Ham Long Church in Hanoi on Christmas Eve

In Hanoi, large crowds flocked to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ham Long Church, Cua Bac Church, and central streets.

“For believers like us, every Christmas is joyful and exciting. We always look forward to it because there are so many activities,” said a reveler.

A Catholic said, “Joining the Christmas atmosphere, we want to take beautiful photos to keep memories. Everything here is beautifully decorated, and it becomes even more stunning in the evening.”

In Lam Dong province, Da Lat Cathedral and other Catholic facilities were brightly illuminated on Christmas Eve. Cil Kwyen, of the K’ho ethnic group, came to church to pray for a peaceful Christmas after recent flooding.

“I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas for every family, faithful to God and devoted to the nation. May good things continue and grow, and may misfortunes fade so we can welcome a joyful new year. I hope the coming year brings progress in both spiritual and material life for all,” said Cil.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

In Ho Chi Minh City, many streets and residential areas were adorned with festive colors. Areas around churches such as Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Tan Dinh Church became focal points on Christmas Eve.

Tobias Laaksonen, a tourist from Sweden, shared his experience of celebrating Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, “We just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City today. We are amazed with such a large party with so many people even though Vietnam is not a Christian country.”

In recent years, Christmas in Vietnam has become not only a religious holiday for Catholics but also a shared celebration that enriches the spiritual life of the wider community.