Vietnam's festive vibe peaked on Tuesday as residents and foreigners nationwide filled the streets to celebrate Christmas.

Though the cold air blanketed Hanoi, residents headed down the streets from afternoon till night to enjoy the Christmas cheer.

Several streets in Hoan Kiem District became crowded at 5:30 pm as the area was illuminated by lights and Christmas-themed decorations.

Robert R. Besner, a Canadian tourist, shared that the Christmas atmosphere in the capital city was wonderful.

Revealing his 14-day trip in Vietnam, he said that he, his wife, and their three children would start touring Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam and Sa Pa, a resort town in northern Lao Cai Province on Wednesday.

They will return to Hanoi to welcome the 2025 New Year on December 31.

A police officer in Hoan Kiem District told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that they planned to keep the streets orderly during the Christmas occasion so that residents could enjoy the festive joy safely. 

Security forces were stationed on the streets from Tuesday night until early Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday, the Christmas vibe permeated Ho Chi Minh City with residents dressed up and gathering in the heart of the southern metropolis by 6:00 pm, while cheerful music resounded through shops and restaurants.

In Ninh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam, people flocked to churches to celebrate Christmas.

Vo Thi Le Thuy, a resident of Phuoc Son Commune in Ninh Phuoc District, said her family had an early dinner to visit a nearby church for Christmas Eve.

“Despite the rain, thousands of Catholic followers gathered at Phuoc Thien Catholic Church early in the afternoon,” she said.

“This is the first time I have attended a Christmas celebration ceremony at the church,” said Phung Thi Thu Huyen, a resident of Phan Rang-Thap Cham City.

The vibrant Christmas atmosphere excited residents, she added.

Dong Nai Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City, was covered with the lively Christmas mood in the cold weather, with a Christmas tree made out of non la (Vietnamese conical hats) being among the highlights.

An estimated 1.2 million Catholic followers were excited to enjoy Christmas, an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, in a space adorned with sparkling lights and enchanting decorations.

At Christmas, nativity scenes and Christmas trees attracted crowds of people in the province.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Nga, a resident of Bien Hoa City, said that Christmas is not only a holiday but also an occasion for the whole family to gather and share good wishes.

A Christmas tree made out of over 3,800 conical hats stole the limelight during this year’s holiday, drawing throngs of visitors.

The tree has five tiers and is 40 meters tall. It is located in the heart of Bien Hoa City.

The Christmas spirit also pervaded Nha Trang City under the south-central province of Khanh Hoa.

Regardless of the rain, locals and tourists filled the streets to celebrate Christmas.

Hai Thang Tu Square, coffee shops, hotels, and restaurants were decorated with Christmas-themed items, luring a large number of visitors for photo shoots.

Dang Anh Thu Ngan, 18, showed her eagerness and joy to immerse herself in the Christmas mood.

“The atmosphere is lively and the space is charming and gleaming,” she said.

In a festive twist, the interiors of the trains were decorated with a Christmas tree, a snowman, and other charming holiday designs, according to the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company.

On Tuesday, train attendants dressed as Santa Claus and handed out gifts to passengers, adding to the holiday cheer. 

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