Experience Christmas in Hoi An: Mass schedules, festive activities & must-visit spots

Hoi An Christmas transforms into a magical destination, adorned with sparkling lights, festive trees, and charming holiday decorations throughout the ancient town. This season offers more than just festive vibes, it’s a chance to explore local culture, savor traditional cuisine, and enjoy unique experiences only found in this central Vietnamese town. In this guide, you’ll find detailed information on mass schedules, Christmas activities, top photo spots, accommodation suggestions, and practical travel tips to make the most of your festive stay in Hoi An.

What is Hoi An like at Christmas?

When December arrives, Hoi An’s ancient town takes on a whole new charm, glowing with warmth and festive spirit. Beyond the famous colorful lanterns that line its streets year-round, Christmas brings extra sparkle: decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and twinkling lights appear at cafés, restaurants, and hotels across the old town. The atmosphere feels both familiar and unique – a blend of Eastern heritage and Western holiday traditions that creates a truly enchanting setting.

The weather in Hoi An during December is pleasantly cool. Daytime temperatures average around 22–25°C, perfect for strolling through the ancient streets, taking photos, and exploring historical sites. Evenings drop to 19–20°C, with a refreshing chill that makes it ideal to sip on a hot cocoa or enjoy a cozy dinner by lantern light. Rainfall decreases compared to October and November, which means travel becomes easier and more enjoyable.

While Hoi An Christmas may not be as grand or bustling as in big cities, it offers something different – a peaceful, romantic, and intimate celebration. That’s why many travelers, both local and international, choose Hoi An as their Christmas getaway destination.

Hoi An Catholic Church

• 16 Nguyen Truong To Street, Cam Pho Ward

This is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Central Vietnam, built in 1965 and under the Diocese of Da Nang. The church features classic Gothic architecture with high vaulted ceilings, a bell tower, and colorful stained glass windows. It serves both as a place of worship for the local Catholic community and as an attractive sightseeing spot for domestic and international visitors. To get to the church, it takes about a 5-minute walk from the center of the ancient town, following Nguyen Thai Hoc Street and turning right onto Nguyen Truong To. 

During Hoi An Christmas, the church is beautifully decorated and filled with warmth. Outside and inside, you will find a tall Christmas tree, a nativity scene, LED lights, and wreaths. The glowing decorations combined with Christmas hymns create an atmosphere that is both solemn and enchanting, attracting many parishioners and visitors who come to attend Mass, take photos, and enjoy the festive spirit.

The Christmas Mass schedule at Hoi An Catholic Church is as follows:

• Christmas Eve (24/12): 19:30 – Midnight Mass.
• Christmas Morning (25/12): 6:00 – Mass in Vietnamese.
• Christmas Afternoon (25/12): 16:00 – Mass in English.
• Christmas Evening (25/12): 18:30 – Mass in Vietnamese.

Tan Hoi Church

• Address: 21 Le Loi Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province

Nestled in the peaceful streets of Hoi An’s ancient town, Tan Hoi Church is a charming Catholic church that reflects the town’s blend of history and culture. Unlike the grand Gothic style of Hoi An Catholic Church, Tan Hoi Church features a simpler, more intimate architectural design, making it a cozy place for parishioners and visitors alike. The church is an important spiritual center for the local Catholic community, and its tranquil surroundings allow visitors to experience a reflective, serene atmosphere during Christmas.

During the holiday season, the church is adorned with modest but beautiful decorations, including small Christmas trees, nativity displays, and soft string lights. Visitors often come here to enjoy a quiet Mass or take photos of the delicate seasonal decor, soaking in a more personal and local Christmas experience.

Christmas Mass Schedule:

• Christmas Eve (24/12): 21:30 – Evening Mass
• Christmas Morning (25/12): 7:00 – Mass in Vietnamese
• Christmas Afternoon (25/12): 17:00 – Mass in Vietnamese

Nguyen Truong Church

• Address: 106 Nguyen Truong To Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province

Nguyen Truong Church stands as one of Hoi An’s historic Catholic landmarks, blending traditional Western church architecture with local Vietnamese elements. The church’s serene courtyard and detailed exterior decorations make it a popular spot for both worshippers and tourists who want to experience the spiritual side of Hoi An during the festive season.

At Hoi An Christmas, Nguyen Truong Church transforms with lively holiday decorations. Colorful lights, wreaths, and a nativity scene create a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the church often hosts community gatherings alongside Mass. Attending Mass here allows visitors to observe local customs and enjoy an authentic Christmas celebration in a less crowded environment compared with the main Hoi An Catholic Church.

Christmas Mass Schedule:

• Christmas Eve (24/12): 20:30 – Evening Mass
• Christmas Morning (25/12): 6:30 – Mass in Vietnamese
• Christmas Afternoon (25/12): 16:30 – Mass in Vietnamese

Note: The schedule may vary each year, so visitors are advised to check with the church or local announcements for the most up-to-date information.

Must-visit Christmas photo spots in Hoi An

During Christmas, Hoi An transforms into a dazzling wonderland with festive lights, Christmas trees, and holiday-themed displays, making it a perfect destination for capturing memorable photos. Here are some of the top spots you shouldn’t miss:

Hoi An ancient town at night

The ancient town streets are adorned with colorful lanterns and Christmas decorations along Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Nguyen Truong To Streets. The lights reflecting on the Hoai River create a romantic and magical atmosphere. This area is ideal for photography, especially around the small alleyways, An Hoi Bridge, or the quaint riverside cafés.

Hoi An Catholic Church

Hoi An Catholic Church is a must-visit spot for Christmas photos. With its Gothic architecture, tall Christmas tree, and nativity scene, the church provides a perfect backdrop for images that are both solemn and warm. Visitors can photograph the exterior or attend Mass to fully experience the festive atmosphere.

Tan Hoi Church and Nguyen Truong Church

These churches are also beautifully decorated during Hoi An Christmas with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and unique festive displays. The quieter atmosphere compared to Hoi An Catholic Church makes them ideal for visitors seeking both photography opportunities and an authentic local Christmas experience.

An Hoi Bridge and Hoai River

An Hoi Bridge offers one of the best viewpoints along the Hoai River. During Hoi An Christmas, the riverside lights and small boats create a shimmering, romantic scene. It’s also a great location to capture sunset shots or reflections of the ancient town on the water.

Historic Cafés and Restaurants

Many cafés and restaurants in Hoi An’s ancient town are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and festive props, providing charming spots for holiday photos. The combination of wooden furniture, lanterns, and floral decorations adds warmth and vibrancy to your pictures.

Hoi An Lantern Village

The lantern village offers thousands of colorful lanterns to explore and photograph. During Hoi An Christmas, the village adds festive decorations, creating a unique backdrop that blends traditional Vietnamese culture with Western holiday spirit.

Traditional craft villages: Thanh Ha and Kim Bong

These craft villages are perfect for cultural exploration and photography. During Hoi An Christmas, many artisan stalls add holiday-themed decorations, allowing visitors to capture unique and memorable photos while learning about traditional crafts.

Where to stay in Hoi An during Christmas

During Christmas, Hoi An becomes livelier than ever as travelers flock to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Choosing the right accommodation will help you easily explore the town while fully experiencing the holiday spirit. If you want to immerse yourself in the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, hotels and resorts near the town center or along the Hoai River are ideal. You can walk to the churches, stroll along streets decorated with Christmas lights, capture festive photo spots, and savor the local cuisine.

For those who prefer a luxurious and relaxing stay, riverside resorts or accommodations near the beach are excellent options. Among them, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness stands out as a perfect choice. Located near Binh Minh Beach and just a few minutes’ drive from the ancient town, Bliss offers a modern, elegant retreat with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Spacious rooms feature private balconies with garden or sea views and come fully equipped with high-end amenities, ensuring a truly relaxing experience.

Read more:  𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐈 𝐀𝐍

During Christmas, the resort is beautifully decorated with tall Christmas trees, nativity scenes, wreaths, and sparkling festive displays throughout the property, creating a cozy and magical ambiance. Guests can enjoy outdoor movie nights, sip cocktails and light snacks, or simply stroll through the illuminated gardens to take vibrant Christmas photos.

A major advantage of staying at Bliss Hoi An is its transportation service, which shuttles guests to popular attractions such as Hoi An Ancient Town, Christmas-decorated churches, An Bang Beach, or traditional craft villages. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll be conveniently picked up and returned to the resort, without worrying about transportation or parking.

Bliss Hoi An also offers sightseeing tours, allowing guests to explore Hoi An thoroughly and authentically. You can visit the ancient town, explore traditional craft villages, learn how to make lanterns, or taste local specialties alongside residents. These experiences give you a chance to experience Hoi An like a local, from daily life to unique Christmas traditions.

With the combination of modern amenities, professional service, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is the perfect place to enjoy a Christmas stay.

Read more: Joyful Christmas Delights at Bliss Hoi An

Tips and practical advice for visiting Hoi An during Christmas

Hoi An during Christmas transforms into a magical destination, with the ancient town beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, festive trees, and seasonal displays. The combination of cultural charm, cozy streets, and lively holiday atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for travelers. To help you enjoy a smooth and memorable Christmas trip, here are some practical tips for exploring Hoi An during the festive season.

• Book your accommodation early

Christmas is the peak season in Hoi An. Hotels and resorts near the ancient town, especially popular options like Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness, can fill up quickly. Booking in advance ensures you secure the best rooms and locations.

• Dress appropriately

Evenings can be slightly chilly, with temperatures around 20–25°C. Bring a light jacket, a scarf, and comfortable walking shoes to stroll through the town and take festive photos.

• Check schedules for masses and events

Christmas masses at local churches, resort activities, and sightseeing tours may vary each year. Confirm schedules beforehand to avoid missing any key events.

• Convenient transportation

Large vehicles are restricted in the ancient town. Walking, renting a bicycle, or using resort shuttle services and sightseeing tours are practical ways to move around safely and conveniently.

• Carry cash

Some small cafes, Christmas stalls, and craft villages may not accept credit cards. Having cash on hand is helpful for a smoother experience.

• Prepare cameras and backup batteries

Hoi An’s festive lights and decorations make for incredible photo opportunities, especially in the evening. Ensure your camera or smartphone is fully charged, and bring extra batteries or a power bank.

• Pace yourself and stay hydrated

Holiday itineraries can be busy. Schedule rest times, drink plenty of water, and eat regularly to stay energized throughout the day.

• Plan tours and activities in advance

To explore multiple attractions efficiently, take advantage of sightseeing tours and transportation services offered by resorts like Bliss. These services save time, provide local insights, and make travel safer and more convenient.

Following these practical tips will help you fully enjoy the festive atmosphere, cultural experiences, and culinary delights of Hoi An, making your Christmas trip both memorable and stress-free.

Hoi An Christmas offers an unforgettable experience, from solemn masses in historic churches, lively festive streets, stunning photo opportunities, to delicious local cuisine. With proper planning, choosing the right accommodation, and joining fun holiday activities, you can enjoy a complete, memorable, and richly rewarding Christmas vacation in this enchanting ancient town.