Hundreds of real Christmas trees imported from temperate-climate countries have been sold out

With two weeks left until Christmas, families and business owners in Ho Chi Minh City are already getting in the Christmas spending spirit as an air of joy and festivity lingers about every corner of the southern hub.

Some stores selling Christmas decorations have reportedly sold out their stock, while shoppers spare no expense in getting their homes ready for the festive season.

Fake Christmas trees are especially hunted for this year, with stores introducing a wide variety of designs at prices ranging from VND600,000 to one million (US$26.43 – 44.05) to appeal to consumers of all backgrounds.

“Home decorators typically opt for those between 1.2 and 1.5 meters in height, while those who want to decorate their stores would go for trees taller than 1.8 meters,” said Oanh, owner of a Christmas decoration shop in District 10.

According to Oanh, minimalistic designs are in style this year, with the colors white and red being consumers’ favorites.

Those with more money at hand may even go for a real Christmas tree, imported from regions with temperate climate such as the U.S. or Europe.

Since Wednesday, over 500 real Christmas trees have arrived at Ho Chi Minh City from Denamark to meet local demands for the luxury decoration.

The trees had been kept hibernating in cold storage for four weeks while they were transported by sea over the long distance.

According to Diep, an importer of real Christmas trees, real trees have a pleasant aroma and an appearance superior to fake ones, while their branches are much more durable, making it easy to put on decorations.

Diep’s imports last year had been positively received by the local market, giving her confidence that this year’s shipment would also sell like hot cakes.

Prices for a real Christmas tree can range from VND1.5 million ($66) to over VND20 million ($880) depending on its size, which can be anywhere between 1.2 meters and over five meters.

Diep said over 80 percent of her imports had already been sold, while the rest will be put on display at public areas for everyone to enjoy the Christmas spirit.

Other Christmas ornaments such as wreaths, baubles, decorative strings and Santa Claus statues are also selling fast across the southern hub, with prices being maintained at almost the same level as last year’s thanks to abundant supply.

Those with less time to shop for decorations can buy pre-packaged Christmas combos at the price of VND85,000 – 3 million ($3.74 – 132) each, which includes all ornaments necessary to lighten up one’s house for the season.

Christmas services see gold

Nguyen Hoang Ngoc, sales executive at an event management company in Ho Chi Minh City, said 60 percent of their Santa Clause impersonators had been booked for December 24 and 25.

Hiring a Santa Clause to host a Christmas event can set one back VND1 – 3 million ($44 – 132), while gift-delivering Santa’s are hired at around VND500,000 ($22) per three hours on average.

“The presents are prepared by the customers, as we only carry out the delivery,” Ngoc said.

Santa Clause costumes can also be rented at from VND150,000 ($6.61) per set a day, with deducted price for those renting for more than one day.