Vietnam Christmas decorations: Guide to a visual feast with festive items

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Learn about Christmas decorations in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese Christmas decorations play a crucial role in the holiday season. Learn about the different types of festive items on offer and how they are used to decorate specific spaces. Christmas is one of the few Vietnamese holidays that sees the most elaborate decorations, so there is quite a lot to discover. Read on. 

1. The most popular items for Vietnamese Christmas decorations

1.1. Christmas trees

Christmas trees are a cherished symbol of the holiday season in Vietnam. Adorned with colorful ornaments, tinsel, and twinkling lights, these trees bring a touch of festive magic to homes and public spaces alike. While artificial trees are commonly used, some also opt for real evergreen trees. Families often gather around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve to exchange gifts and enjoy the warm spirit of the season, making it a significant focal point of the holiday celebrations in the country.

1.2. Ornaments

Ornaments add a festive and personal touch to the holiday decor. They come in various shapes and sizes, often featuring traditional Christmas motifs like angels, snowflakes, and Santa Claus. Many Vietnamese families take great care in selecting and placing ornaments on their Christmas trees. These not only enhance the visual appeal of the tree but also carry sentimental value, often being passed down through generations, making them an integral part of the country’s holiday traditions.

Vietnamese Christmas ornaments are diverse

1.3. Lights

Infusing homes, streets, and public spaces with a warm and festive glow during the holiday season, string lights are another essential part of Christmas decorations. They are used to illuminate Christmas trees, windows, and outdoor spaces. Many Vietnamese cities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, feature dazzling light displays and decorations, making the streets come alive during the Christmas season. 

1.4. Wreaths

Wreaths are a lovely addition to Christmas decorations in Vietnam, adorning doors and walls with their festive charm. Typically crafted from evergreen branches and decorated with ribbons, ornaments, and sometimes even small LED lights, Christmas wreaths symbolize both the welcoming spirit of the holiday and the enduring nature of the season. Many Vietnamese households and businesses hang these wreaths as a gesture of goodwill and to create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the Christmas festivities. 

Wreaths are also popular Vietnamese Christmas decorations (Source: Collected)

1.5. Tinsel and garland

Tinsel and garland are also popular Christmas decorations in Vietnam that add a sparkling touch to homes and Christmas trees. Tinsel, often made of shiny, metallic material, is draped over branches and used to create a shimmering effect, while garland, typically made of beads or ribbons, is used to embellish trees and other areas with a splash of color and texture. Both enhance the overall beauty of the holiday setup, contributing to the enchanting ambiance of Christmas in Vietnam. 

1.6. Candles

While not as popular, some people use candles, especially red ones, as part of their Christmas decor. They are usually placed on windowsills and dining tables to create a magical atmosphere. Christmas candles also represent the hope and warmth of the holiday season. However, it is important to be careful with them. Do not forget about the open flames. If you have little ones, it is best to consider using flameless LED candles for safety.

Candles are sometimes used as Christmas decorations in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1.7. Santa Claus figurines

Santa Claus is a beloved Christmas figure that is quite common in Vietnam. Figurines depicting the iconic Santa Claus character in various forms, from traditional and jolly to modern and creative, bring a touch of playfulness to the holiday season. They are set under the Christmas tree or on mantels to serve as a delightful reminder of the gift-giving spirit of Christmas. 

1.8. Other items for Vietnamese Christmas decorations

In addition to the popular Vietnamese Christmas decorations mentioned earlier, Vietnam also embraces various other items to enhance the festive atmosphere:

• Nativity scenes: Depicting the birth of Jesus, nativity scenes are a significant part of Christmas decorations for those who celebrate the religious aspect of the holiday. They serve as a meaningful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
• Stockings: Similar to Western traditions, some Vietnamese families hang stockings by the fireplace or bed, hoping that Santa Claus will fill them with small gifts and surprises.
• Snowflakes and snow spray: While snow is a rarity in Vietnam, artificial snowflakes and snow spray are used to create a wintry, Christmassy look in homes and storefronts, adding a touch of enchantment to the decorations.
• Bells: Decorative bells, often adorned with festive designs and colors, are hung on Christmas trees or doorways, adding a cheerful jingle to the holiday ambiance.
• Ribbons and bows: Ribbons and bows are used to embellish various decorations, from gift wrapping to wreaths and ornaments, adding a touch of elegance and festivity.
• Angels and stars: Angel and star ornaments are placed atop Christmas trees, symbolizing the angels who proclaimed the birth of Jesus and the guiding star that led the way to Bethlehem.

