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Many people in Ho Chi Minh City flocked to streets to welcome Christmas early on the night of December 23.
Thousands of young people learned from experience of previous years that it was difficult for them to come to Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica or places with Noel decorations on Christmas Eve due to very crowded streets. Therefore, they instead rushed into streets early to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
Streets in Ho Chi Minh City full of Christmas colours
Many couples also took their children to streets to see Santa Claus and pine trees. “Today, streets are not very crowded and fees at car parking lots are also cheaper. It is also safer for us to walk along streets without being afraid of pick pocketing,” Mr. Hoang, from Tan Binh District shared.
Main streets were covered with sparkling colours and streams of people moving to buildings such as Parkson, Diamond Plaza, Vincom and hotels like Caravell and the Saigon Center.
The most exciting place of the city annually is the Saigon Tax Trade Centre. This Christmas, the centre is the gathering of cultural symbols of different countries, which is a new feature this year. Images of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, France’s Eiffel Tower, Australia’s Sidney Opera House, America’s Las Vegas, and Japan’s Fuji Mountain are among the Ben Thanh Market-Ho Chi Minh City’s symbol. A Western Santa Claus stood in front of the Ben Thanh Market symbol and posed for pictures with children but adults had to pay him VND10,000 (USD0.5) per photo.
Sounds of hymns echoed at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica, the centre of Christmas Eve which is covered with sparkling candles.
Christmas activities for disadvantaged children in suburban areas are also organised. The Christmas atmosphere is on every corner of Ho Chi Minh City. Christmas is being called a day for all.
Mr. Hoang’s family took a photograph near Santa Claus
Sisters taking photos
People work hard as Christmas approaches
Viewing pine trees in front of Saigon Centre
Novelties and gifts delivered to children
Saigon Tax Trade Centre might be the busiest place in HCMC
A girl "traveling" on France’s Eiffel Tower
Santa playing with children
Young people have to pay VND10,000 (USD0.5) each for a photo
Bringing the Christmas spirit to disadvantaged children
Praying for the best
Danang:
On December 23rd, the streets in central Danang were also covered with lights and streams of people. Le Duan Street, with a modern lighting system, attracted a large number of visitors. This Christmas, Danang has become more attractive with “light parties”.
