Notre Dame Cathedral HCMC: brilliant LED night during Christmas season

In early December, Notre Dame Cathedral (Saigon Ward) became the visual center of Ho Chi Minh City: more than 1,000 LED lights lit from 6:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. every night, expected to last until January 5, 2026. This year's lighting system was invested in more elaborately, creating a brilliant facade and a distinct Christmas atmosphere right in the city center.

Father Ho Van Xuan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, said that 2025 is the Holy Year of the Universal Catholic Church, so the decorations have been enhanced; the number of LED lights is double that of the previous season. Symbolic motifs such as bells, stars, and pine trees make the space lively, with many layers of light interwoven.

Experience the bright night in the heart of the city

When the lights came on, a steady stream of people came to admire and take pictures. Some people compared the scene to remind them of Paris, amidst the chatter and the constant clicking of cameras. Many passersby also stopped their cars on the side of the road to check in. From groups of young people to families and foreign tourists, everyone wanted to keep a brilliant frame at the end of the year.

Phan Trung Hieu and Le Nguyen Khanh Ngan shared that this was their second time returning to the church this season. Mr. Pham Tan Phat's family (Binh Tri Dong ward) took the opportunity to bring their young child to take photos after seeing the decoration in newspapers and on social networks. An international tourist staying nearby said he wanted to keep a special moment during his vacation in Vietnam. Mr. Khuu Quang Sang (Binh Loi Trung ward) brought his pet and simply said: "I want to keep memories with my 'boss'."

In front of the cathedral, the marble statue of Our Lady of Peace stands out under hundreds of lights, creating a strong visual highlight. The light patches fall on the tiled floor, illuminating each window and architectural detail, making the facade vibrate in the night.

Architecture and historical landmarks

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the iconic buildings of Ho Chi Minh City and a popular destination for international tourists. Construction began in 1877 according to the design of architect J. Bourard and was awarded the title of Minor Basilica by the Vatican in 1959.

The cathedral is 60.5m high; the zinc tower and bell tower account for more than half of the height, creating a characteristic straight shape. After more than 130 years of use, the building is being fenced for restoration. The restoration project, which began in 2017, includes many complex items, requires a large budget, is taking a long time, and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Practical information for the visit

Lights on time frame: 6:45 p.m. - 11 p.m. daily, expected until January 5, 2026 (according to priest Ho Van Xuan).
This year's decorations: more than 1,000 LED lights, double the number from last season; additional bell, star, and pine tree motifs.
Sightseeing scene: crowded with people checking in, especially in the early evening of the season; the brightly lit facade area is a tourist attraction.
Construction status: many items are under renovation, the area is still fenced for conservation work.

Quick experience suggestions

Choose a time after 6:45 pm when the lights are turned on to fully experience the Christmas atmosphere.
Move around the facade area to see the overall lighting and decorative motifs; take pictures with the statue of Our Lady of Peace as a prominent background.
Remember to turn off the lights at 11pm to be proactive in your evening photography plan.