Top 6 Most Interesting Christmas (Noel) Destinations in Ho Chi Minh City 2021

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon was constructed by the French colonial government and completed in 1880. This is one of the oldest and most distinctive churches in Vietnam. Almost all materials used in its construction were imported from France, and it was built in the Western architectural style, which makes it closely resemble the Charles Church in Paris. Due to its unique features and its significance in the spiritual life of the people, the cathedral attracts a large number of visitors during Christmas each year. On Christmas Eve, the lights in the church remain on all night, and the surroundings are beautifully decorated to welcome visitors for the Noel celebration. Here, visitors can experience the lively Christmas atmosphere, capture beautiful photos, and gather with friends at the outdoor cafés to enjoy local snacks like grilled sweet potatoes and corn.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon measures 91 meters in length, 35.5 meters in width, with a main nave that rises 21 meters high, and two bell towers that stand nearly 57 meters tall. The main material is cement, while the exterior is made from green stone and exposed brick. The most notable feature that attracts tourists is the cathedral's interior, which has an antique atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere. In front of the cathedral is a lush green courtyard, intersected by four streets forming a cross, a symbol of the Catholic faith. At the center of the park is a statue of the Virgin of Peace, made of marble by G. Ciocchetti in 1959. This statue, originally brought from Rome, was placed on the old site where a statue of Bishop Adran once stood with his follower, Cảnh. The Virgin statue stands 4.6 meters tall, weighs 8 tons, and is depicted standing with a globe in one hand and a cross in the other, gazing upwards as if praying for peace for the people of Vietnam. This is why the church is named Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Starlight Bridge is another interesting spot for Christmas celebrations, especially for couples. The space here is open and airy, decorated with many bright lights, and each area has its unique and eye-catching decorations. There’s a park and play area, making it perfect for families to stroll and have fun together. On the bridge, the cool and romantic atmosphere, along with the lights around, creates a magical, dreamy space for couples to enjoy. Starlight Bridge may not be located in the city center, but it offers a comfortable and refreshing escape. With many beautiful scenes and affordable check-in spots, it’s a great choice for young people. Why not give it a try!

It’s one of those high-end yet approachable leisure spots. The Starlight Bridge is located in the Phu My Hung urban area, known as Vietnam’s mini Singapore, an exclusive neighborhood for the wealthy. The bridge is designed with special features: the western side (Canal Area) is a moon-shaped square, while the eastern side (Bán Nguyệt Lake Area) is shaped like the sun. Along both sides of the bridge, multi-colored lights change continuously, powered by solar energy. Since the bridge is pedestrian-only, it has quickly become a popular “check-in” and “photo-posing” spot for Saigon's youth. With its shimmering lights, it offers a truly beautiful and captivating backdrop. Many couples have chosen this bridge as their wedding photo spot.

Chinatown - Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street is a famous Christmas shopping district in Saigon. Here, you can explore and admire beautiful Christmas products. If you're looking for unique decorations for your holiday celebrations, this is the place to visit to feel the early Christmas spirit. It's recommended to come around 7 PM to 8 PM for a more convenient shopping experience and a pleasant stroll around the area. You can also enjoy delicious street food, especially Chinese specialties like roasted duck, roasted pork, duck noodle soup, and dumplings.

The one-kilometer-long street in Chinatown is known as Saigon's largest Christmas shopping area, with a multitude of shops lined up along the main street and in the alleys. It’s a bustling hub of visitors shopping for Christmas goods close to Noel. Unlike the more formal atmosphere of tourist centers, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street offers a more rustic, lively experience, with busy vendors and customers. Christmas-themed toys and decorations fill every store. Tourists often come here for souvenir photos and to purchase items like Christmas trees, Santa figurines, baubles, bells, and wreaths.

If you love the festive hustle and bustle of Christmas night, you definitely can’t miss Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Every year, thousands flock to this street to celebrate Christmas Eve. The street is adorned with dazzling lights, and beside it are shopping malls and cafes decorated in a western-style Christmas theme, with Santa Claus, gift boxes, and more, giving you a truly festive experience. On Nguyen Hue Walking Street, singing and dancing performances fill the air, so you can join in the celebration. The area is also home to many beautiful cafes and movie theaters, making it an ideal spot for a Christmas outing.

Nguyen Hue Street is often compared to streets in foreign countries, with no hanging wires, no litter, and orderly pedestrian lanes throughout. The long street is paved with shiny granite stones, featuring two fountains and an array of greenery and flowers arranged vibrantly. At night, the lights from restaurants, cafes, and shops create a magical glow, making for beautiful moments. Over time, this street has moved away from its commercial roots and is now a popular flower street during the Lunar New Year. The street is meticulously arranged, with different flower species artfully displayed, making it a signature destination for sightseeing and flower viewing.

During every holiday season, shopping malls invest in elaborate decorations, and Christmas is one of the prime times to "dress up" these spaces. As Christmas approaches, locals love to visit these malls to capture memorable photos. These locations offer numerous picturesque backgrounds, lavishly decorated from the outside in. Additionally, special events such as promotional sales and shopping discounts often take place during this period.

Shopping malls are not just about shopping—they are also home to many renowned brands, making them the perfect place to buy gifts or prepare for the year-end festivities. Besides the stores, they also offer top-notch dining and entertainment options. In short, shopping malls are the ideal spots that satisfy your needs for photos, shopping, and dining. So if you’re still undecided about where to go and what to do this Christmas, heading to a shopping mall is the easiest, most efficient, and fitting choice.

The most distinctive Christmas atmosphere is undoubtedly found in religious neighborhoods. In Ho Chi Minh City, many religious communities organize Christmas Eve celebrations for their parishioners. The religious neighborhood in District 8 is one of the largest and most renowned in the city. Stretching along Pham The Hien Street, District 8 is home to five parishes: Binh Thai, Binh An Thuong, Binh An Ha, Binh Thuan, and Binh Son, located in the 6th and 7th wards. Visiting the religious neighborhood during Christmas allows you to not only enjoy the decorated churches but also marvel at the giant nativity scenes and capture photos at the stunningly illuminated street corners.

Giant Christmas trees, sparkling nativity scenes, and even small alleys lit up with colorful lights make the Tam Ha religious neighborhood in Thu Duc equally as festive as the one in District 8. Located more than 10 kilometers from the city center, you can visit the Nghia Phat religious neighborhood: From Ly Thuong Kiet Street (near Tan Binh market), turn into Nghia Phat Street, and after about 100 meters, you will reach the Vinh Son Parish, which serves as the centerpiece for the decorations in this neighborhood. It is one of the oldest religious neighborhoods in the city and an ideal spot for young people to explore and discover the unique symbols of the Christmas season.