From Hanoi’s St. Joseph’s Cathedral to Saigon’s Notre Dame, thousands of people filled the streets on Christmas Eve, embracing the festive glow and joyful spirit of the season.
On the evening of December 24, thousands of people in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi poured into brightly decorated streets and churches to celebrate Christmas together, filling the air with joy and festivity.
Ho Chi Minh City: Streets alive with light and laughter
By 7:30 p.m., major streets leading to Notre Dame Cathedral in downtown Saigon were jammed with traffic. On Han Thuyen Street, near Cong truong Cong xa Paris, motorbikes stood bumper to bumper as people tried to reach the city’s most iconic Christmas destination.From early evening, the cathedral’s square had already filled with crowds, making it one of the hottest “check-in” spots of the season.Along Nguyen Du Street, locals sat on low stools outside coffee shops, sipping drinks while soaking up the festive atmosphere.At Tan Dinh Church, hundreds gathered inside and outside the pink Gothic building to attend the 8 p.m. Mass. Families posed for photos in front of the church, capturing memories of a special night.“Christmas this year feels especially meaningful,” said Mr. Tam, who came with his family to join the celebration. “That’s why I wanted us all to be here together.”Many couples also took to the streets, strolling hand in hand, dining out, or visiting churches to enjoy the joyful mood of Christmas Eve.For Linh An, attending Mass at Tan Dinh Church for the third consecutive year has become a personal tradition. “I was lucky to receive a gift calendar this year,” she smiled. “I hope everyone has a peaceful, warm Christmas.”At Ba Chuong Church (St. Dominic Parish), actors performed biblical scenes while the courtyard below was packed with spectators watching music and dance performances celebrating the holy night.Elsewhere, along Pham Van Dong Street, young people in Santa outfits gathered in restaurants and bars, dancing and singing to lively music in a vibrant display of holiday cheer.
Hanoi: A festive glow under the cool December air
Up north, Hanoi’s downtown streets - especially Hai Ba Trung and Ngo Quyen - were equally crowded from around 7:30 p.m.Though it was a weekday, Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings were turned into a pedestrian zone to accommodate the festive crowds.At around 23°C, the evening was cool and pleasant. People strolled comfortably through the streets in light jackets, enjoying the atmosphere of Christmas Eve.Santa-costumed vendors moved between the crowds, selling small gifts and toys for children. Many curious kids stopped to take photos with them.The area around St. Joseph’s Cathedral was packed with visitors, many of them young people arriving early to secure good spots before the clock struck midnight.“I’ve come here every year for Christmas,” said Diep Anh, standing near the cathedral gates. “No matter how crowded it gets, the warmth and excitement always make it worthwhile.”
As midnight approached, bells rang across the city, lights sparkled above, and the streets of both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City shone as symbols of joy, faith, and community spirit - closing Christmas Eve 2025 with laughter, togetherness, and a shared wish for peace.
Vietnamnet.vn
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