A 35-meter-tall Christmas tree made from nearly 3,000 traditional Vietnamese conical hats has become the centerpiece of this year’s holiday festivities in Dong Nai.

Each evening at 6:30 p.m., thousands of lights elegantly tucked beneath the hats illuminate the tree in a dazzling display, transforming the church grounds into a luminous winter wonderland.

Located at Ha Phat Church in Long Binh Ward, the conical hat Christmas tree  -  the tallest of its kind in Vietnam  -  features a four-tiered design. Its widest base measures almost 15 meters in diameter and gradually tapers toward the top.

To ensure safety during strong winds, the structure is reinforced with an external system of supporting cables.

The tree is adorned with shimmering tinsel and hundreds of colorful ornaments, further enhancing its vibrant, festive feel.

By late afternoon, crowds begin to gather to witness the moment the lights come on. Nguyen Thu Ha, a visitor from Binh Minh Commune, said her family returns every year to see the tree, yet each lighting still feels fresh and moving.

“It’s not just the size that impresses me,” Ha shared. “The use of nón lá makes it deeply Vietnamese. When the lights come on, the whole courtyard glows, and it truly feels like Christmas has arrived.”

From young couples to families with children and the elderly, people from all walks of life have flocked to Ha Phat Church to take photos and enjoy the early holiday atmosphere. As night deepens, the area becomes one of Dong Nai’s most popular seasonal check-in spots.

Le Thi Minh Hang and Nguyen Minh Hieu, two young residents from Ho Nai Ward, arrived early to capture perfect photos.

According to Hang, the tree stands out not just for its scale but for its symbolism  -  a creative fusion of Vietnam’s cultural heritage with Catholic Christmas tradition.

A church representative said the tree will remain lit throughout the Christmas season, with lights temporarily turned off for 10 minutes each evening to allow a water-cooling system to operate and maintain safe, stable functioning.

Now in its eighth year, Ha Phat Church continues its tradition of crafting Christmas trees from conical hats. While this year’s tree features one fewer tier than in 2024, its size, brightness, and originality continue to attract crowds from near and far.

Back in 2020, the Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) officially recognized the Ha Phat Church tree as “Vietnam’s tallest Christmas tree made from conical hats,” measuring 35 meters and constructed from 2,360 hats.

Hoang Anh