Church + Cathedral
Around Christmas time in Hanoi the Cathedral is known for its nativity scene. It draws huge crowds of people to come and check it out.
On Christmas Eve is a great time to go to the area as the service is so popular that the Cathedral has to put up huge big TV screens outside as the inside is packed.
Christmas Decorations = Hang Ma Street
Christmas decorations are available all over town with a concentration on Hang Ma Street, Hanoi, which there will be a massive selection of trees, tinsel, decorations, wrapping paper, cards etc.
Christmas Shopping
All Western and some Vietnamese stores and large shopping centers will have Christmas styled presents with great Christmas displays and decorations.
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Church Services + Singing
There are English Church Services and Christmas carols/Hymns sung in different churches and groups, it is best to ask Expatriates, Chamber of Commerce, International Women’s Groups or check online for time and places of events.
Christmas Day is not a public holiday
If you find yourself in Hanoi over Christmas Day, don’t worry the place does not stop, it is not a public holiday; and if you an Expat there, expect to take an annual day off to get the day off other wise it will be work as usual for most companies.
Yummy Christmas Dinner Out
Almost every hotel has a Christmas menu / set dinner / buffet so best to check them out as there prices range from modest to exceptional. Booking is also advised as they get popular with foreigners and Hotel guests.
Cook your own Yummy Christmas Dinner
Organize yourself in advance as it takes a bit of planning to get all the ingredients and it is not a cheap option if you are not living in Hanoi permanently and won’t use things again and generally imported foods are expensive.
There are mini supermarkets with a wide selection of items, are also expensive and check for quality before purchasing.
Main Stores below with numerous products, meats, clean vegetables, dry goods etc :
- L’s Place: 1 Xuan Dieu, West Lake, Tay Ho and 63 Ly Thuong Kiet (8 other locations around Hanoi)
- Veggy’s: 99 Xuan Dieu, West Lake, Ho Tay
- The Oasis Grocery Store and Gourmet Shop: 24 Xuân Diệu, Tay Ho
- Annam Gourmet Market: 51 Xuan Dieu (Syrena Shopping Center), Tay Ho
- Metro Cash and Carry, Pham Van Dong Street, Co Nhue, Hanoi
Online queries for Christmas queries and others
- It is worth trying a post on TNH or the The New Hanoian: http://tnhvietnam.xemzi.com/en/c/1/aska/questions
