Wishing to bring this festive cheer to Ho Chi Minh City, the Consulates general of France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands organize a charity Christmas market in the gardens of the French Residence on November 25.

According to the information from Facebook page of the French Consulate General, the one-day event attracted more than 2,000 people from the local communities as well as foreign families are living, studying, and working in the city.

Together, the five participating European Consulates raised VND 164 Million (USD 6.700), which will be donated to five charities including Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe e.V., E-ducare, Ho Chi Minh Heart Institute, Mai am Ba Chieu (Ba Chieu Home) and Song Foundation.

Consuls general of France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands jointly cut the ribbon to open the European Charity Christmas Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Consulate General of France

Visitors had the opportunity to explore meaningful gifts at European handicraft and decor stalls, enjoyed mulled wine, savored traditional Christmas cakes and listened to traditional carols sung by choirs at the event.

The event also featured numerous fun activities for children, allowing them to explore European traditions and cultures. In addition, children also had the chance to ride a pony.

The Hungarian Consulate General had its own stand selling Hungarian products like chimney cake, champagne, traditional Hungarian home-made Christmas pastries.

In a space filled with the choir singing, many people from many countries came together to sing Christmas songs like Stille Nacht and Jingle Bells.

The gardens of the French Residence, is be open to the public, and was transformed into a magical place with the scent of traditional Christmas cakes and mulled wine, while choirs sing traditional carols. Photo: Consulate General of France

In addition to the people of HCM City, many foreigners living and settling in Vietnam come here to feel the Christmas atmosphere again like at home. Even though there are differences in language and culture, everyone who came here wants to contribute a small part to help those in need.

From the success of this Charity Christmas Market, the Consulates hope that in the coming years there will be more meaningful activities for Ho Chi Minh City in particular, and for Vietnam in general.

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