A European Festive Journey In Saigon: 5 Curated Experiences At JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon

Saigon in late 2025 carries a very unique energy. It is both bustling and brilliant, making one want to immerse oneself in the flow, yet simultaneously crave a private corner to enjoy the fruits of a long year.

This year, passing by the corner of Hai Bà Trưng Street, you will see that JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon has donned a new, distinctively European festive coat. Beyond the sparkling lights, they bring a truly interesting journey of discovery. Below are 5 experiences I suggest for stylish lifestyle enthusiasts.

"Catch" The Snowfall At The Swiss Chalet

The visual highlight of this year lies right at the hotel's frontage on Hai Bà Trưng Street. No need to travel far; you will encounter the JW Christmas Chalet – a wooden house inspired by the traditional Swiss chalet style, evoking a cozy, authentic Alpine charm right in the heart of District 1.

Interestingly, this space was meticulously crafted by the hotel's Engineering team using repurposed materials, showcasing a spirit of sustainability and skilled craftsmanship while maintaining high-end aesthetics. This is where you can stop by to purchase 5-star standard ornaments and pastries, or simply sip a hot chocolate while watching the bustling street.

• Tip for you: Don’t just come for a photo and leave. Stop by between 18:30 – 19:00 every evening. This is when a "snowfall session" blankets the wooden house in white, creating a rare, fairytale-like European backdrop right in the middle of Saigon.

Unwrap The Magic: The Limited-Edition Advent Calendar

Instead of just waiting for December 25th, Western culture has a poetic tradition called the Advent Calendar. JW Marriott Saigon has adapted this experience with a limited-edition gift set featuring 24 secret compartments.

Opening a compartment each day reveals a small surprise, from items exclusively crafted by the hotel staff to gifts from prestigious partners. With prices starting from VND 2,850,000++, this is not only a self-reward but also a refined gift suggestion—carrying a touch of playful charm—for partners or loved ones.

Elevating The Senses: The Art Of Afternoon Tea

Before stepping into dinner, an afternoon tea set at JW Café is the perfect prelude. But this year, the experience at JW Café goes beyond just eating cakes and drinking tea. The arrival of Pastry Chef Chayasit Ainaeam has turned this place into a miniature art gallery.

With experience from leading luxury brands, Chayasit introduces the true "Art of Pâtisserie." Each pastry served is not merely a light snack but a meticulously crafted work of art. Sitting in a space flooded with natural light, sipping hot tea, and admiring cakes so beautiful you hesitate to eat them—it is a wonderful way to "slow down" amidst the year-end rush.

• Reference price: From VND 1,200,000/set.

Choosing Your Dinner: Which "Team" Are You?

When night falls, JW Marriott Saigon treats diners to a true "culinary journey" with two contrasting styles, depending on whether you prefer vibrant energy or deep privacy.

Team "Grand & Multi-Sensory": Visit JW Café If you want a truly festive and boisterous party, the new space at JW Café on the 1st floor is the perfect choice. The Buffet menu here gathers enough "delicacies" from expensive ingredients to make foodies gasp:

• Cold Station: Seafood & Cold Cuts. The highlight is the premium caviar canapé station, along with a massive seafood-on-ice display: Canadian lobster, snow crab, flower crab, tiger prawns, and fresh international oysters.

• Hot Station: Authentic festive dishes. Don't miss the whole roasted turkey, pan-seared foie gras, or French herb-crusted lamb rack. Notably, red meat dishes like premium Australian bone-in beef ribs or Danish-style crispy skin roasted pork loin (served with Yorkshire pudding) will surely satisfy the most demanding palates.
• Dessert: A sweet ending with cinnamon apricot pie, cinnamon ginger rolls, and handmade Christmas tree cakes.
• "Stylish" Highlight: You not only eat well but also enjoy a Ballet performance right during the feast. Furthermore, at the Christmas and New Year Brunches, you will have the chance to witness the uncorking of a Taittinger Bathalzar 12L champagne bottle – a masterpiece never before seen in Ho Chi Minh City.

Team "Refined & Intimate": Basilico is the One For souls who love Italian cuisine and wine. Chef Francesco Leone has designed a set menu (3 or 5 courses) that leads the taste buds skillfully with dishes like Wagyu A5 beef or Antarctic Cod.

• The Culinary Journey: Starts with almond cake combined with foie gras mousse and black truffle sauce, followed by the elegance of slow-cooked Antarctic cod served with saffron rice. The star of the party is the A5 Wagyu tenderloin wrapped in Italian prosciutto, served with mille-feuille potatoes and concentrated beef jus.

• Stylish Highlight: The pairing with the Penfolds wine collection honoring the legendary Max Schubert. Selected by Sommelier Jade Nguyễn, these wines will elevate the dining experience to a new level.

Luxurious Countdown Party

This festive season, instead of getting lost in the breathless crowds of the walking street, why not choose a "prime vantage point" to admire the city from above?

For those who love dining in a breezy, open-air setting, JW Terrace is the perfect choice. Typically a private reserve, this space opens its doors for a special BBQ Dinner Buffet on December 24 and 31. Savoring 5-star cuisine while watching the vibrant neon lights and the bustling energy below - this is truly the most sophisticated way to feel the city's pulse.

After dinner, the real celebration begins at JW Garden and Driftwood Pool Bar. This is the stage for the Countdown Party to welcome 2026 (December 31). Amidst a lush green oasis, indulge in free-flow canapés, cocktails, and sparkling wine. Sway to the vibrant DJ beats as you await the dazzling moment the new year arrives.

Beyond personal experiences, JW Marriott Saigon is also the ideal destination for businesses to wrap up a brilliant year. With the Year-End Party package (starting from VND 1,770,000++/guest), companies can experience professional service in a luxurious ballroom, featuring high-end cuisine, fresh flower decorations, and exclusive gifts. It is the perfect setting to honor your team and elevate your brand image this festive season.

A Festive Season To Remember

The festive season is when we deserve to enjoy the very best. Whether checking in at the JW Christmas Chalet at the frontage or enjoying a Fine Dining dinner, JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon this year has truly created emotional spaces for you to keep the most beautiful memories of the year.

About JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon: JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon is a luxury urban retreat directly connected to mPlaza Saigon and just 6 km from Tân Sơn Nhất Airport. The hotel is situated adjacent to cultural icons such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street. Comprising a complex of 305 hotel rooms and 260 premium apartments, along with four distinct restaurants, Spa by JW, and over 1,200 m² of event space, it is the ideal destination to find serenity and meaningful connections in the heart of the city. Update the latest activities at: Fanpage ;For more details:www.jwmarriottsaigon.com