Top 10 Best Churches to Celebrate Christmas (Noel) in Nam Dinh

Nam Dinh Cathedral is located on Do Quan Wharf, with its main facade facing Tran Hung Dao Street. Built 126 years ago in 1895, the cathedral showcases strong yet elegant French architectural influences. Positioned at the heart of Nam Dinh City, it is simple in design but exudes a sense of solemnity and reverence.

Located at Do Quan Wharf, the main entrance faces Tran Hung Dao Street, a central thoroughfare in the city. In front of the cathedral is a spacious square with a flower garden, a statue of the Virgin Mary made of metal, a ceremonial space, and a procession route. Though not large, the cathedral stands with majestic stature and has long been regarded as the center of Catholicism in Nam Dinh City, hosting major religious events throughout the year.

When visiting Nam Dinh, a stop at this historic church is a must. During Christmas each year, visitors from nearby provinces like Ha Nam and Ninh Binh come to experience the holiday celebrations. The Christmas Nativity scenes are considered iconic at Nam Dinh Cathedral and are beautifully decorated. Beyond their decorative role, these nativity scenes also carry deep meaning, vividly depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.

The symbol of love and embodiment of God’s presence came to the world simply, born in a humble manger amidst the cold winter. By the name alone, you can imagine the beautiful decorations that adorn the cathedral during the Noel season. So, don’t miss out on visiting Nam Dinh Cathedral this Christmas season!

Phu Nhai Church is located in the center of Xuan Phuong Commune, Xuan Truong District, Nam Dinh Province. It is a Roman Catholic church within the Bui Chu Diocese and is renowned not only for its beauty but also for being one of the largest and most spacious churches in Vietnam.

Exploring Phu Nhai Church, visitors are struck by its Gothic architectural style and intricate decorations. The church features sculpted statues above the doors and along the sides, along with Chinese calligraphy decorations that give it a unique character. Originally built in a Gothic style influenced by Spanish design, it was later reconstructed in the French Gothic style. The church's dimensions are impressive: 80m long, 27m wide, and 30m tall. Its twin bell towers rise 44m high, and they house four bells, cast in France, weighing 2000kg, 1200kg, 600kg, and 100kg.

At the front of the church, to the right, stands a 17m statue of Saint Dominic, with the statue itself measuring 2.3m. To the left is a tomb holding the remains of 83 martyrs from the Phu Nhai parish, standing 15m tall. Around the church are bas-reliefs depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Visitors who climb the high tower of Phu Nhai Church can enjoy a panoramic view of Xuan Truong District. In 2008, the Phu Nhai Shrine was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica. Phu Nhai Church is not only a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction but also a subject of study for architects and cultural researchers. For the people of Xuan Phuong, the church is a source of pride and a sacred place they turn to whenever the bells ring.

This is one of the oldest churches in Xuan Truong and a significant part of the Catholic community in Vietnam. Its architectural beauty is sure to impress, making it a perfect place for celebrating Christmas. You won’t be disappointed if you choose Phu Nhai Church as your destination for future Christmas celebrations, surrounded by family and friends. During Christmas, this church hosts one of the liveliest festivities in Nam Dinh, with many rituals and gatherings of worshippers from near and far. Phu Nhai Church will offer you an experience of Christmas that is truly full of joy and excitement. The church is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and colorful lights, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.

Khoai Dong Church, also known as Khói Dong, is located at 127 Le Hong Phong Street in Nam Dinh Province. Along with the Cathedral of Dalat, it is one of only two churches in Vietnam dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the legendary figure believed in Christianity to be the inspiration for Santa Claus. The church spans 5,800 square meters and was constructed in 1934 alongside the Saint Alberto Seminary (now Nguyen Van Cu Continuing Education School) and the Saint Thomas Teacher Training School (now Nguyen Khuyen High School).

Built in a classic Gothic architectural style, Khoai Dong Church is considered one of the most unique buildings in Vietnam, featuring vaulted ceilings supported by curved cement beams that provide a sense of stability. The church's walls are adorned with intricately carved statues of saints, including Saint Patrick, Saint Peter, and Saint Joseph.

Through turbulent times in history, Khoai Dong Church has withstood the test of time, with its moss-covered arches and towering bell tower remaining a prominent feature in the center of Nam Dinh. Today, the church has been reopened and is once again a place of worship for thousands of parishioners, as well as an essential stop for tourists visiting Nam Dinh.

In 1959, the Nam Dinh Fatherland Front assigned Father Dominic Lam Quang Hoc from Lac Parish in Nghia Hung to oversee Khoai Dong Parish until his passing in 1963. During the wartime period, Khoai Dong Church lacked a resident priest, and many church belongings, including furniture and liturgical items, were lost. However, the church bells were kept safe at the Tứ Trùng Parish in Hai Tan, Hai Hau District.

