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With Christmas approaching, those enchanting moments become a gathering place for the community, especially at large hotels – where the festive season begins with warm colors and cheerful melodies.
The festival season is not only a stage for experiences but also a time when hotels invest heavily in networking activities, stimulating tourism demand, and affirming their brand position. More than just a peak season, it's a creative race where the tourism industry showcases the organizational capabilities and hospitality of each destination.
The origin of light and its journey to spread throughout the world.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony originated in 16th-century Germany, when people brought green pine trees into their homes and placed small candles on them, symbolizing light illuminating the cold winter nights. The pine tree – a symbol of enduring life – when combined with the shimmering lights, soon became an image that evoked faith and hope.
A Christmas tree at the Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany.
In the 19th century, with the advent of electric lights, the ritual of lighting the Christmas tree gradually moved out of the home and became a public event. In 1923, U.S. President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., officially establishing the ceremony as a tradition marking the beginning of the Christmas season.
The Christmas tree in front of the White House in Washington DC
Since then, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony has spread throughout the world, from squares and churches to hotels and shopping malls, creating moments of community bonding in the warm light and joyful singing. Whether in Europe or in the hot, humid cities of the South or the cold North, the ritual retains its meaning: lighting up blessings, joy, and reunion.
As cities transform during the festive season
In Vietnam, the last days of November always bring a sense of excitement as the city begins to put on its Christmas attire. From Notre Dame Cathedral – where golden lights blanket the entire structure – to the central streets, every little corner is filled with the festive spirit.
Notre Dame Cathedral is illuminated during Christmas.
Diamond Plaza, Saigon Centre, Vincom… successively erected large Christmas trees, decorated with string lights, ornaments, and traditional colors. Crowds strolled the streets, taking photos and admiring the lights, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. And amidst this dazzling setting, hotels in Ho Chi Minh City also joined in the festivities with Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, marking the beginning of the year-end holiday season.
Sparkling pine trees adorn the interiors of Saigon hotels.
Mai House Saigon Hotel - A warm opening to the holiday season.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Mai House Saigon Hotel will take place from 6:00 PM on November 27, 2025. In the grand lobby, the music of classic Christmas carols will resonate through a performance by a choir with vibrant sounds from saxophone, double bass (contrabass), piano, and drums.
The ceremony began with lively live music.
The hotel representatives expressed their gratitude to the guests before the most anticipated moment arrived: Santa Claus emerged, joining in the joyful cheers of the guests and children. As the lights on the Christmas tree lit up, the entire lobby space glowed brightly, accompanied by the collective singing of the staff. The ceremony concluded in a spirit of spreading joy, like a gentle greeting to the new Christmas season.
Santa Claus's appearance before lighting the Christmas tree.
A group performance by staff to welcome the festive season.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza - French elegance
At 6:00 PM on November 28, 2025, Sofitel Saigon Plaza will hold a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in an atmosphere imbued with the Art de Vivre spirit of France. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy soft piano melodies, soothing singing, and the sweet taste of Christmas cakes prepared by the hotel's chefs.
The character of The Little Prince – a symbol of innocence, love, and kindness – became the centerpiece of the event, attracting many guests eager to take photos.
Hotel representatives and children cut the cake during the ceremony.
A hotel representative stepped forward to express gratitude and, together with the children, proceeded with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, creating a gentle yet emotional moment. Sofitel transformed that evening into a symphony of light, music, and elegant French spirit.
The entire lobby space lit up after the Christmas tree was illuminated.
Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City - A brilliant note amidst the high floors
Also on November 28th, Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City kicked off the festive season with a dazzling Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The choir opened with familiar Christmas carols, and the atmosphere became even more vibrant with an emotional ukulele performance by Lee Hieu, the Vietnamese regional winner of the Chicago International Music Competition 2025.
A ukulele performance by Lee Hieu, the Vietnamese regional winner of the Chicago International Music Competition 2025.
Following the performances, a special Christmas tree adorned with souvenirs such as toy soldiers, teddy bears, wooden houses, and miniature Santa Clauses shone brightly in the center of the hall, much to the enthusiastic applause of the guests. In the sparkling lights, The Straits – a restaurant with panoramic views of the Ba Son Bridge and the Saigon River – presented its special Christmas menu, creating the perfect setting for end-of-year gatherings.
The atmosphere of the Christmas tree lighting party on the top floor at Sedona Suites.
Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport - Sharing joy through special melodies.
On December 1st, 2025, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the lobby of Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport was made even more heartwarming by a choral performance by visually impaired children from the Thien An shelter, creating a touching moment and receiving enthusiastic applause from visitors.
In the lobby, a model of a wooden house was set up, displaying Christmas-themed pastries. The pastry counter at the hotel restaurant also featured exquisite cakes in a variety of shapes and colors, with decorative details such as snowmen, Santa Claus, reindeer, and Christmas trees, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
The Christmas party at Holiday Inn included a tree-lighting ceremony that kicked off the holiday season.
