Vietnam’s celebrations are similar to those around the globe. Families of all religions gather for gift exchange and a special dinner. The Christian community attends midnight mass, returning home to chicken soup, or for the wealthy, turkey and Christmas pudding.
In terms of public celebrations, Christmas Eve is particularly popular. In HCMC and Hanoi, the areas around Catholic cathedrals become pedestrian zones for the evening. Cars are banned, and the streets fill with young Vietnamese families sharing in the celebrations and goodwill from the holiday.