As Christmas is around the corner, people in Ho Chi Minh City crowd trade centers, restaurants, bookstores, and streets, willing to spend money on dining and entertainment services during the holiday.

The festive vibes are filling every corner of the city, with Christmas party, makeup, and entertainment services in demand.

Restaurants are in full swing these days, with some high-end restaurants having stopped receiving bookings for the past two weeks, forcing many customers to change their plans.

As a case in point, Nguyen Thi Diem Huong from Go Vap District could not secure a table at a restaurant on Ton Duc Thang Street, even as a regular patron.

At another popular spot on Nguyen Hue Street, only tables after 8:30 pm are still available.

Budget-friendly eateries and food courts in shopping malls, such as Diamond Plaza in District 1, a shopping mall on Dong Khoi Street in District 1, and Vincom Plaza on Ba Thang Hai Street in District 10, are equally packed with diners.

Many people are opting for shopping centers due to the convenience they offer.

Thanh Huong, a resident of District 12, noted that dining and enjoying entertainment at a single destination helps her avoid the hassle of traffic congestion she would face when traveling on the road around Christmas.

Despite the economic slowdown, many residents remain willing to spend on dining and entertainment services during the festive season.

Trade centers attract customers with events

Trade centers in Ho Chi Minh City are running promotional programs and events to lure customers.

Le Thuy Truc Ngu, marketing director at Van Hanh Mall in District 10, said the mall is offering discounts of up to 70 percent. A highlight there is a lucky draw program and events lasting for 15 days.

Diamond Plaza and the Park Hyatt Hotel are also offering special entertainment activities on weekends, including a Christmas program on December 24 and 25.

Waterway tourism services have seen significant growth. Les Rives Company, which offers speedboat tours along the Saigon River, plans to increase its daily offerings to 10 tours, serving 150-200 customers, primarily foreigners.

Toy stores are bustling as they prepare products for local consumers.

Demand for holiday decorations is also high among locals.

Le Thi Huong, a resident of Tan Binh District, said that holidays like New Year, Mid-Autumn, Halloween, and Christmas are opportunities for her family to embrace the festive spirit.

She is willing to spend several million Vietnamese dong on decorations, Huong added.

(VND1 million = US$39.3)

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