Thousands of people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang flocked to local churches, shopping malls, and downtown areas on Thursday night to celebrate Christmas Eve.
According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters in Ho Chi Minh City, the crowds started rush to shopping malls and eateries in District 1 at around 7:00 pm.
Christmas lights and decorations lit up many streets and buildings in the city center to mark the occasion.
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is seen being packed with people on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
However, traffic congestion also occurred along these routes due to the large number of people and vehicles.
Residents were required to have their temperatures measured and sanitize their hands before entering restaurants and shopping malls.
They also donned face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Dong Khoi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City is congested on December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
“The weather is just perfect for us to celebrate Christmas. We wear face masks most of the time and only took them off when we needed to take photos,” said Minh Han, a local university student.
The famous Christian neighborhood on Thong Nhat Street in Go Vap District also attracted a lot of people with colorful and vibrant decorations.
People celebrate Christmas Eve at a shopping mall in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
“My family comes here every Christmas. We arrived early this year and took a lot of pictures,” said Pham Linh Chi, who resides in Go Vap.
In Hanoi, all popular destinations in downtown areas, especially the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, were already crowded in the early evening.
Traffic jams were recorded along such streets as Xa Dan, Nguyen Luong Bang, and the Tay Son-Nguyen Trai overpass.
A family poses for a photo in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
Elly, a visitor from Australia, said it was the first time she had celebrated Christmas with her parents in Hanoi, and that she was very surprised how bustling and lively the city became during this time.
In Da Nang, downtown streets turned colorful, vibrant, and crowded on Christmas Eve.
The lowest temperature in the central city was 22 degrees Celsius, and the weather was very pleasant and fitted the festive spirit.
Residents flock to a Christian neighborhood in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2020. Photo: Nhat Thinh / Tuoi Tre
Thu Duc Church in Ho Chi Minh City lights up on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre
People celebrate Christmas Eve at a church in Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2020. Photo: Khanh Tran / Tuoi Tre
The St. Joseph’s Cathedral inHanoi is crowded on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre
People wear face masks while celebrating Christmas Eve in downtown Hanoi, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre
Phung Khoang Church in Hanoi lights up on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Ha Thanh / Tuoi Tre
Foreign visitors celebrate Christmas Eve in Hanoi, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre
Foreign visitors celebrate Christmas Eve in Hanoi, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre
Young people celebrate Christmas Eve in Da Nang, December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
A family poses for a photo in Da Nang, December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
A couple brings their pets to downtown Da Nang to mark Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
A street in Da Nang is congested on December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
Tao Dan Park, a lush green space in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is set to dazzle locals and tourists alike with a brand-new lighting system. The upcoming installation promises to transform the downtown park into a stunning visual spectacle, creating a vibrant and captivating atmosphere for all who visit. With this exciting enhancement, Tao Dan Park is poised to become an even more popular destination, offering a unique and memorable experience in the bustling city.
Dong Thanh Communal House, also known as Hang Vai Communal House, is a sacred place of worship dedicated to the revered Saint Huyen Thien Tran Vu. Within its confines lies a centuries-old ancient water well, exquisitely carved and dating back over 200 years. This house of worship, with its rich history and intricate design, stands as a testament to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the community it serves.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a strong rebuke to the Trudeau administration following violent clashes outside a Hindu temple in Brampton this past weekend.
The 2024 Asian Buddhist Summit, a two-day event held on November 5-6, convened a diverse group of scholars, experts, and practitioners from across Central, Southeast, and East Asia. The summit, organized by the International Buddhist Confederation, delved into the propagation of Dhamma and the enduring significance of the Pali language in interpreting the teachings of the Buddha. The second day, hosted at the prestigious The Ashok H, continued this exploration, offering a profound insight into the spread and relevance of Buddhism in the modern world.