People in Hanoi, Hoi An City in central Quang Nam Province, and Ho Chi Minh City celebrated Christmas Eve differently on Friday night, with streets in the Vietnamese capital turning quieter than other holidays while those in the latter two cities were jammed with festival-goers.

Only some downtown streets in the capital city were crowded on Friday evening, while most churches maintained their tranquility during the holy night.

It appeared that people gave the priority to the prevention and control of COVID-19 over the festive celebration.

A health worker takes a nasal swab from a visitor to the St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

Nha Tho Street, which leads to the St. Joseph's Cathedral, becomes empty in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

Vehicles throng Le Thai To Street in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

Cua Bac Cathedral turns quiet in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

People visit Hang Ma Street in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

The St. Joseph's Cathedral turns quiet in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

Parishioners visit the St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

An officer stands guard on Hang Ma Street in Hanoi, December 24, 2021. Photo: Dat Quan / Tuoi Tre

Meanwhile, thousands of tourists descended on Hoi An City in Quang Nam Province on Friday night to celebrate Christmas Eve at the Hoi Den Long Pho Co (Ancient Town Lantern Festival) event, which was launched by local authorities.

People enjoy a street performance on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, December 24, 2021. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Visitors enjoy sightseeing on a boat in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, December 24, 2021. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Visitors go sightseeing on a boat in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, December 24, 2021. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

The An Hoi Bridge spans over the Hoai River in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, December 24, 2021. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Cau Pagoda (Japanese Covered Bridge) is pictured in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, December 24, 2021. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Visitors tour the pedestrian zone in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, December 24, 2021. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

In Ho Chi Minh City, many people flocked to celebrate Christmas Eve on Friday night, causing serious traffic congestion along many routes.

Traffic congestion occurs at Hang Xanh Intersection in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2021. Photo: L.P. / Tuoi Tre

People crowd Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2021. Photo: Nhat Thinh / Tuoi Tre

Traffic congestion occurs on Nguyen Hue Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2021. Photo: Nhat Thinh / Tuoi Tre

Traffic congestion occurs at Hang Xanh Intersection in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2021. Photo: L.P. / Tuoi Tre

Hanoi, Quang Nam, and Ho Chi Minh City have documented more than 32,800, 5,000, and 498,600 COVID-19 infections, respectively, since the fourth virus wave hit Vietnam on April 27.

Over 98 percent, 72 percent, and 98 percent of adults in the three localities have correspondingly been fully vaccinated, according to the national COVID-19 vaccination portal.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!