Christmas in Vietnam is not as new as you may think. This is because Vietnam used to be part of the French Empire. French influences can be seen all over the country. However, Christmas is the most popular in the capital city Ho Chi Minh or Saigon.
Christmas Eve is more important than Christmas Day. Since Christmas is not an official holiday in Vietnam, many people think it’s only a holiday for Christians. On Christmas Eve, Ho Chi Minh’s city center bans cars so that the streets are crowded with people.
Ho Chi Minh city also has a Catholic Cathedral. Here you will find a large nativity scene. All churches and Christian homes boast beautiful nativity scenes. A Midnight Mass service is also a common way to celebrate.
Even those who aren’t Christians celebrate this holiday:
“People celebrate by throwing confetti, taking pictures and enjoying the Christmas decorations and lights of big hotels and department stores. Lots of cafes and restaurants are open for people to enjoy a snack!”
Why Christmas
Happy Christmas in Vietnamese is Chúc mừng Giáng Sinh. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages
“Also like in France, the special Christmas Eve meal is called ‘reveillon’ and has a ‘bûche de Noël’ (a chocolate cake in the shape of a log) for desert. Vietnamese people like to give presents of food and at Christmas a bûche de Noël is a popular gift. Other Christmas presents aren’t very common, although some young people like to exchange Christmas cards.”
Why Christmas
You can read more about Christmas traditions from all over the world on The Travel Bug Bite.
