Buzz
As Christmas approaches, the familiar streets and pathways of Hue take on a new charm, adorned with the gleam of colorful lights, the purity of snow, the red of costumes and holly berries, the green of pine trees, and the golden glow of vibrant bells. It all blends into a warm, sparkling, lively atmosphere. While Christmas spots in Hue may not be new to locals, they hold a special allure for distant travelers.
1. Church of the Saviour
The Church of the Saviour stands out as one of the top Christmas destinations in Hue. Also known as the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, it sits amidst the bustling city, between the two vibrant streets of Nguyen Hue and Nguyen Khuyen.
A panoramic view of the Church of the Saviour on Christmas Eve. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
The church is constructed within a spacious triangular compound, following the Basilica style with a symmetrical cross-shaped layout that forms the image of a cross when viewed from above. It consists of a large central nave, two side aisles, and a semi-circular apse, with a choir loft above, featuring prominently in the middle a soaring octagonal bell tower with a pitched roof, reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese pagoda towers.
The Church of the Saviour stands out with its soaring octagonal bell tower with a pitched roof. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
Particularly striking is the statue of Jesus in front of the church, arms outstretched as if embracing all His sheep. On the left side of the church, two scenes are depicted: the Virgin Mary's Grotto and the Holy Family, resembling a perennially fruitful mountain with fresh blooms, providing a warm, refreshing ambiance to the scenery. Each Christmas season, these are the brightest corners, drawing crowds of locals and tourists for sightseeing and photography.
The front facade of the church shines brightly and splendidly every Christmas. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
The limestone cave is adorned with dazzling decorations. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
The pine trees in the church compound, behind the statue of Christ with open arms. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
However, being situated on two main bustling streets in the city center, it's usually quite crowded, and during Christmas, it attracts thousands more people. Be prepared to face traffic jams, and it's advisable to plan your visit early to avoid roadblocks due to overcrowding.
2. Phu Cam Church
Alongside the Church of the Saviour, Phu Cam Church is also a hotspot for young people to check-in every Christmas season. It's a large church in Hue located right in the city center, so it's easy to find.
Aerial view of Phu Cam Church. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
Phu Cam Church (officially known as the Cathedral of Phu Cam) sits atop Phuoc Qua Hill, in Phuoc Vinh Ward, Hue City. It's built using modern techniques, carrying influences of Western churches in its architecture and Catholic decor, while also infused with the philosophical principles of Eastern feng shui.
The church carries influences and features of a Western-style church and Catholic decoration. Image: Zing
Phu Cam Church boasts graceful lines, with its roof soaring skyward. The two sweeping curves at the front are built with curved stone, resembling an open Bible, yet also reminiscent of a dragon's head. Despite being constructed with rough stone materials, the balanced proportions and lines give the facade of Phu Cam Church a remarkably soft, elegant appearance.
Phu Cam Church stands out during the Christmas season. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
On ordinary days, the church is beautiful, but it becomes even more stunning during Christmas. About half a month before Christmas, when you visit the church in the evening, you'll feel Christmas approaching with the dazzling lights and vibrant colors adorning the vast Catholic structure. It all makes the Christmas Eve of every parishioner and everyone in general warmer and more festive.
3. Vincom Shopping Center
Regarded as the newest and most modern shopping center in Hue, Vincom is one of the first locations to immerse itself in the Christmas atmosphere that pervades the streets of Hue. Arriving here at this time, just stepping from the outside to the inside is enough to tire out even the most avid Instagrammers!
Aerial view of Vincom Shopping Center. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
Inside, there are numerous cozy scenes with warm red hues like teddy bears, gift boxes, wooden houses, boots, socks, and more. Within the shopping center, you'll find various models such as toy factories, dwarfs, towering gift towers, and an array of colorful snowflakes, sparkling under the lights. Especially eye-catching is the giant national Christmas tree, dazzlingly magnificent, always attracting thousands of people for a check-in photo in front of Vincom every year. All of this immersed in the Christmas atmosphere makes you feel like you've stumbled into a little corner of the Western sky!
A large crowd gathers at Vincom during Christmas. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
The 'national Christmas tree'. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
In addition to the stunning Christmas decorations, Vincom regularly hosts captivating performances on Christmas Eve right here.
Super sparkling background. Image: Hue, truly Vietnam
4. Western Street
Visiting Hue's Western Street during the Christmas season, you can feel the space imbued with a strong Western vibe, from chic to casual. Dubbed Western Street because it's located on Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An, Nguyen Thai Hoc streets – where many eateries, bars, lively pubs, and notably, it's a favorite spot for foreign tourists. Catering mainly to Western tastes, the establishments here are tastefully decorated, each with its own unique style to keep you entertained.
A corner of Hue's Western Street. Image: Collected
Every Christmas season, amidst the hustle and bustle of music, Hue's Western Street shines with eye-catching Christmas trees, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Along the street, you'll find small scenes, souvenir stalls, street bands, young people dressed up as amusing characters, photo groups... All of this will immerse you in the lively Christmas festival atmosphere.
Christmas atmosphere on Western Street. Image: Collected
Street art performance on Western Street on Christmas Eve. Image: DMZ Bar
5. Major Hotels
Apart from the areas around the Church of the Saviour, Phu Cam Church, or Western Street, during Christmas, streets like An Duong Vuong, Hung Vuong, and Le Loi become even more radiant with colorful lights decorating everywhere, as this is where many 4-star, 5-star hotels are concentrated in Hue, such as: Emperor Hotel, Saigon Morin Hotel, Indochine Palace Hotel, Muong Thanh Hotel...
Hotels are also beautifully decorated for Christmas. Image: Zing
From the early days of December, hotel staff have been busy preparing decorations for elaborate adornment. Almost every hotel decorates with characteristic Christmas trees or Santa Claus, snowmen, reindeer... in the hotel lobby, where you can freely pose for photos without any charge.
Morin Hotel, Le Loi Street. Image: Zing
Attracting many young people for photo shoots. Image: Zing
Take photos freely without any charge. Image: Zing
With these Christmas destinations, may you have an ideal, warm, and memorable Christmas season with your family and friends in the dreamy land of Hue. Don't forget to check-in and share lots of photos!
Don't forget to book your hotel in Hue in advance for a worry-free Christmas Eve, with great deals at Vntrip:
