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When it comes to winter holiday destinations, many people think of visiting Europe or other cold countries where the atmosphere feels most wintery. But what about spending the season in a tropical country like Vietnam? Visiting churches in Vietnam for Christmas would surely be a unique and interesting experience for you and your family!
Though the population is majority atheist, Vietnamese people are quite open-minded when it comes to all types of holidays and celebrations (everyone loves a festive atmosphere and an excuse to hang out). You might be surprised to learn that the celebration of Christmas in Vietnam is quite a popular thing, as well as in other Southeast Asian countries, and is embraced by both believers and non-believers alike.
Christianity was first introduced to Vietnam in the 15th century, and today Christians represent a significant minority, around 10% of the population. However, much of Christmas in Vietnam’s popularity among young people comes from recent Western pop culture influences and brand marketing.
Christmas Day in Vietnam is widely celebrated
During this season, there will be large crowds, especially in big cities and popular gathering spots like public squares, walking streets, and shopping malls. Additionally, with Christmas being a major commercial event, many brands offer special promotions. So get your money ready, going to Vietnam for a Christmas shopping haul would be a blast!
And when it comes to traditional practices, how about visiting churches in Vietnam for Christmas? Let’s take a look at the churches that are most suitable to visit during Christmas in Vietnam for the warmest and most sacred atmosphere.
Located right in the town center, next to Quang Truong Square, the Stone Church is a small, modest, yet iconic landmark of Sapa, and is among the most charming churches in Vietnam for Christmas visits. It’s something you naturally pass while wandering around the town center, not a grand cathedral, which reflects Sapa’s small population.
Churches in Vietnam are beautifully decorated during the Christmas season
The church was built by French missionaries in the 1920s using local stone. It was later abandoned and used as a rice storage barn during wartime. Eventually, the building was returned to the church and now supports local welfare efforts. Today, daily Mass is held in Vietnamese, and the congregation largely consists of ethnic minority women and children, reflecting Christianity’s unique presence in this region.
During Christmas in Vietnam, the Stone Church looks beautiful on clear days and majestic in the fog, adding atmosphere and serving as a gorgeous photo backdrop. Due to its small size, the interior can become crowded, especially during worship, and visits may be limited to the exterior only if Mass is ongoing.
A notable cultural highlight here is that every Saturday night, ethnic minority groups gather in front of the church for the Love Market. They will be singing, dancing, and holding cultural games. Joining this would be a very special experience for you and your family.
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St. Joseph's Cathedral is a Catholic church located near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Built in the late 19th century, it features Neo-Gothic architecture and serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. Its architectural style resembles that of Notre Dame de Paris, and it is the oldest church in Hanoi, making it one of the most iconic churches in Vietnam for Christmas visits.
Entering the church as a tourist can be confusing because it is not open for casual visits. However, if you wish to go inside, attending Mass is the most reliable way to access the interior.
You can also simply admire the church’s architecture from the outside and enjoy the uniquely warm atmosphere of the surrounding area. For many visitors, the experience around the cathedral is even more enjoyable than the cathedral itself, especially during Christmas in Vietnam, when the streets feel even more festive.
Many Hanoi locals gather in the Old Quarter for Christmas Eve Mass in Vietnam
This area is considered one of the nicest social spots in Hanoi for walking, eating, people-watching, and relaxing. In the evening and at night, the square fills with people, cafés and rooftop bars light up, the cathedral is illuminated, and the overall atmosphere is uniquely even more lively and pleasant.
Phat Diem Cathedral is arguably one of the most unique Catholic churches in Vietnam. Built from stone and wood in 1891, its architecture is an eclectic blend of Vietnamese and European styles.
In fact, most of the structure follows traditional Vietnamese architectural design, similar to historical palaces and temples influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism. If you have a special interest in architecture or culture, make sure to add this destination to your list of must-visit churches in Vietnam for Christmas 2025.
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The cathedral was bombed by American B-52s in 1972 but suffered only minor damage and was subsequently restored to its current condition.
You should note, however, that photography is restricted inside, which means you may only take pictures from the outside.
Da Nang Cathedral was built in 1923 during French colonial rule in a Romantic Gothic style, similar to other French-influenced churches in Vietnam, such as Tan Dinh Church in Saigon. Its iconic pastel pink color has made it a major photo spot in Da Nang and one of the most iconic churches in Vietnam for Christmas 2025.
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Located near Han Market and only a short walk away, a visit to the church is easy to combine with other nearby attractions. In fact, it is often used as a meeting point for tour groups. Therefore, if you plan to visit, early morning is the best time, as the area can get busy with tour buses.
The church has several popular nicknames, such as the Pink Church, Pink Cathedral, and Rooster Church (or Chicken Church), due to the rooster-shaped weather vane on top of the bell tower.
The church offers a nice blend of local and Western spiritual culture. Behind the church, locals pray at a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and there are offerings and incense, showing a fusion of Vietnamese and Catholic traditions.
