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From the afternoon of December 31st, authorities implemented a ban on vehicle traffic around the Ho Hoan Kiem pedestrian area, creating an open space for tourists and locals to experience the festive atmosphere and enjoy artistic activities celebrating the New Year.
Music filled the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, creating a festive atmosphere before the New Year's Eve countdown.
Streets such as Ngo Quyen, Ly Thai To, Hang Trong, Hang Gai, Hang Hom… became vibrant pedestrian zones, where people leisurely strolled, choosing convenient spots to await the New Year's Eve countdown. Restricting vehicles early on helped create a spacious and safe environment around the lake, attracting tens of thousands of people from various parts of the city.
As the cultural and tourist hub of the capital, Hoan Kiem Lake on the last night of the year takes on the appearance of a true festival destination. Many cafes and restaurants around the lake are fully booked days in advance, serving diners who enjoy food, conversation, and watching fireworks from elevated vantage points or right on the lake's surface. Booking tables and buying tickets early becomes a popular choice, as this area is always considered one of the best places to watch fireworks every New Year's Eve.
Thousands of locals and tourists gathered around the lake.
The pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake were packed with people.
At exactly 11:45 PM on December 31, 2025, Hanoi will begin its fireworks display to welcome the new year 2026. In the Hoan Kiem district alone, two fireworks displays will be set up around the lake, with the highlight being the first-ever pyrotechnic fireworks display launched from three locations in the middle of the lake.
Ho Guom Lake is brilliantly illuminated with artistic LED lights.
During the 15-minute performance, thousands of high-altitude and low-altitude fireworks continuously shot up into the air, bursting into multicolored clusters of light that reflected on the calm water, creating a dazzling light spectacle in the old town.
Brilliant fireworks illuminated the sky over Hoan Kiem Lake for 15 minutes.
During the 15-minute display, thousands of high-altitude and low-altitude fireworks continuously shot up into the air, bursting into clusters of multicolored light.
The atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake was filled with excitement. Crowds lined both sides of the lake, their eyes fixed on the sky as the first rays of sunlight burst forth. The sound of firecrackers mingled with the cheers and applause of the crowd, creating what many consider the most memorable moment of the year.
On that vibrant New Year's Eve, not only locals but also international tourists immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere. They captured photos of the fireworks, shared memorable moments with family and friends, and exchanged good wishes for the new year, hoping for peace, success, and happiness.
International tourists joined the crowds to watch the spectacular fireworks display.
Thousands of people eagerly await the moment of midnight.
People watched intently as the New Year's Eve countdown began and captured the spectacular fireworks display.
Besides the fireworks display, the Countdown 2026 program took place in Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake from the evening of December 31st, with vibrant music and cultural and artistic activities, contributing to creating a true community celebration.
The fireworks display at Hoan Kiem Lake has ended, but the emotions still linger in the hearts of those who attended. The light and sound show became an opportunity for the Hanoi community and visitors to share joy, express hope, and welcome a bright beginning to 2026.
