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Christmas is a major celebration for Catholics. However, for many years now, the Christmas season has no longer been solely a Catholic holiday, but has become a festival for the entire community. Immersing oneself in the characteristic atmosphere of the season, with the joy of reunion and peace, is a shared experience for many as they flock to churches, where Christmas activities are held.
Hang Ma Street (Hoan Kiem District), specializing in toys and home decorations, is one of the streets that has undergone the most dramatic transformation. Stalls displaying Christmas trees, Santa Claus costumes and hats, toys, and other decorations attract large crowds of shoppers, especially when Christmas falls on a weekend.
Hang Ma Street has always been an ideal location attracting a large number of locals and tourists who come to have fun and take souvenir photos.
Visiting Hang Ma Street during Christmas, tourists will be overwhelmed by the entire street sparkling with Christmas colors. The crowds of young people sightseeing and taking pictures further enhance the lively atmosphere of the year-end holiday season.
The places where the most people gather during Christmas are churches. From the beginning of December, a giant Christmas tree, reaching 16 meters in height, has been erected at the Grand Cathedral (Church Street, Hoan Kiem District) along with a model of the Nativity scene.
Hanoi is home to a large concentration of Catholic and Protestant believers, with approximately 200,000 people. Catholic and Protestant residents are preparing for Christmas 2023 early by decorating churches into attractive cultural spaces.
Since the beginning of December, the Christmas atmosphere has permeated Nha Tho Street and Hang Ma Street.
Ho Chi Minh City was equally vibrant and bustling. From the evening of December 23rd, the streets in District 1 and Nguyen Hue pedestrian street became congested due to the huge number of people who poured out to celebrate Christmas.
Tan Dinh Church (District 3) and Notre Dame Cathedral (District 1) have become familiar meeting places for many believers and people of all religions and backgrounds who come here to pray and enjoy the festive atmosphere in joy and happiness.
Tan Dinh Church shines brightly during the Christmas season.
Notre Dame Cathedral is a familiar landmark these days.
In particular, joining the crowds heading towards Notre Dame Cathedral, illuminated by dazzling lights, and listening to the church bells and clear hymns echoing in the chilly end-of-year weather evokes a multitude of emotions in the hearts of the people.
Furthermore, in Ho Chi Minh City, Diamond Plaza shopping mall (District 1) is one of the first places to be decorated, with a uniquely designed setting that attracts many locals and tourists to visit and take photos. This year, the mall is especially beautiful with its elaborate decorations, using the white, green, and red colors of the Christmas season. Christmas trees, snowmen, and rows of dazzling decorative lights create a magnificent festive scene.
The brightly decorated shopping malls are also popular check-in spots for young people.
Christmas has transcended the boundaries of a religious event, becoming an occasion for communities to engage in fun and entertainment activities and convey messages of love to loved ones and the wider community.
