Christmas is lighting up the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, with vibrant festivities and shopping sprees drawing residents and tourists alike to celebrate the holiday season. The city has transformed with dazzling decorations and charming events aimed at embracing the Christmas spirit.
A significant highlight is the festival featuring over 300 real pine and fir trees imported from Denmark, Bao Loc, and Da Lat, which recreate the serene ambiance of Europe right within the city. This area, dubbed the "Holy Forest," offers visitors the chance to experience Christmas surrounded by nature without needing to travel far from home.
Among the captivating displays are five unique sculptures and 14 Catholic statues crafted from bronze and stainless steel, formed by renowned artist Dinh Duy Ton. These artistic pieces not only narrate the Christmas tale but also infuse the setting with deep emotions, enhanced by the warm melodies of Christmas carols played throughout the festival.
The "Holy Light" area attracts hundreds of visitors with its enormous glowing gift box, echoing the architecture of famous churches throughout Vietnam. It serves as both a perfect photo opportunity and hosts games devoted to identifying various church designs, providing insight and prizes to participants for their knowledge of local culture.
Evenings are brought to life at the camBeat stage, featuring electrifying musical performances from bands like Rosie Band and Black Lemon Band, alongside dance troupes such as Kallus and Joker Kids Dance Studio. Special events on December 24th and 25th see the stage transition to an outdoor cinema, showcasing environmental science films created by the Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City and the Science Film Festival Vietnam, merging entertainment and education for families to enjoy together during this festive period.
Christmas spirit transcends mere decorations and entertainment, embodying the essence of community service. The festival coordinated the distribution of 100 thoughtful gifts for underprivileged children from Tan Phu Ward, part of the “Draw Your Dream” project, which aims to spread joy and share precious moments during the festive season.
The "chewDot" food area is another not-to-be-missed spot for food lovers, boasting numerous famous culinary brands offering rich cuisine ranging from traditional to modern dishes to satisfy every palate. The open-air dining experience, complemented by the festival's dazzling lights, turns every meal here not just delicious but also memorable.
Workshops at Merry Brew Festi invite visitors to creatively make pottery, create perfumes, and combine fragrant oils for their home, allowing participants to craft items reflecting their personal touch themed around Christmas. Such experiences not only entertain but also help create lasting memories for attendees.
Adding to the festive warmth is the Lumen Choir, comprised of 60 members who delivered classic carols blended with modern tunes, taking audiences on impactful musical journeys during performances held on December 20th and 22nd, thereby deepening the festive experience for many attendees.
Merry Brew Festi has grown to be more than just a celebration; it is a confluence of community bonding, sharing love, and promoting cultural arts. With its real pine trees, unique art exhibitions, lively music, outdoor film screenings, and meaningful activities, the festival has surely etched unforgettable moments for everyone involved, establishing this season as truly magical and memorable within the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Shopping trends are also reflecting this festive spirit, as observed on December 21st, where there was notable interest among the public for Christmas decorations. There has been significant demand for importing fresh pine trees sourced from Denmark, Russia, and the Netherlands, indicating the city's appetite for traditional festive décor.
One shopper, Nguyen Hai Nam from Tan Binh District shared enthusiasm about ordering a 125cm tall Danish pine tree for 2 million VND, stating, "It’s been a long time since we decorated with fresh trees, and this price seems reasonable compared to years past, making our family's Christmas bright and joyful."
According to local florists, orders for imported fresh pine trees have surged around 30% compared to last year, particularly for medium-priced trees ranging from 2-5 million VND, with sizes starting at 100cm. Despite the rising number of orders, many stores report already running out of stock due to high demand.
With the prices of fresh pine trees from Russia fluctuated due to transport costs, representing increases between 10%-15%, they continue to compare favorably against similar options from different origins. Numerous retailers have carefully managed their stock to match market needs, avoiding excess supply.
For larger trees exceeding 2 meters, prices range from several million to over 100 million VND, requiring early orders placed months before the festive season. Additional favored items include aromatic pine trees priced between 150,000 and 900,000 VND each, attracting attention for decorating homes during this festive time.
Alongside the tree sales, supermarkets like MM Mega Market and BigC have reported gradually increasing foot traffic from shoppers preparing for Christmas, reflecting rising enthusiasm among residents for both shopping and celebrating the joyous season.
Ho Chi Minh City is not just embracing the Christmas spirit through decorations but is also witnessing its culture flourish through community events and festive shopping. It’s truly shaping up to be a magical holiday season!
