How Vietnamese Celebrate Christmas
In spite of being a predominantly Buddhist country, Christmas in Vietnam is still one of the four main annual religious festivals including the Lunar New Year, the mid-autumn festival, Buddha’s birthday.
While Vietnam remains predominantly Buddhist, Christmas has grown in significance as one of the key annual celebrations alongside the Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Buddha’s Birthday. In recent years, Christmas in Vietnam has transformed into a vibrant event, with Christmas Eve being particularly noteworthy. This evening is celebrated with zeal, where both Christians and non-Christians participate in the festivities, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the country.
Throughout December, decorations appear in abundance, featuring elaborate nativity scenes or 'crèches' with life-sized statues of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds, and various animals displayed at major churches such as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City and St. Joseph’s Cathedral (commonly referred to as the Big Church) in Hanoi. Streets and homes are adorned with sparkling lights, creating enchanting Christmas environments. Additionally, shops promote special holiday sales, and the cool weather in Hanoi provides an opportunity for residents to don festive outfits.
Photo: giaitriviet.net
On Christmas Eve, many Christians in Vietnam attend a Midnight Mass, similar to traditions in the West, before returning home for a festive Christmas dinner. In place of traditional turkey and Christmas pudding, the celebratory meal typically includes chicken soup and a variety of other delicious dishes. Families come together to pray for blessings and embrace the spirit of giving and sharing that defines the Yuletide season.
In both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, crowds gather in the city centers around the cathedrals, where streets are closed off to traffic to accommodate the festivities. Children eagerly anticipate Christmas, having faith in Santa Claus; they place their shoes in front of their doors on Christmas Eve, hopeful that Santa will fill them with treats by the morning of December 25th.
