Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City: Guide for a night out with endless fun

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Ho Chi Minh City’s streets are beautifully decorated on Christmas (Source: Collected)

Vietnam travel during the holiday season takes on a special charm, as Ho Chi Minh City comes alive with the magic of Christmas. With enchanting decorations, lively markets, and festive events, Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City offers a heart-warming experience for locals and tourists alike. Read on to discover some charming places to celebrate this special event.

1. Overview of Ho Chi Minh City on Christmas

During Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City, the city center is beautifully decked out with festive decorations. Famous places like churches, walking streets, and book streets are all adorned with charming displays, making them popular spots for visitors. Coffee shops also get into the holiday spirit by decorating their spaces with Christmas-themed backgrounds and offering special Christmas drinks. There are also several Christmas music shows organized by choir groups for music enthusiasts to attend. Additionally, Christmas gift shops are bustling with activity, with items in high demand as the holiday gets closer. This creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout Ho Chi Minh City.

Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City is full of spirit (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover what to do on Christmas in Hanoi also!

2. Where to spend Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City: 9 BEST places

During Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City, entertainment venues light up with pine trees, Santa Claus, reindeer, gift boxes, and twinkling lights. If you are wondering where to spend Christmas in the city, check out these fantastic places.

2.1. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Located at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hue Street undergoes a remarkable transformation during the Christmas season. The street becomes a bustling hub with various sections adorned in beautiful decorations. It is a veritable haven for young people looking to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. The street also hosts numerous shopping centers, each with its unique Christmas decor. Moreover, it is close to many cafes, cinemas, and restaurants, making it super convenient for having a perfect Christmas outing.

The charm of Ho Chi Minh City on Christmas (Source: Collected)

2.2. Shopping malls

When it comes to experiencing the Christmas spirit, shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City are must-visits. At these places, you will be greeted by stunning decorations, notably Christmas trees. These malls go all out with warm red hues, teddy bears, gift boxes, wooden houses, boots, and socks. Some popular malls with fantastic Christmas decor include Takashimaya – Saigon Centre, Diamond Plaza, Vincom Center Landmark 81, SC VivoCity, and Vincom Center Dong Khoi.

2.3. Bui Vien Street – An attractive place to spend Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City

Bui Vien Street, a well-known Vietnam walking street, is always bustling. During the festive season, it gets even more spectacular. This vibrant neighborhood, popular among young locals and tourists, goes all out with decorations. You will find eye-catching Christmas trees that make the whole street come alive with the holiday spirit. Bui Vien Street is a perfect spot to have fun thanks to its lively atmosphere and festive charm.

Young people wandering around Bui Vien Street to enjoy the Christmas vibe (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: How to say Merry Christmas in Vietnamese & Best wishes to write in cards

2.4. Notre Dame Cathedral

On Christmas, many locals flock to Notre Dame Cathedral. This cathedral is beautifully decorated and hosts many important ceremonies, drawing crowds of Catholics. Here, besides taking stunning photos, you can enjoy various snacks like grilled corn, sweet potatoes, and rice paper at nearby stalls. Notre Dame Cathedral is a wonderful spot to experience the festive spirit of Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City.

2.5. Chinatown

Much like Hanoi’s Hang Ma Street and Luong Van Can Street, Ho Chi Minh City boasts its own Chinatown. Here, numerous shops offer a wide array of affordable Christmas decorations in abundance. But it is not just about shopping. Young visitors can also take a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, taking in the festive atmosphere. As you wander, you will come across shops brimming with Christmas decorations that create a dazzling display of lights, transforming the night into a magical scene.

The various Christmas decorations at Chinatown (Source: Collected)

2.6. Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church, known for its striking pink architecture, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most unique landmarks. It truly comes alive during Christmas, making it a favorite spot for young people who enjoy capturing memories in photos. During the holiday season, this church is beautifully adorned with colorful lights, grottos, and magnificent pine trees. Thanks to its convenient location, many tourists and locals flock to the church to take photos and capture the festive spirit of Christmas.

2.7. Pham The Hien Street – An ideal spot to enjoy Christmas Eve in Ho Chi Minh City

Pham The Hien Street, nestled in a neighborhood with many Catholics, is a favorite spot for Ho Chi Minh City’s residents to enjoy Christmas. What makes it special are the “caves” that provide a picturesque backdrop for taking beautiful photos. The local people used woven plastic bags to craft these caves, specifically by heating the plastic bags with charcoal to shrink them, adding colorful paint, and piecing them together. These caves are then decorated with statues and lights to be more eye-catching.

