Christmas in Hoi An | Mass & Best Places to Celebrate
Vietnam is predominantly Buddhist, with only 8% of its 90 million inhabitants identifying as Christians. Christmas, therefore, is not the most important celebration on the Vietnamese calendar. However, as in many other countries, Christmas is increasingly celebrated in Vietnam, especially in major cities like Hanoi, Saigon, and Da Nang.
The Vietnamese holiday most comparable to Christmas is Tết, the Lunar New Year. Tết is a festive period marked by family reunions, traditional meals, and vibrant celebrations. However, it is also a time of disruptions, as many businesses close and people travel extensively to reunite with their families. Unlike Tết, Christmas in Vietnam does not cause any closures. Everything operates as usual, making it a convenient time for travel and tourism.
Christmas in Vietnam is more akin to New Year’s Eve: everyone celebrates, and the streets are particularly lively.
What is Christmas like in Hoi An?
You won’t feel out of place: the Christmas spirit is alive and well.
Many hotels in the area embrace the festive season with Christmas markets, decorations, themed activities, and promotional offers. If you’re planning to stay in Hoi An during this time, make sure to book your accommodation early, as Christmas is a popular period for international visitors.
In the old town, many small shops replace their usual decorations with garlands, Christmas trees, Santa costumes, wreaths, reindeer antlers, and everything that embodies the holiday spirit. It’s a great opportunity to find unique souvenirs or pick up some last-minute Christmas gifts. You’ll also come across items to decorate your room or take home for future Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Eve
Unlike in many Western countries, where Christmas Day is central, in Vietnam… Christmas Eve is the main celebration. Family meals take place on December 24th, and many hotels and restaurants in Hoi An offer special menus and banquets to mark the occasion. You can even find bûches de Noël, a nod to French influence.
Bars in the city, such as The Shamrock Irish Pub Hoi An, host themed celebrations with festive drinks. The old town and its surrounding streets come alive with revelers, while the beaches also become a hotspot for festive parties organized by beachfront bars.
Mass at Hoi An Cathedral
Located at the corner of Ly Thuong Kiet and Nguyen Truong streets, about a 10-minute walk from the city center, Nguyen Truong Cathedral commonly referred to as the Hoi An Cathedral. stands out for its striking architecture in Vietnam.
The cathedral is steeped in history: it was one of the first places where Christian missionaries settled upon their arrival in Vietnam. Rebuilt multiple times, it also houses the tombs of missionaries and church leaders in its gardens, adding a unique spiritual dimension to the site.
Christmas Masses in Hoi An
Experiencing Christmas in Vietnam is truly unique, and Nguyen Truong Cathedral offers several services for both worshippers and visitors:
- Christmas Eve: Mass at 7:30 PM.
- Christmas Day: Mass at 6:00 AM in Vietnamese and at 4:00 PM in English.
A Christmas nativity scene, accompanied by a play, is set up at the cathedral, drawing many faithful and tourists alike. On Christmas Eve, the church is often packed. Tip: Arrive early to secure a seat and fully enjoy the ceremony.
On Christmas Eve, it’s common for crowds to spill outside the church doors. Families gather in the gardens to listen to the choir and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Even if you attend a mass in Vietnamese, the hymns and immersive ambiance will allow you to fully enjoy the experience, even without understanding the language.
Where to celebrate Christmas in Hoi An?
As mentioned earlier, all hotels celebrate Christmas, and almost every restaurant in town does too. Here’s a small selection I’ve tested over the years:
Celebrate Christmas at Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa ( Cua Dai Beach )
If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere with a touch of Western charm, let me tell you about the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa. This iconic spot, located on Cua Dai Beach, is the perfect blend of elegance and Vietnamese authenticity. With its design inspired by traditional fishing villages, it’s an ideal location for a memorable Christmas.
For reservations:
- Hotline: +84235 3927 040 // +84919 864 048
- Email: resa.hoian@victoriahotels.asia
Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner
Imagine a warm, festive atmosphere with Christmas-themed decorations and a buffet worthy of the holidays. Here, the flavors take center stage: every dish is carefully crafted to reflect the spirit of Christmas with some local twists. That’s not all—there are festive activities to entertain both adults and children, making it the perfect place to create magical moments with family and friends.
- When: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Where: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa
- Menu and program: Available upon request
Christmas Brunch at Victoria
On Christmas Day, why not indulge in a relaxing brunch in Victoria’s refined Indochinese-style setting? The atmosphere is festive yet calm—perfect for enjoying delicious Christmas-inspired dishes and sharing a convivial moment after the excitement of Christmas Eve.
- When: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
- Price: From 790,000 VND++ per person
- Menu and program: Available upon request
Celebrate Christmas at Anantara Hoi An Resort
For a different ambiance, the Lanterns Restaurant at Anantara Hoi An Resort is another excellent choice. Located by the river, this enchanting venue combines luxury with a relaxed atmosphere.
For reservations:
+84 (0)235 391 455
hoian@anantara.com
01 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An
Christmas Eve Dinner
Their Christmas buffet is fantastic: dishes from around the world, Vietnamese specialties, and festive treats. The highlight? A dedicated kids’ buffet with a Christmas movie screening to keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy your dinner in peace.
- When: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- Hours: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Where: Lanterns Restaurant, Anantara Hoi An Resort
- Price: 220 USD/adult, 65 USD for the drink package; free for children (0-5 years) and 50% off for children (6-12 years)
Christmas Brunch
The next day, enjoy a riverside brunch featuring tasty dishes and a laid-back atmosphere.
- When: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Hours: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Price: 75 USD/adult with soft drinks and beer; 105 USD with sparkling, red, or white wine
Celebrate Christmas at Cargo Club (Hoi An Old Town)
For a memorable Christmas celebration in the heart of Hoi An, Cargo Club is the perfect place to enjoy a warm and elegant atmosphere. This iconic restaurant, located in the old town, welcomes you to a refined setting with a picturesque view of the Thu Bon River. With its high-quality cuisine and festive ambiance, Cargo Club promises a unique holiday experience.
To book:
- Phone: 0235 391 1227 – 0235 391 1844
- Email: contact@tastevietnam.asia
Christmas Eve Dinner
- When: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Cargo Club
- Menu & Program: Available upon request
- Price: $40 per person ($20 for children under 5)
- Reservation: 10% discount for bookings made 7 days in advance
Christmas Day Brunch
- When: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Cargo Club
- Menu & Program: Available upon request
- Price: $40 per person ($20 for children under 5)
- Reservation: 10% discount for bookings made 7 days in advance
A Festive Christmas at The DeckHouse, An Bang Beach
Looking for a livelier Christmas celebration? Head to The DeckHouse on An Bang Beach. This year, they’re hosting a magical evening with live music, a DJ, a gourmet buffet, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
For reservations:
Christmas Eve Program
- When: Tuesday, December 24
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Where: The DeckHouse, An Bang Beach
- Live Music: AnyGrooves will play Christmas classics and timeless hits.
- Christmas Buffet: A mix of traditional, Vietnamese, and vegetarian/vegan dishes.
- DJ Night: DJ Hee will keep the party going starting at 8:30 PM.
- For the Kids: Cookie decorating, ornament painting, and gifts from Santa.
- Cocktails: Sip a festive drink while admiring the sunset.
