'Tis the season and Christmas is finally here. Christmas in Hanoi means many things to many people. Here is some of the cheer, celebration and meaning for our fellow Hanoian's as we wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas!
Restaurants surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake were all lit up with Christmas decorations.
The streets around the lake started getting busy from 8 o'clock.
Young people were having fun fighting for a good photo spot.
Buildings were all lit up too.
Christmas Eve in the Old Quarter drew in people from all over Hanoi, Vietnam, and the World. The Cathedral was packed with people as police cut off traffic in the area. Nearby, a car full of Santa Clausette's put traffic at a standstill. There were Santa hats, lights, decorations, people and cheer everywhere. Children dressed in red and even Santa Claus on a motorbike. This was Christmas Eve in Hanoi, a joyous occasion for people, and a spectacle to be observed for others.
The "Santa Clausettes" caused quite a commotion.
The overall feeling in the Old Quarter was one of joy as people paraded down the streets, and many just stopped to have a look at all the sites. The streets were packed, and this was Christmas Eve Hanoi-style. Jeff Becker, traveling with his partner, Alison Lavicka, both of Chicago, USA said, "It's a party. A celebration. This is far different from Christmas back home." They added that they had spent several Christmas's away from home, and this was the biggest celebration they'd experienced.
So what is Christmas in Hanoi? When asked this question, local resident and student Thuy Tien said, "It's fun, it's sparkling." She continued to explain about the importance of Christmas, "It's not important what you believe, it's an occasion to gather and be happy together, it's warm."
One foreigner on a motorbike; caught in traffic, called out with a grin, "This is nuts!"
For others, it was more of a surprise. Vu Huu Thanh Cong, a second year student from Quang Ninh Province and studying at Hanoi National University, has never been in Hanoi for Christmas. He spoke loudly over the horns and people, "I'm just trying to figure out what's going on!"
Similar sentiments were echoed by Canadians Michael and Susan from Toronto, "We're just waiting to see what's going to happen!" Michael, along with several others we encountered, regretted not bringing his camera out with him. When asked if anything were different about Christmas in Hanoi, He also said with a chuckle, "It's a lot warmer than Canada."
Christmas Eve in Hanoi was an event shared by everyone, a happy occasion, and nobody does Christmas quite like Hanoi.
Santa Clause trying to maneuver his motor bike through the packed street.
The Cathedral was the centre of attention.
People going to see more decorations in the backyard of the Cathedral.
Decoration in the backyard.
Even strangers were in the mood to wish each other a Merry Christmas.
After 9 o'clock the traffic got really intense.
* Photos by Anh Pham.
