Despite the chilly weather, the festive cheer of Christmas warmed the streets of Hanoi as residents headed out to celebrate and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Hanoi’s youth capture memories on Hang Ma Street, capturing the essence of Christmas Eve in the Hoan Kiem District. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre |
As the clock struck 5:30 pm, the Hoan Kiem District transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with vibrant lights and festive decorations illuminating the area.
Among the crowd was Robert R. Besner, a Canadian tourist, who shared his delight in experiencing the wonderful Christmas atmosphere that Hanoi had to offer.
Besner, along with his wife and their three children, embarked on a 14-day journey through Vietnam. Their itinerary included exploring the picturesque Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province and the enchanting town of Sa Pa in Lao Cai Province, with their journey commencing on Wednesday.
The family plans to return to Hanoi to ring in the 2025 New Year, joining the city’s celebrations on December 31st.
Ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike, a Hoan Kiem District police officer shared their commitment to maintaining orderly streets during the Christmas festivities, allowing everyone to revel in the joy of the season.
Security forces were deployed on the streets from Tuesday night through to the early hours of Wednesday morning, maintaining a peaceful environment for all.
Hanoi’s youth take to the streets, embracing the Christmas Eve celebrations. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre |
|
Crowds gather, filling the streets with festive cheer and causing a gentle congestion in Hanoi on Christmas Eve. Photo: Hong Quang / Tuoi Tre |
Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Christmas spirit was equally vibrant, with residents donning their finest attire and gathering in the heart of the metropolis by 6:00 pm. Cheerful music filled the air, emanating from shops and restaurants, creating a joyous ambiance.
Catholic followers unite at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, celebrating Christmas Eve with a service. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
Ho Chi Minh City’s streets buzz with excitement as people flock to celebrate Christmas Eve. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
Catholic followers gather outside the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, united in faith and celebration. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
Phuc Le, a resident of Thu Duc City, captures a memorable selfie at the Mac Ty Nho Church in District 1, joining in the Christmas festivities. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre |
Ho Chi Minh City’s downtown shopping mall attracts crowds, with Christmas-themed decorations and offerings. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre |
Hai Ba Trung Street buzzes with commuters as Tan Dinh Church becomes a popular destination for Christmas celebrations. Photo: Le Thanh Huy |
In Ninh Thuan Province, located in south-central Vietnam, the Christmas spirit was equally strong, with people flocking to churches to commemorate the occasion.
Vo Thi Le Thuy, a resident of Phuoc Son Commune in Ninh Phuoc District, shared how her family enjoyed an early dinner to ensure they could attend the nearby church’s Christmas Eve service.
“Despite the rain, thousands of Catholic followers gathered at Phuoc Thien Catholic Church in the early afternoon,” she recalled.
For Phung Thi Thu Huyen, a resident of Phan Rang-Thap Cham City, this Christmas held a special significance: “This is my first time attending a Christmas celebration ceremony at the church,” she said, adding that the vibrant atmosphere brought excitement to the residents.
Phuoc Thien Church in Ninh Thuan Province becomes a beacon of celebration, attracting thousands. Photo: Duy Ngoc |
Children bring joy to the celebrations with their performances at Phuoc Thien Church in Ninh Thuan Province. Photo: Duy Ngoc |
Dong Nai Province, neighboring Ho Chi Minh City, also embraced the Christmas cheer, with a unique highlight being a Christmas tree crafted from traditional Vietnamese conical hats.
An estimated 1.2 million Catholic followers gathered to celebrate Christmas, an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, in a space adorned with sparkling lights and enchanting decorations.
Nativity scenes and Christmas trees attracted crowds, with Nguyen Thi Ngoc Nga, a resident of Bien Hoa City, sharing how Christmas is not just a holiday but a precious occasion for families to unite and share their warmest wishes.
The star of this year’s celebrations was an impressive Christmas tree crafted from over 3,800 conical hats, standing tall at 40 meters with five tiers, drawing throngs of visitors to its location in the heart of Bien Hoa City.
A unique Christmas tree crafted from ‘non la’ (Vietnamese conical hats) shines in Dong Nai Province. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre |
Ha Phat Church in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, proudly displays their giant Christmas tree, a seven-year tradition. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre |
|
A church in Dong Nai Province adorned with Christmas decorations, spreading holiday cheer. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre |
Residents and visitors pose for photos, capturing the magic of Christmas in Dong Nai Province. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre |
The festive spirit also reached Nha Trang City in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, where locals and tourists alike filled the streets, undeterred by the rain, to celebrate Christmas together.
Hai Thang Tu Square, coffee shops, hotels, and restaurants were adorned with Christmas-themed decorations, attracting visitors eager to capture memorable photos.
Dang Anh Thu Ngan, an enthusiastic 18-year-old, shared her joy in immersing herself in the lively and enchanting Christmas atmosphere.
A hotel in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, showcases a Christmas tree, attracting foreigners and locals alike. Photo: Tran Hoai |
Residents and visitors gather at Hai Thang Tu Square in Nha Trang City, capturing the festive spirit. Photo: Tran Hoai |
Children bring Christmas Eve to life with their energetic performances in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province. Photo: Tran Hoai |
Adding to the merriment, the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company shared how the interiors of trains were festively decorated with Christmas trees, snowmen, and other charming holiday designs.
On Tuesday, train attendants dressed as Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer and handing out gifts to passengers, creating unforgettable memories for all.
The Capital’s Dazzling Display for a Vibrant New Year 2025
As the dual celebration of the New Year and Lunar New Year fast approaches, the ancient streets of Hanoi are transformed into a vibrant tapestry of color and culture. The city comes alive with a dazzling display of flags and flowers, their vibrant hues a stark contrast to the bustling streets. Festive slogans adorn the walls, adding to the electric atmosphere as the city gears up to welcome 2025 and celebrate the country’s rich traditions with great fervor.