Christmas In Vietnam: A Gen Z Take On The Holiday Spirit
This year's Christmas dates that I went on.
From the day I had my first vivid memory, Christmas has always been a mix of sparkle and sweetness. I can still see Diamond Plaza, standing tall with its grandeur exterior draped in twinkling lights, while Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” played everywhere, as if on repeat. My parents made it special, too, with a Christmas log cake from Tour Les Jours—its chocolate layers so rich that I’d savor it bit by bit to make it last.
Back then, Christmas felt magical but almost untouchable, like it belonged more to the American movies like Home Alone or ELF than to my life. Fast forward to now, and as a typical Gen Z, I’ve found my own way to celebrate—a little creative, a little chaotic, and fully Vietnamese.
My Little Christmas Trip
This year, my Christmas spirit officially started with a trip to the streets, where the city transforms into a glowing wonderland. Every corner seemed alive with lights, and while Diamond Plaza still stands as a festive icon, I’ve traded its familiar glow for newer, Instagram-worthy backdrops at local spots.
Our first stop was St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where a towering tree sparkled like it had stepped right out of a fairytale. I managed to snap a typical 0.5 angle photo; the crowd didn’t bother me, though. Instead, it felt like we were all sharing something special, with each person bringing their own energy to the celebration.
Later, we strolled through Dong Khoi, drifting between Vincom Center and Takashimaya, each with its own over-the-top Christmas theme. From glowing reindeer to intricate snowflake designs, every corner radiated creativity. The centerpiece at one location—a palace-inspired installation crowned with a glowing tree made entirely of light bulbs—left me speechless.
Sure, the halls were packed, but that only added to the charm. It felt like a fashion show, with everyone dressed to impress, their outfits as much a part of the display as the decorations themselves. Along the way, I stumbled upon Typo’s Christmas collection and couldn’t resist snagging a few deals from their adorable merch lineup.
Restaurant Hopping
No Christmas is complete without a meal at a beautifully decorated spot. I and another friend found a place in Thao Dien, District 2, the cold evening breeze followed us in, making the cozy interior feel even more inviting.
Inside, the holiday playlist was an eclectic mix of Last Christmas. I wrapped my hands around a steaming bowl of vegan bún riêu, its rich tomato broth warming me instantly. The bold flavors, balanced by a hint of tanginess, felt like the perfect antidote to the December chill.
My friend chose a plate of delicate vegan dumplings which wrapped colorful fillings of mushrooms, tofu, and herbs. Each bite was comforting and flavorful, perfectly complementing the festive air of the evening. We chatted over our meal, talking about the past year and our hopes for the next, savoring the peaceful moment away from the holiday rush.
My Favorite: Secret Santa with Friends
In the same week, my friend group met up for our annual Secret Santa exchange in a cozy bar at District 1. Every year, we set a theme—this time, it was a gift you can find for under 200k VND. I ended up with a bright orange stuffed pillow with a blanket coming along (I am just in love with the color).
The best part wasn’t the gifts themselves but the laughs we shared over each one. It’s in these silly, unexpected moments that the holiday feels the most real to me!
Looking back on those dates, I realized that Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar for me. It’s the rare, cool evenings in Ho Chi Minh City when I can stroll through the streets with the people I love most. It’s sharing laughter, savoring moments, and wrapping ourselves in the warmth of each other’s company. Year after year, these nights shape my own version of a Vietnamese Christmas—simple, heartfelt, and unforgettable.