From ancient European rituals to the gentle light in the heart of Saigon, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony retains its value in connecting people. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, the moment the lights are switched on on the green pine always reminds us that the season of love has arrived – gentle, warm, and full of hope.
The festive season is dazzling at Hanoi hotels.
While Saigon is vibrant and bustling like an outdoor party, Hanoi, as the end of November and the beginning of December approach, takes on a romantic and leisurely atmosphere, tinged with nostalgia in every street corner. Like the South, the capital kicks off the festive season with a familiar ritual: lighting the Christmas tree. But in the cool northern air, this moment opens up a journey filled with light and emotion.
Whether in Saigon or Hanoi, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony retains its special charm: a small moment, yet enough to awaken anticipation in everyone. The first lights of the season are like a sparkling thread connecting the North and South, so that amidst these differing rhythms of life, everyone finds their own warmth and joy as the festive season gently unfolds.
A dream of light at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
In late November, the grounds of Metropole Hanoi take on a familiar yet more vibrant classic beauty with the colors of the Metropole Christmas Fair – the first Christmas market held within the hotel's premises. Strings of yellow lights hanging from the French arches, cheerful music from the craft stalls, and the aroma of freshly baked goods create a miniature European winter market in the heart of Hanoi.
Amidst the dazzling lights, the tall Christmas tree stands out in the courtyard – a place where visitors and families stroll, take photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. As the lighting ceremony unfolds, hundreds of eyes are drawn to the moment the tree bursts into a soft golden glow, harmonizing with the "Luminescent Dreamscape" theme, evoking the feeling of being transported into a shimmering dream written in light.
Without being pretentious or ostentatious, Metropole offers an experience steeped in memories from simple things: handcrafted gifts, the laughter of children, and a sense of rediscovering peace amidst the hustle and bustle of Hanoi at the end of the year.
A magical night at Hotel de l'Opera MGallery Hanoi
On the evening of November 27th, the festive season officially kicked off at Hotel de l'Opera MGallery Hanoi as the first lights on the Christmas tree were lit. In an atmosphere filled with the scent of pine and the gentle sound of music, that moment evoked the feeling of turning the first page of a fairy tale – where Hanoi's winter dons a vibrant and warm cloak.
The Christmas tree lit up, enveloping the entire hall as if in a magical glow. This image evoked the steadfast and warm journey of the "Brave Little Soldier": despite facing countless challenges, the light of hope remained, guiding and supporting. Each small light was like a blessing sent to every guest, allowing everyone to find a little peace amidst the emotional final days of the year.
A winter moment brightens up at Hanoi Daewoo Hotel.
On the evening of November 28th, the Hanoi Daewoo ballroom buzzed with a festive spirit: the clear voices of the Hanoi Catholic Youth Choir echoed, dispelling the early winter chill and evoking memories of classic Christmases in distant Europe. Guests watched each moment intently before counting down to the moment the Christmas tree was lit.
As the lights simultaneously flicked on, the entire hotel lobby was bathed in warm light, blending with the music, the joyful shouts of children, and an indescribable feeling of anticipation – a feeling unique to Christmas. The traditional cake-mixing ritual followed, creating an experience that was both intimate and full of festive spirit. Children were the main characters of the evening, eagerly receiving lovely gifts, curious about the appearance of Santa Claus, and running and jumping to the jingling of bells. That moment transformed the lobby into a colorful winter playground, where everyone temporarily forgot their busy lives to enjoy a short but fulfilling moment of joy.
Whether in Saigon or Hanoi, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony retains its special charm: a small moment, yet enough to awaken anticipation in everyone. The first lights of the season are like a sparkling thread connecting the North and South, so that amidst these differing rhythms of life, everyone finds their own warmth and joy as the festive season gently unfolds.
Besides the central hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Sa Pa stands out as a destination steeped in Christmas spirit, with a vibrant atmosphere mixed with the mystical charm characteristic of the high mountains. This year's festive season, the fog blanketing the small roads further enhances Sa Pa's dreamy and enchanting beauty.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Hotel de la Coupole offered guests a unique and emotionally rich experience. Although it only took place for one night, the event left an unforgettable impression amidst the chilly 10°C weather of the Northwest mountains. Amidst the melodious hymns from the choir, the 2025 Christmas tree lighting ceremony, held on November 29th with the theme "A Starry Dream in Sa Pa," marked the annual opening of the hotel's year-end festivities. The program began gently, gradually becoming more lively with a lucky draw, before settling into the breathtaking moment when the dazzling Christmas tree was officially lit. Together, they created a complete emotional journey, leaving a lasting impression on every guest.
Amidst the melodious hymns from the choir, the 2025 Christmas tree lighting ceremony, themed "A Starry Dream in Sa Pa," was held on November 29th, marking the annual opening ritual for the hotel's year-end festivities.
