the emphasis on material possessions is less central to their concept of happiness. However, Western Christmas customs, particularly those from the United States, have made their way to Vietnam, especially in larger, more tourist-oriented cities like Hanoi. The streets of Hanoi are often decorated, and Christmas-themed decorations are available for purchase, such as in Hàng Mã Street. Many people often decorate their houses with fairy lights, Christmas trees, and “Merry Christmas” signs. Some Vietnamese people also adopt the tradition of dressing up as Santa Claus and giving presents to children. Christmas is generally celebrated on the 25th of December on Christmas Day, unlike in many European countries where it is celebrated on the 24th of December Christmas Eve. However, some Roman Catholics in Vietnam do follow the tradition of celebrating on the 24th. As food plays a central role in Vietnamese culture year round, Christmas is no exception. Christmas meals often feature chicken or beef soup, spring rolls, regional dishes, local specialties, and for those who observe more Western customs turkey and baked ham. Unlike in the West, where many businesses close for the holiday, Vietnamese people enjoy dining out, so the streets remain busy, and most restaurants stay open late.Where to Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam
Depending on the reasons for your visit to Vietnam during the winter season, your ideal Christmas destination will vary. If you are traveling to enjoy Christmas in the sun, head to southern Vietnam, where the temperatures average around 26 degrees Celsius. Central Vietnam, nearing the end of its rainy season, offers milder temperatures of approximately 23 degrees C. In contrast, northern Vietnam is cooler, with temperatures around 18 degrees C. For those hoping to experience snow, the town of Sapa in northern Vietnam offers a cozy retreat, as it is one of the coldest areas in the country this time of the year. For Christians who wish to attend a Christmas Eve service, notable churches in Vietnam include St Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi (North Vietnam), Chicken Church in Da Nang (Central Vietnam), and the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam). New Year’s Eve in Vietnam
Christmas and New Year in Vietnam go hand-in-hand with exciting events and activities to welcome the New Year. Similar to Christmas, the celebration of Gregorian New Year’s Eve is not as widespread in Vietnam as it is in Western countries. This is largely because the Vietnamese follow their own lunar calendar, with the traditional Lunar New Year, Tết, occurring at the beginning of the lunar new year rather than between December 31st and January 1st. Despite the cultural significance of Tết, there are still events across the country on December 31st that blend traditional Vietnamese and Western New Year’s customs, offering opportunities to join in the festivities.Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
If you’re planning to experience Christmas and New Year in Vietnam, the destination you choose can shape your celebrationHo Chi Minh City
If you are seeking warmer temperatures and lively celebrations, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place to mark Christmas and New Year in Vietnam. The city hosts an annual Countdown Festival, the largest Western-style New Year celebration in Vietnam.
This grand event transforms the city into a vibrant arena of music, lights, and excitement. Multiple stages are set up with local and international artists, offering a variety of music genres, from pop to rock to electronic dance music. At midnight, a spectacular fireworks display over the Saigon River adds to the festivities, making it a memorable way to ring in the New Year. Hanoi
For those seeking a more refined New Year’s Eve experience, the Hanoi Opera House offers one of the most elegant events in Vietnam, blending the country’s cultural heritage with Western classical traditions. This black-tie event features an orchestra performance from both local and international musicians, complemented by a gourmet dining experience that fuses traditional Vietnamese and French cuisine, creating a memorable evening of sophistication and celebration.Hoi An
Although the Lantern Festival takes place every month, it becomes particularly magical on New Year’s Eve. as not only the streets are illuminated by thousands of lanterns, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. You can also participate in traditional games, enjoy folk performances in the streets, or indulge in a special New Year’s Eve menu at local restaurants, adding a festive touch to the ancient town.Da Nang
Da Nang’s annual International Fireworks Festival coincides with New Year’s Eve, offering one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking celebrations. Teams from all around the world compete to create the most impressive pyrotechnic displays, lighting up the sky over the Han River. The event also features an array of local delicacies, making it a vibrant and festive destination for the New Year.Sapa
For those seeking a unique and active way to welcome the New Year, Sapa offers a chance to start with a healthy trek through the rice fields of the Hoang Lien Son mountains. Hike through picturesque villages, learn about the local customs, and then spend the evening in a Hmong homestay. There, you can prepare a festive meal, make rice wine, and participate in traditional dances and games. Be cautious with the rice wine, though – it’s affectionately known as “Happy Water” for a reason.Phu Quoc
If you prefer to ring in the New Year surrounded by palm trees and tranquil beaches, Phu Quoc is the ideal destination. Many luxury resorts on the island host lavish gala dinners and parties, starting with sunset cocktails on the beach, followed by international buffets featuring fresh seafood and local specialties. The night culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the beach, making for a magical New Year’s Eve celebration. Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết)
Although Christmas and New Year in Vietnam are celebrated with growing enthusiasm, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, commonly known as “Tết”, remains the country’s most important and deeply rooted holiday. Tết, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most significant celebration in Vietnamese, marking the arrival of spring according to the Vietnamese lunar calendar.
The dates of Tết vary each year and typically fall between mid-January and late February. The festivities usually span for several days, often extending to an entire week, and are divided into the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Eve itself, and the subsequent New Year’s Days. Tết is a deeply solemn and sacred occasion, a time to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with hopes for good health, prosperity, abundance, and harmony. For more details about the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, check out our other blog post.