Khoai Dong Church is one of the two churches in Vietnam dedicated to Saint Nicholas, making it a wonderful location for Christmas celebrations. During Christmas, the church is beautifully decorated, with colorful lights illuminating the surroundings. The nativity scene has been set up, featuring images of the baby Jesus and saints performing the Christmas liturgy. The Christmas tree, adorned with multicolored lights, adds to the festive atmosphere. The final preparations are underway for a memorable celebration, making Khoai Dong Church an ideal spot for young people and visitors from all over the country to enjoy the holiday season.

Hung Nghia Church is located in Hai Hung Commune, Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province. Upon first sight, visitors are often awe-struck by the grandeur of the church, which feels more like a majestic castle with intricate, elegant details that captivate the eye.

Built in 1927, the church was later damaged by storms and had to undergo extensive repairs. Restoration work began in 2000 and was completed in 2007. The result is a stunning structure that impresses visitors with its refined design and architectural beauty.

Hung Nghia is one of the largest churches in Hai Hung, and its opulent appearance, with delicate, luxurious design elements, makes it stand out as a true architectural gem. This church is not only a major Christmas destination for Catholics in Hai Hau District, but it is also a popular location for wedding photoshoots. During Christmas, Hung Nghia Church takes on a special charm, with a massive Christmas tree and a flower garden that recreates the nativity scene of the birth of Jesus Christ. The decorations include large Christmas trees, a nativity display, and twinkling lights that light up the entire space. It’s a magical sight! You can also capture memorable moments here during the upcoming Christmas season.

Pharo Church is located in the Hai Hau district of Nam Dinh Province. Established in 1716, the church has undergone two relocations to its current site. During this festive season, Pharo Church is more vibrant than ever, with decorations, nativity scenes, and unique statues on display. Pharo is also one of the oldest churches in Hai Hau district.

Despite its relocation, Pharo Church has preserved its historic charm, never failing to impress visitors from near and far. A visit to this church offers a warm and joyful Christmas experience, as the local community comes together to celebrate the season with love and harmony.

Pharo Church is one of the 15 most beautiful churches in Nam Dinh and continues to retain its historic character. Visitors to Pharo will experience a heartwarming Christmas, surrounded by the warmth and happiness of the local community. The church grounds also include a chapel for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which inspires parishioners to live their faith with strong belief and devotion to God and one another.

Hai Ly Ruins Church, located in Hai Hau District, is a must-see destination for travelers near and far. This seaside church blends French and Spanish architectural styles, with an impressive design that is both sturdy and graceful. The church is renowned for its soft, sweeping arches and tall columns supporting the entire structure.

If you visit Hai Ly Ruins Church, you’ll notice the intricate carvings on the walls, depicting religious motifs and expressions of hope for a beautiful and happy life.

Though the church is no longer fully intact, it remains an incredibly captivating site for visitors. A short coastal getaway to Hai Ly Ruins Church in Hai Hau during the Christmas season would make for a perfect blend of adventure and romance. This enchanting spot is one you should definitely consider for your Noel celebrations!

Xuong Dien Church is located in Hai Ly Commune, Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province. Originally known as Con Xom or Con Co due to its position between the Tra Lu and Ninh rivers, it was later renamed Xuong Dien Church.

In 1627, when missionaries began spreading the Gospel across northern Vietnam, Xuong Dien was one of the first to embrace Christianity. Father Alexandre de Rhodes passed through the area on his way to Hanoi, and in 1696, during the reign of Bishop Cao, the first church was built. By 1797, Bishop Y established the Xuong Dien parish, and the church became an official parish under the guidance of Father Han.

The original church was destroyed by coastal erosion, and the current structure was built in 1960. In 2005, after 49 years without a direct parish priest, Bishop Joseph Hoang Van Tiem appointed Father Joseph Vu Phu Thinh as the head of Xuong Dien. Subsequently, Father Thinh was reassigned, and Father Dominic Nguyen Van Thien and Father Joseph Dinh Quang Thanh took on leadership roles in the parish until 2012, when Father Dominic Nguyen Van Dai became the parish priest of Xuong Dien.

Today, Xuong Dien Parish serves around 4,100 parishioners, including three sub-parishes: St. Peter, Sacred Heart, and St. Paul. Xuong Dien has become a popular spot for Christmas celebrations, with families throughout the parish decorating their homes with lights, flags, and Christmas trees. The streets leading to the church are illuminated, and the church grounds are filled with nativity scenes and festive decorations, creating a beautiful and joyful atmosphere.

