This Christmas season, the cathedral has been adorned with over 1,000 LED lights - double the number used last year. A dense lighting system blankets the cathedral’s entire facade, creating a breathtaking visual that stands out in the cityscape.

Alongside the dazzling lights, cheerful elements like bells, stars, and Christmas trees add color and vibrancy to the setting.

According to Father Ho Van Xuan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, the lights will be turned on daily from 6:45 PM to 11:00 PM and are scheduled to remain until January 5, 2026.

“This year is a Holy Year for the Universal Catholic Church, so the decorations at the cathedral have been invested in more thoroughly than in previous seasons,” he shared.

The glowing cathedral has quickly become a magnet for visitors.

Some young people liken the scenery to Paris. Phan Trung Hieu and Le Nguyen Khanh Ngan, visiting for the second time, said they were drawn back by the festive ambiance.

Even passersby find it hard to resist stopping for a quick snapshot. Motorbikes line the streets as people pause to check in.

Pham Tan Phat, who brought his family from Binh Tri Dong Ward, said he saw the beautifully decorated cathedral on the news and social media. "I immediately invited the whole family for an evening stroll and some photos to mark the end of the year,” he said.

Foreign tourists staying nearby are also lured in by the spectacle. One traveler shared that they wanted to capture these unique moments of their holiday in Vietnam.

Khưu Quang Sang from Binh Loi Trung Ward even brought his small dog along. “I want to keep a memory with my boss,” he joked, adjusting the pup’s collar before striking a pose.

In front of the sea of lights, the marble statue of Our Lady of Peace becomes even more striking, standing as a peaceful sentinel before the cathedral.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is not only a spiritual center for the Catholic community but also one of Ho Chi Minh City’s architectural icons. It attracts thousands of international visitors each year.

Construction began in 1877 based on designs by architect J. Bourard. In 1959, the Vatican bestowed upon it the title of Minor Basilica.

Standing 60.5 meters tall - with the twin bell towers accounting for more than half that height - the cathedral remains under scaffolding as part of a long-term restoration project.

This extensive renovation began in 2017 and involves complex procedures with a significant budget. Completion is expected in 2027.

Tuan Hung