The exciting atmosphere of Christmas has filled streets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with striking colours and decorations.
A cathedral in Hanoi lit up for Christmas
The familiar image of Santa Clause is seen in almost all places. Pine trees and white snow have also been displayed at fashion and souvenirs shops while offices cross the city have eagerly decorated pine trees with nice and cute items such as shells, ribbons and white-red silver papers or reindeers and beautiful dolls.
Vietnam news agency reported that the Vincom Trading Centre has impressed visitors with a colossal pine tree and big reindeers ridden by Santa Claus, and
Trang Tien Plaza splendidly decorated with Santa Claus and Baby Jesus, has become an ideal destination for children on this occasion.
Pine trees are still the first choice of customers.
This year, trees come in all different sizes and designs with prices ranging from 700,000 VND (US$35.91) to 4 million VND (US$205.23), doubling last year\'s prices.
Ho Chi Minh City, the country\'s economic hub, has been bustling on the day before the Christmas Eve with various music shows and artistic performances which will be staged by popular pop stars, namely My Linh, Hong Nhung, Phuong Thanh and Ho Ngoc Ha..
Many of the city’s entertainment venues are busy these days, offering exciting activities and entertainment programs.
Ho Chi Minh City is ‘decked out’ with colorful lights and Christmas decorations. Streets are very crowded with locals and tourists enjoying Christmas.
A concert entitled ‘Colors of the winter night’ featuring Christmas songs will be performed in Ho Chi Minh City Youth’s Cultural House on December 25.
Furthermore, ‘Winter night-happy new year’, is an activity for children taking place at HCM City Children’s House on December 24. The program includes a music performance, a winter fair, a masquerade and a circus.
The Idecaf Theater will present a new drama play entitled ‘Lucky genie’.
The Dam Sen Cultural Park will lure visitors with musical performances, comedies and puppetries.
The highlight will be a concert entitled ‘Gala Xmas 2010’ featuring pop star Dam Vinh Hung. This will bring a happy and enjoyable time to all music lovers. In addition, a special music show welcoming in the New Year for 2011, will take place on December 31.
The ‘Red Lotus 2011’ hip-hop competition is expected to attract large amounts of young people on January 1, 2011.
Meanwhile, Le Quy Duong Company will cooperate with the ‘Beloved heart club’ of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth’s Cultural House, to offer gifts and scholarships to disadvantaged students from Thanh Tung Primary School. The school is in Dinh Quan District, Dong Nai Province and the event will take place on December 25.
DTiNews reporters caught pictures of the celebrations across the country:
A Santa Clause posing in front of Hanoi\'s Saint Joseph Cathedral
Inside the cathedral
A dog wearing a Santa hat
Gift shops opened until late on Christmas Eve in Hanoi
Areas around Hoan Kiem Lake were packed with people
Fake snow attracted thousands in Ho Chi Minh City\'s Suoi Tien Entertainment Centre
People poured to the streets in Ho Chi Minh City...
... and in Hue City...
... and Da Nang
Kids enjoying the Christmas atmosphere in Nha Trang
Ha Tinh lighting up for Christmas
