Major Festivals in Ho Chi Minh City You Shouldn’t Miss

Ho Chi Minh City is not only a bustling economic hub but also home to many vibrant festivals that reflect the cultural fusion of its diverse communities. Whether you're a visitor or a local, these major festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the city's festive atmosphere.

1. Tet Festival – The Spirit of Vietnamese New Year

Time: Late December – Early January (Lunar Calendar)

Location: Throughout Ho Chi Minh City, with key spots including Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, Nguyen Hue Flower Street, and Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival

Tet (Lunar New Year) is the most important festival in Vietnam, featuring a variety of exciting activities such as:

• Flower Markets: Showcasing thousands of colorful flowers
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Displayed at major locations like Landmark 81 and Thu Thiem Tunnel
• Nguyen Hue Flower Street: A beautifully decorated flower street open for nearly a week
• Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival: Showcasing bonsai, miniature landscapes, and floral art

2. Lantern Festival – A Vibrant Celebration of the Chinese Community

Time: 15th day of the first lunar month

Location: Cholon (Districts 5, 6, and 11)

This festival is significant for Ho Chi Minh City's Chinese-Vietnamese community and includes:

• Lion and Dragon Dance Parades: Bringing energy and excitement to the streets
• Lantern Floating Ceremony: Symbolizing good fortune and blessings
• Offerings at Quan Thanh De Quan Temple: Held at famous pagodas such as Nghia An Assembly Hall and Minh Huong Gia Thanh Temple

3. Hung Kings’ Commemoration – Honoring Vietnam’s Ancestors

Time: 10th day of the third lunar month

Location: Vietnam History and Culture Park (Thu Duc City)

This festival pays tribute to Vietnam’s legendary founders with various activities such as:

• Ceremonial Offerings at the Hung Kings’ Temple
• Martial Arts Performances, Xoan Singing, and Traditional Drumming
• Traditional Games and Banh Chung (Square Sticky Rice Cake) Making Contests

4. Nghinh Ong Festival – A Sacred Festival for Fishermen

Time: August (Lunar Calendar)

Location: Can Gio District

This is one of the largest coastal festivals, honoring the Whale God (Cá Ông) and featuring:

• Processions at Sea to Worship the Whale God
• Lion Dance Performances, Boat Races, and Lantern Release Ceremonies
• Prayers for Safe Voyages and Bountiful Catches

5. Halloween – A Spooky Celebration in the City

Time: October 31st

Location: Dam Sen Park, Suoi Tien Theme Park, Bui Vien Walking Street

Though not a traditional Vietnamese festival, Halloween has gained popularity in Ho Chi Minh City with activities such as:

• Costume Contests and Themed Parties
• Haunted Houses and Horror Shows at Amusement Parks
• Bars and Cafés Hosting Spooky-Themed Events

6. Christmas – A Festive Wonderland in Ho Chi Minh City

Time: December 24th-25th

Location: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pham The Hien Parish, Diamond Plaza

During the Christmas season, the city sparkles with lights and decorations. Must-see highlights include:

• Visiting the Christmas Light Displays
• Capturing Stunning Photos at Pham The Hien Parish (Famous Christmas Neighborhood)
• Attending Christmas Eve Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral or Tan Dinh Church

7. Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival – Celebrating Vietnam’s Traditional Dress

Time: March

Location: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ao Dai Museum, Youth Cultural House

This festival honors Vietnam’s iconic Ao Dai with various cultural activities, including:

• Ao Dai Parades on Walking Street
• Fashion Shows Featuring Renowned Designers
• Photography and Painting Contests Celebrating Ao Dai

8. Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Festival – A Culinary Extravaganza

Time: December

Location: Le Van Tam Park, Nguyen Hue Walking Street

A paradise for food lovers, this festival features:

• A Wide Variety of Vietnamese Regional Dishes
• Live Cooking Demonstrations by Professional Chefs
• Eating Contests and Food-Themed Games

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is home to a diverse range of festivals, from traditional celebrations to modern festivities, offering visitors unforgettable cultural experiences. If you're planning a trip, be sure to check out these festivals to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere.