Festive crowds mark Christmas Eve across Hanoi’s central streets
With the year drawing to a close, Christmas Eve brought one of Hanoi’s busiest nights as crowds filled central streets to welcome the holiday season.
THE HANOI TIMES — Thousands of people, especially young people and families, gathered around Hanoi Cathedral and nearby streets on the evening of December 24 to celebrate Christmas 2025.
Today, Christmas has grown beyond a religious holiday. It has become a shared celebration, as people mark the closing days of the year and look ahead with hope to a new one.
As in previous years, the Christmas season fills Hanoi’s streets with energy, with large crowds gathering in central areas, particularly around the cathedral.
From early evening, residents and visitors arrive in large numbers to stroll, take photos and check in, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.
As night fell, the crowds thicken. Hanoi Cathedral appears in a refreshed festive look, standing out clearly from its familiar daily image.
Foreign tourists join residents in celebrating Christmas, adding to the lively and international atmosphere.
Many people pause to capture moments that come only once a year at this iconic landmark.
Many people pause to capture moments that come only once a year at this iconic landmark.
The mood in front of the cathedral grows especially vibrant as cultural and musical performances takes place. Streets leading to the site become crowded with people and vehicles.
Other central streets, including Hang Ma Street in the Old Quarter, also glow with colorful decorations.
Young people and families continue to fill the streets, enjoying the festive spirit and the joyful days leading up to the end of 2025.
