In Dong Nai Province, a neighboring province of Ho Chi Minh City, which has the highest number of Catholics in Vietnam, the parishes have put on a new look with colorful decorations.
Ha Phat Church in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, has attracted thousands of visitors every night with its 47-meter-high Christmas tree made of over 4,200 conical hats. They come to pray for a peaceful and happy new year.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon has been adorned with 80,000 meters of LED light strings.
Vo Dong Parish in Dong Nai Province, a neighboring province of Ho Chi Minh City, welcomes thousands of visitors every Christmas season. |
At Binh An Thuong Church in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, a stone cave with two artificial snow machines has attracted thousands of visitors. Children dressed in Santa Claus costumes particularly enjoyed playing with the artificial snow.
The trade centers in the city have been decked out with dazzling and whimsical Christmas decorations, drawing in crowds of visitors for the festivities and shopping.
The Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City also celebrated Christmas by organizing a souvenir fair.
Residents of Dong Nai celebrate Christmas. |
In Hanoi, many parishioners and holiday-goers crowded the Joseph’s Cathedral on Saturday to enjoy the Christmas season.
The church has been decorated with colorful lights and a 15-meter-high Christmas tree, attracting a large number of visitors.
Parishioners and holiday-goers visit and take photos at Ha Phat Church in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam. |
In Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City in central Vietnam, residents have flocked to churches to take photos and experience the festive atmosphere despite the rain and cold weather.
At the Da Nang Cathedral, many international tourists attended the mass service marking the birth of Jesus together with local parishioners.
Young Hee, a South Korean traveler, said she and her family spent their last afternoon in Da Nang celebrating Christmas.
“This is the first time I have celebrated Christmas in a foreign country. It feels special, but I still feel at home,” Young added.
A church in Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam. |
A stone cave with two artificial snow machines at Binh An Thuong Church in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, attracts hundreds of visitors. |
Residents rush to trade centers to enjoy the festive Christmas atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City. |
A woman and a child pose for a photo with a Frenchman dressed in a Santa Claus costume. |
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Tourists visit Tan Dinh Church in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. |
Bea from Portugal says, “My family chose to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam. After a working trip to Singapore, we visited Ha Long Bay [in northern Quang Ninh Province] before arriving in Hanoi. The Joseph’s Cathedral is an ideal place to welcome a wonderful Christmas season in Hanoi.” |
Five women wearing red Santa Claus hats pose for a photo in Hanoi. |
A foreigner takes a photo of the Da Nang Cathedral in Da Nang City. |