Da Nang Cathedral decorated for Christmas in Vietnam
The church interior is only open during Mass or ceremonies, and most tourists can only view it from the outside. However, if you’re lucky, there may be a chance to enter during baptisms (or when the church happens to be open).
Located on Phuoc Qua Hill, Phu Cam Cathedral is a modern and distinctive Catholic church in Hue City. The place is not primarily a tourist site, but its architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and historical significance are very much worth appreciating, especially during Christmas in Vietnam, when the cathedral feels even more serene.
The building has a modern architectural style with touches of neo-Gothic influence, designed by Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu. It has a strikingly unique façade with tall pillars and an unusual front structure that resembles a pulpit or the mouth of a dragon.
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Many churches in Vietnam have unique architectural designs
The area is very easy to reach from central Hue and is often visited together with a stroll around nearby tombs and historical sites. It’s definitely worth adding to your list of must-visit churches in Vietnam for Christmas.
The church was built by the French in 1933 with a Gothic or neo-Gothic design. It is famous for its stone exterior, which is why it is locally known as the Stone Church. Notably, its hilltop location offers great views of Nha Trang, making it one of the better spots among churches in Vietnam for Christmas, with an even more vibrant and festive atmosphere.
The cathedral features stained glass windows, including several depicting French saints, along with vaulted ceilings, arches, columns, peaceful grounds, and statues of the Virgin Mary and other biblical figures. Many describe the place as very striking and almost castle-like.
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The church closes at midday and reopens around 14:00, with entry sometimes restricted due to religious events, staff managing crowd size, or certain sections being closed off.
Reflecting both Vietnamese Catholic culture and French colonial heritage, the cathedral offers a unique atmosphere. You may even occasionally notice incense burning inside, which is uncommon in Catholic tradition, and there are also historical gravestones of French clergy on-site.
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Dalat Diocese Cathedral, also known as the Chicken Church, features a beautiful soft pink color and French colonial design. The rooster (or “chicken”) on the steeple is a unique local symbol that makes the cathedral instantly recognizable.
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The church was built under French influence, with construction starting in 1931 and taking 11 years to complete. Its style is Romanesque, featuring European-style arched windows and thick stone walls (30-40 cm). The church was a major landmark during the French colonial development of Da Lat, and as the largest cathedral in the city, it serves as the center of the Catholic Diocese.
The church has very limited access, but if you do manage to enter, you’ll find the interior peaceful and spiritual, though not extravagant. The seasonal decorations, especially during Christmas in Vietnam, are lovely and often include creative Nativity scenes.
There is a well-stocked religious goods shop selling rosaries, statues, books, and souvenirs, which, ironically, is open more reliably than the church itself. Nearby guesthouses offer simple, old, brick-built accommodations for pilgrims, basic but safe.
The church is especially charming during Christmas in Vietnam
The garden area of the church is also very much worth a visit. The courtyard with the Virgin Mary statue has views of the city and surrounding hills, often described as romantic and impressive. There are also nearby colonial buildings and shaded areas that add to the peaceful atmosphere, making this spot one of the best churches in Vietnam for Christmas visits.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, officially the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is among the best churches in Vietnam for Christmas visits. The French administrators originally named it the Church of Saigon after its construction between 1877 and 1880. The name “Notre-Dame Cathedral” has been used since 1959, when the statue of Our Lady of Peace was installed in its forecourt.
As of 2025, the church is undergoing restoration, so some areas may look like a construction site. It is not open for casual tourist visits, so attending Christmas Eve Mass in Vietnam is the only way to enter. Even so, it remains one of the most iconic places to witness Christmas in Vietnam, thanks to its historical significance and festive surroundings.
Many churches in Vietnam make special preparations for Christmas each year
Additionally, the Saigon Central Post Office next door is open and worth visiting, and the nearby café/bookstore street is also very pleasant to explore. So if you are traveling around District 1, make sure to stop by this landmark, one of the must-visit churches in Vietnam for Christmas, to enjoy its beautiful Christmas 2025 decorations and the surrounding festive atmosphere.
Tan Dinh Church is a Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City, belonging to the Tan Dinh parish. Along with Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, it is one of the earliest-built and largest churches in the city. The church was inaugurated in 1876 and features a Roman architectural style. Its pink exterior and interior paint, added in 1957, earned it the nickname “the Pink Church.”
Because it is not widely open for tourist visits, the church is almost always closed, often inconsistent with its posted hours, and only reliably accessible during Mass. However, during Christmas in Vietnam, its festive decorations and charming pink façade make it one of the must-visit churches in Vietnam for Christmas, especially if you are already in the area.
Christmas Day in Vietnam is embraced by communities across the country
These are some recommended churches in Vietnam for Christmas visits. We hope this helps you plan a memorable holiday! And if you’d like a personalized and smooth experience, feel free to contact us to arrange a tailored tour for the best festive experience in Vietnam.
Happy holidays to you, and don’t forget to check out our recommended list of Vietnam tour!
