Bustling Christmas night 2025

On the evening of December 24, more than 1.4 million Catholic and Protestant followers in Dong Nai joyfully celebrated Christmas 2025.

Children check in with the Christmas tree at Vincom Shopping Center, Tam Hiep ward. Photo: Le Duy

Accordingly, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Catholic churches across the province began holding the Christmas Eve Mass. After attending Mass at the church, parishioners took part in recreational activities on the parish grounds, visited entertainment venues, and returned home to celebrate with their families. Earlier, from 18h, the festive Christmas atmosphere at churches had already begun with the children's Mass.

At Bac Hai Parish (on Nguyen Ai Quoc street, Long Binh ward), the Christmas atmosphere was vibrant, spreading from each Catholic household and neighborhood to the parish itself. Ha Huy Tuan, Deputy Head of the Bac Hai Parish Pastoral Council, said: From early December, parishioners began decorating their homes and neighborhood streets to welcome the birth of Christ. At the same time, numerous activities were undertaken to support individuals in challenging circumstances. Notably, the parish presented 200 gift packages, each containing 20kg of rice and 200,000 VND in cash, to disadvantaged households. Additionally, parish associations provided support to underprivileged and vulnerable individuals in the local area.

People take commemorative photos at Bien Hoa Parish, Tran Bien ward. Photo: Van Truyen

At Thuan Loi Parish (Thuan Loi commune), the atmosphere welcoming Christmas this year was equally lively and warm. Nguyen Van Tu, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council of Thuan Loi Parish, said: The parish is home to more than 500 parishioners. This year, clergy, parish officials, and parishioners were especially joyful as, just before Christmas, they welcomed a delegation from the provincial leadership who came to visit and offer congratulations. At the same time, provincial leaders shared information about the socio-economic situation of Dong Nai and development plans aimed at creating jobs and improving access to education for local children. This information was a source of joy for everyone, including parishioners, during the Christmas season.

According to Priest Nguyen Minh Chanh, Parish Priest of An Khuong Parish (Tan Hung commune), this year, more than 900 parishioners celebrated Christmas with great joy. In addition, the parish and parishioners did not forget to show care for those still facing difficulties in life. As such, during this year’s Christmas season, the parish organized a “Meal of love” for older people, people with disabilities, and local children, and also presented gifts and new clothes to children.

On Christmas night, many families gathered at Vincom Shopping Center in Tam Hiep ward to enjoy activities and take photos. Photo: Le Duy

Joining a group of friends at Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien ward) to attend Mass and enjoy the festivities, Nguyen Thuy Van, a parishioner of Bien Hoa Parish, shared: She and others made an effort to arrive earlier than the scheduled time to take commemorative photos together and join in the activities organized at the parish.

At the same time, nearly 84 thousand Protestant followers also joyfully celebrated Christmas. According to leaders of Protestant congregations in the province, the Christmas spirit remains vibrant in every believer. To share this joy, they also gave gifts to people experiencing poverty and to those facing hardship in the community.

By Van Truyen – Translated by Minh Hanh, Minho