Many shops in HCM City have decorated their stores and streets with colourful ornaments to prepare and celebrate Christmas.

The most boisterous place may be Saigon Tax Trade Centre, where Santa's reindeer were put on display. Snowmen and the Christmas tree also attract a lot of people to the centre.

On the other hand, Saigon Centre is still the biggest venue for Christmas decorating, and kept a happy atmosphere for the night.

Christianity was first introduced in Vietnam in 16th century and strengthened its presence when Vietnam was a French colony. Compared with Vietnam's original major regions of Buddhism, Christianity is still new to many Vietnamese.

It has been rumored that the first Christmas celebration was held in the 17th century by a wife of Lord Nguyen Hoang. She was baptized and dedicated her life to the Christian faith.

Nowadays young Vietnamese have been embracing Christmas without the religions connotations. Most see it as a sort of festival and an occasion to have fun with their friends and loved ones.

People gathered around Saigon Tax Trade Centre to take pictures

Saigon Centre

Pink Christmas

Christmas tree set up by Vincom Centre A

A unique Christmas tree in the Caravelle Hotel

Diamond Plaza's humourous display

White Christmas tree of Royal Hotel Saigon

Bitexco Financial Tower and Saigon Skydeck also celebrate with bear family

The streets vibrant with colourful lights