Xmas celebrations in Vietnam

Despite the difficulties caused by the global economic crisis, the Christmas atmosphere has spread across the country, particularly in entertainment and shopping centres in big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Due to economic difficulties, people in Hanoi have not spent as much money on Christmas celebrations as they did last year. However, many people have tried to buy presents for their relatives. Trang Tien Plaza and Vincom City Towers have been decorated with pine trees and colourful ornamentation, including white snowflakes, fairy lights, bells and banners.

Big churches in the Central Highlands have been refurbished to welcome thousands of Christians to solemn masses on Christmas Eve. Local administrations and the fatherland front committees have visited and presented gifts to Catholic and Protestant dignitaries. The police have been deployed to ensure religious and non-religious followers will enjoy festive Christmas celebrations.

Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) will broadcast live a special Christmas music programme and a Vietnam Idol gala night themed Winter Night Melodies on channels 7 and 9.

This year, Christmas celebrations will take place along Le Loi and Nguyen Hue roads instead of other roads to April 30 Park near Notre Dam Cathedral such as Le Duan and Dong Khoi as in the previous year. Many majestic pine trees, about 4-5m high, have been erected and decorated with colourful ornamentation along these roads.

Following are pictures of Christmas celebrations in Vietnam.