Locals look forward to the holiday season, and Hanoi's Old Quarter is a hive of activity as Christmas preparations get underway.
Although Christmas is still a month away, Hang Ma Street in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District is already aglow with color and cheer thanks to its dazzling array of holiday decorations.
The entire street has been transformed into a festive wonderland, with ornaments and sparkling lights filling every corner.
From shimmering tinsel to life-size Santas, the street is a treasure trove of holiday cheer, drawing crowds of eager shoppers. These decorations, avidly snapped up by locals - Christian and non-Christian alike - reflect the growing excitement of the season.
In the weeks leading up to major festivals such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Halloween, Christmas, New Year's Eve and Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Hang Ma Street and the surrounding areas in Hanoi's Old Quarter are often packed with hordes of enthusiastic shoppers.
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| Since early November, shops along Hang Ma Street have started decking their storefronts with colorful Christmas decorations and festive ornaments, signaling the holiday season’s arrival. |
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| The street has been transformed, bursting with color and energy, a stark contrast to a few days ago. |
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| A merchant on Hang Ma Street says "green" products are becoming popular this year. |
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| "Instead of the usual fragile plastic, many stores now offer items made from sustainable materials such as recycled wood, felt and kraft paper," she explains. |
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| The wide variety of products offers consumers a wealth of exciting options. |
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| Younger shoppers are also particularly fond of classic European-style decorations. |
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| Decorative items such as red wooden soldiers, carved plates with reindeer, snowmen and Santa Claus range from VND30,000 to VND100,000 (about $1 to $4) depending on the size. Larger decorations such as polar bears, reindeer, and snowmen range from VND500,000 to VND1,000,000 (about $20 to $40). |
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| Christmas trees remain a popular decoration choice year after year. |
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| With its sparkling displays, Hang Ma Street has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals, especially young people looking for the perfect spot to take photos. |
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| Foreign tourists also delight in selecting vibrant, beautiful items to decorate their homes for Christmas. |