Bui Chu Cathedral was built in 1885 by Bishop Wenceslao Onate Thuận (1884). The cathedral measures 78 meters in length, 22 meters in width, and 15 meters in height, with a 35-meter-high tower. Over more than a century, it has remained standing firm, supported by solid ironwood columns and adorned with Western architectural details. The sanctuary is the final resting place of seven bishops who once served the Bui Chu Diocese, including Bishop Wenceslao Oñate Thuận, Bishop Pedro Muñagorri Trung, Bishop Dominic Hồ Ngọc Cẩn, Bishop Joseph Phạm Năng Tĩnh, Bishop Dominic Lê Hữu Cung, Bishop Joseph Vũ Duy Nhất, and Bishop Joseph Hoàng Văn Tiệm.

The cathedral is striking with its earthy ochre color, supported by polished black ironwood columns set atop intricately carved stone pillars. The ceiling features an oval-shaped dome, representing Baroque architecture with its exquisite, gem-like qualities, yet retaining hints of traditional Eastern architecture. At the front of the church is the entrance to the Bui Chu Episcopal Palace, where you’ll find a historic clock tower. The clock, made in France in 1922, is powered by three 50-kilogram metal weights, each driving the clock mechanism and chiming every 15 minutes. The bell, measuring 1 meter in diameter, produces a rich, resonant sound that can be heard from 2-4 kilometers away. This historic clock continues to run and remains one of the most famous clock towers in Vietnam.

Bui Chu Cathedral is part of the broader Episcopal complex. Every year, it attracts many visitors who come to admire its unique architecture and learn about the history of the Bui Chu parish. On Christmas Eve, despite the cool and misty weather, crowds gather at the cathedral to celebrate Christmas, filling the air with joy and love. The nativity scene, with lifelike figures, is a highlight for visitors. If you’re looking for a vibrant and joyful place to spend Christmas, Bui Chu Cathedral is the perfect destination, offering a true sense of Christmas and one of the most lively celebrations in Nam Dinh.

Trung Linh Parish, located in the Bui Chu Diocese, was established in 1928 and is one of the largest churches in the area, with a large congregation. It is situated about 1.5 kilometers from the Bui Chu Episcopal Palace. The Bui Chu Diocese is one of the Roman Catholic dioceses in Vietnam, with many long-established parishes tied to significant events in the history of Catholicism in the country. Despite being the smallest diocese in Vietnam, Bui Chu has a large population of Catholics with a high density.

The history of Trung Linh Parish dates back to the early days when the Gospel was first preached in Vietnam. Since then, the faith and spirituality of the local people have grown stronger, making it one of the most prosperous and bustling parishes in the Bui Chu Diocese.

Within the church grounds, there is a chapel dedicated to the Eucharistic Adoration of the Lord, which inspires the faithful to live out their faith with strong conviction and devotion to God and others. The church also hosts the Motherhouse of the Bui Chu Congregation of the Holy Rosary, founded in 1946 by Bishop Dominic Hồ Ngọc Cẩn. This was the first religious congregation in Bui Chu established according to canon law.

Trung Linh Church is not only an ideal place to celebrate Christmas but also a popular spot for couples to take wedding photos. Though nearly 93 years old, the church remains as majestic and timeless as Bui Chu Cathedral. During the Christmas season, the church is beautifully adorned with colorful lights and Christmas trees, making it a favorite spot for young people to capture festive memories. If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate Christmas this year, Trung Linh Church is a wonderful choice.

Holy Name Church is located in Xuan Trung, Xuan Truong. It is known for its beautiful and natural relief sculptures depicting various scenes from the Bible. From a distance, the church stands out with its intricate and grand architecture.

Holy Name Church is a prime example of Renaissance architecture from the period when Vietnam began trading with the West in the late 16th century. For those interested in Western architectural styles, this church offers a perfect opportunity to explore this unique design. The church is now situated in Xuan Tien, Xuan Truong District.

Originally known as Kính Danh Parish, it was the largest parish within the Kiên Lao Shrine Diocese. Due to the growth of the community and the need for a more suitable space for its religious activities, it was elevated to the status of a community by the Bishop of the Diocese, and renamed Holy Name Community. Over time, the original church building became too small and deteriorated, no longer meeting the needs of the growing congregation. In 2004, the community began construction on a new church building, which was completed after nearly five years of continuous work, with the support of the faithful and divine blessings. Today, the new church stands as a magnificent and proud symbol for the community.

Holy Name is also one of the more well-known churches in Xuan Truong, with its distinctive decorative architecture featuring prominent relief patterns. During Christmas, it attracts many visitors, despite the many other churches in the area. The festive atmosphere is filled with joy, and everyone wants to be part of this celebration. Key elements of the Christmas spirit include international Christmas carols, nativity scenes, Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and joyful carol singing.