There are many Vietnamese Christmas decorations (Source: Collected)

>>> Learn more: Vietnam weather at Christmas: What to know about differences across three regions

2. Vietnamese Christmas decorations for different settings

2.1. Houses

Looking into a Vietnamese house on Christmas, you will most definitely see a Christmas tree adorned with vibrant ornaments and lights. If the home has a staircase, it will have draping garlands and tinsel. Windows and walls might be decorated with festive Noel decals, and there may be a candle on the dining table, casting a warm glow. Some houses might hang wreaths or Santa Claus figurines on their doors, welcoming guests. 

2.2. Cafes and restaurants

Similar to homes, Vietnamese people will set up a Christmas tree in cafes and restaurants. Besides hanging ornaments and lights, they will also lay down fake snow and put gift boxes around the tree. The decorations are usually very elaborate, so guests visiting the cafe or restaurants can take lots of photos for keepsakes. 

Vietnam Christmas celebrations happen at cafes and restaurants too (Source: Collected)

2.3. Offices

Vietnamese Christmas decorations in offices usually include small artificial Christmas trees on the desks or in the corners. The windows may have decals or snow-sprayed pictures of the season’s iconic symbols, like reindeers, Santa Claus, snowflakes, etc. Lights outlining the office’s front doors are also common.

2.4. Schools

Schools tend to go all out with Vietnamese Christmas decorations. You will surely see a Christmas tree, most likely adorned with DIY ornaments made by students rather than store-bought ones. Paper snowflakes may be strung from the ceilings, and there will be plenty of lights hanging everywhere. Classroom doors may have handmade wreaths, and bulletin boards are typically bordered by garlands and tinsel.

2.5. Public spaces

Areas around shopping centers and malls always have gigantic displays that vary by theme each year. It could be a larger-than-life Christmas tree, a snowman, or Santa Claus and his sleigh. They are very aesthetically pleasing, attracting guests to check in for photos.

Moreover, in areas where many Christians reside or near churches in Vietnam, you can witness intricate Christmas decorations on the streets. These decorations often include depictions of the cave where Jesus was born. 

Nativity scenes are symbols for Christmas in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Merry Christmas in Vietnam: Enjoy the festive season to the fullest

3. Where to go shopping for Vietnamese Christmas decorations?

As Christmas approaches, stores throughout the city will stock up on Vietnamese Christmas decorations. But in the two most bustling cities in Vietnam, certain streets stand out. 

3.1. Hang Ma Street in Hanoi

This is the go-to street for Christmas in Hanoi. It is one of Hanoi’s 36 streets and is located within the Hoan Kiem District. In terms of holiday-themed items, you can find everything under the sun here. There is no better place to embrace the spirit of the season than this Hanoi Old Quarter street.  

3.2. Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in Ho Chi Minh City

For Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street is the place to be. Like Hang Ma Street in Hanoi, the store and shops here have lots of different Vietnamese Christmas decorations for buyers to choose from. There is no shortage of items. Plus, the prices vary greatly, so you can scour for decorations that suit your budget best. 

Shop for Vietnamese Christmas decorations at Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover: Vietnam holiday for family: Top 15 best places for a relaxing vacation

Rather than simply reading about Vietnamese Christmas decorations, how about embarking on a trip to Vietnam and marveling at them in person? You can fill your Vietnam travel agenda with places like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. 

Celebrate Christmas at VinWonders in Vietnam

At these destinations, you can visit VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, VinWonders Phu Quoc, which will have elaborative festive displays that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. 

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park and celebrate Christmas in Vietnam!

Vietnamese Christmas decorations are varied and vibrant. You have plenty of options, regardless of whether you are decorating your home, office, school, or a shared public space like your neighborhood. Head to Hang Ma Street in Hanoi or Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in Ho Chi Minh City to make your purchases. Once you have your holiday decorations in place, you can celebrate the season to the fullest! If you do not want to put up decorations but still want to admire them, visit Vietnam’s top tourist destinations in person.