Notre Dame Cathedral Shines Bright for Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City

As Christmas approaches, Ho Chi Minh City’s Notre Dame Cathedral is a hub of festive activity, attracting both locals and visitors to enjoy its stunning holiday decorations in District 1.

In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the cathedral has adorned its exterior with 500,000 meters of LED lights, featuring a striking Bethlehem star situated between its twin bell towers. 

This festive display marks just the second Christmas since the cathedral underwent restoration, which began in 2017.

The area surrounding Notre Dame Cathedral has transformed into a bustling gathering spot, showcasing elaborate holiday decorations. The statue of “Our Lady of Peace,” crafted from marble, captivates visitors, serving as a popular photo opportunity under the colorful lights.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Notre Dame Cathedral stands out as the heart of the city’s Christmas celebrations with its glowing displays.

The Virgin Mary statue, beautifully illuminated, captures attention amid the festive décor at the cathedral.

Young crowds are gathering in the vicinity to take photos and immerse themselves in the joyful Christmas atmosphere. 

Thuy Duong, celebrating with her niece in a festive outfit, remarked, “It’s the ideal moment to make cherished Christmas memories.”

This Christmas is notable as it is the first year the entire cathedral is illuminated; last year, only the towers were adorned with 80,000 meters of lights.

Kim Ngan shared her enthusiasm for the festive display, saying, “Seeing the online pictures made me come here. The cathedral is even more beautiful in person, and the turnout shows how much love there is for it.”

The significant restoration project for Notre Dame Cathedral commenced on July 1, 2017, and is still ongoing. Nevertheless, Christmas festivities remain vibrant as usual, with masses scheduled for December 24 and 25, expected to draw thousands of participants and visitors.