Pham The Hien Street attracts numerous people on Christmas (Source: Collected)

>>> Check out Vietnam weather at Christmas!

2.8. Starlight Bridge

Visiting the Starlight Bridge on Christmas is a delightful experience. This bridge offers not only a refreshing atmosphere but also an incredibly romantic ambiance. When the lights illuminate the bridge, it transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle resembling a galaxy suspended in the air. In the vicinity, you will also find expansive parks that are ideal places to celebrate Christmas with your friends or enjoy a romantic date with your loved one.

2.9. The Christian neighborhood in Go Vap District

In Go Vap District, there is a bustling Christian neighborhood that is home to a significant Catholic community. The neighborhood encompasses streets like Le Duc Tho, Thong Nhat, and Pham Van Chieu. You can take a leisurely walk along these streets, where you will discover plenty of great spots to capture beautiful photos or simply enjoy the vibrant Christmas lights. Some charming churches that you should not miss out on here are Hanh Thong Tay, Thai Binh, Thach Da, Ha Dong, Lam Son, and Hop An. Even if you do not practice Christianity, visiting these churches during the Christmas season can be an enlightening experience.

The Christian neighborhood in Go Vap District is extremely crowded on Christmas (Source: Collected)

3. Ideal spots to enjoy a Christmas dinner in Ho Chi Minh City

3.1. 5-star restaurants

Opting for a luxurious dining experience at a 5-star restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City is a splendid choice for celebrating Christmas. These establishments go all out with dazzling decorations, adding to the festive ambiance. Consider dining at renowned 5-star restaurants like Le Petit Chef, Truffle Restaurant, and Nous Dine. These exquisite venues offer not just gourmet delights but also an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complements the holiday spirit. It is a wonderful way to indulge in a memorable Christmas celebration in style.

Luxurious restaurants are ideal places to enjoy a Christmas dinner in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

3.2. Bars in Ho Chi Minh City

If you are not into religious celebrations and prefer a lively Christmas night out, heading to bustling places like upscale bars or cozy lounges is a great option, especially for young people. It is recommended that you visit places like 2 Lam Son Bar in Park Hyatt Saigon, CoCo Dining & Whiskey Bar, and Social Club Saigon for a memorable Christmas night. These spots offer a wide range of drinks amidst a festive atmosphere, making them ideal for enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones. It is also an enjoyable way to enjoy nightlife in Vietnam.

>>> Read more: Restaurants in Vietnam: TOP 32+ recommendations for various choices

3.3. Local restaurants

If you want to enjoy delicious food in a warm and festive atmosphere, consider making a reservation at one of the local restaurants. There, you can enjoy many rustic and delectable Vietnamese foods, such as Vietnamese pancakes, hot pots, Vietnamese spring rolls, and Vietnamese salads. With delicious food and a festive atmosphere, dining at a local restaurant can be a delightful way to spend your Christmas.

You can have a Christmas lunch in Ho Chi Minh City at a local restaurant (Source: Collected)

4. Must-know tips to celebrate Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some simple tips for celebrating Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Keep your belongings safe: Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded places.
• Plan ahead: December is a busy time for tourism, so it is a good idea to book your air ticket and hotel room in advance.
• Dress comfortably: Pack short-sleeved shirts, shorts, skirts, rain gear, swimwear, and sun protection for a prepared visit.
• Enjoy the weather: Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City offers pleasant outdoor conditions with temperatures from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius.

Besides Ho Chi Minh City, you can consider spending Christmas in Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc. In these cities, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc are the stars of the show. At VinWonders, you will encounter many exhilarating games that will set your heart pounding and enchanting performances that will capture your eyes. VinWonders offers a wide range of activities to suit various tastes, allowing families, friends, and solo adventurers to craft enduring memories filled with joyful laughter.

The energetic atmosphere at VinWonders

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to have a wonderful time with your family and friends!

As you soak in the festive spirit and create special moments with loved ones, Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City is truly a time to cherish and remember. From enjoying the sparkling lights to savoring the delicious local cuisine, this city offers a memorable way to experience the holiday season.