Visitors, many of whom are children, go shopping for Christmas gifts at Hàng Mã Street in Hà Nội's Old Quarter. The street is one of the famous places for toys and decorations. VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

HÀ NỘI A festive atmosphere is spreading through Hà Nội as the capital city busily prepares for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Christmas is only days away, and every corner of the capital city is brightened with colourful lights. Thousands of visitors and Hanoians are attracted downtown daily to admire the sparkling seasonal decorations.

Hà Nội's streets are currently embracing a bustling vibe with beautiful shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, squares and churches.

The facade of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Nhà Chung Street is decorated with a giant Christmas tree and nativity scene. — VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

The city hosts a variety of Christmas markets where unique gifts, handmade crafts and delicious treats can be found. These markets are a treasure trove of local products and souvenirs, allowing visitors to support local artisans and businesses.

From the bustling Đồng Xuân Market to the charming weekend night markets, there is no shortage of options to explore and find that unique Christmas present for loved ones. The markets often feature live music performances, cultural shows, and food stalls offering traditional Vietnamese delicacies, offering an immersive and delightful experience for everyone.

Hàng Mã Street in the Old Quarter, one of the famous places for trading toys and decorations, is currently buzzing with business activities as many shops showcase festive items available for purchase to prepare for the Noel season.

A shopping mall at Cửa Nam Trading Centre is sparkling with decorative Christmas models. Hà Nội's streets are currently embracing a festive vibe with beautiful shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, squares and churches.— VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

The street has been transformed into a Christmas market, offering an attractive one-stop destination where all kinds of ornaments for this special occasion can be found.

Today, Christmas and New Year are a time for gatherings and a joyous occasion for numerous Vietnamese families, especially children eagerly anticipating gifts from friends, loved ones, and Santa Claus.

This year's offerings, such as trees, wreaths, golden bells and snowmen, come in a wide variety, featuring rich designs and vibrant colours.

The prices are also very diverse, affordable for customers to have a choice ranging from a few hundred thousand to several million đồng. A giant Christmas tree may cost about VNĐ3-4 million (US$123-160).

The St. Joseph's Cathedral on Nhà Chung Street in downtown Hoàn Kiếm District is one of the oldest churches in the capital. — VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

Christmas product traders see a new trend of handmade crafts with red prominent in unique designs and display styles.

Consumers tend to use fresh trees for decoration instead of industrial-coloured plastic ones. Grasping this trend, many bonsai shops have imported fresh pine trees of many different sizes.

Hà Thu, an employee of Tropical Forest, an ornamental plant store in Tô Hiệu Street, shared: "Pre-decorated small and fragrant pine trees are the most popular items. In addition, fresh pine trees are also a good choice for customers who want to get a large tree, especially those who are owners of small cafes or clothing stores."

The fresh pine trees on sale in the market today are mainly from the Central Highlands city of Đà Lạt with sizes ranging from 90-150cm and prices ranging from VNĐ400,000 to VNĐ1 million, not including decoration.

"Many shops started stocking trees from the beginning of November to keep the Christmas trees fresh to meet customer demand around the beginning of December. The price has not changed much compared to last year," Thu said.

Hồng Hạnh, a trader on Hàng Mã Street, said this year, many customers prioritised choosing decorations with handicrafts made in Việt Nam rather than those imported from China.

In many shopping malls, business centres, and churches in Hà Nội, colourful lights and giant Christmas trees have been set up with beautiful decorations, capturing the attention of visitors and passers-by.

Foreign tourists enjoy a festive Christmas atmosphere in Hà Nội. — VNS Photo Đoàn Tùng

Mega malls at Lotte Centre in Đào Tấn Street, Ba Đình District, Royal City Vincom and Vincom Nguyễn Chí Thanh are splendidly decorated to welcome Christmas.

At the entrance of Vincom Centre on Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street, Đống Đa District, a giant Christmas tree about 10m high has been set up and elaborately decorated to shimmer under the lights, attracting locals to take pictures.

The distinctive red and green colours and figures of Santa Claus, pine trees, reindeer, gift boxes and decorative miniatures are easy to spot in other shopping malls now.

Restaurants and shops are also brightened with colourful lights, harmonising with the bustling Christmas atmosphere in the last days of the year.

Impressive decorations attract a lot of families, children and young people to visit and capture the beautiful moments.

The facade of St. Joseph's Cathedral in central Hà Nội is shining with a Christmas tree and nativity scene. In recent years, the Christmas tree at the cathedral has been considered the largest one in the city. It is always a favourite destination for tourists and Hanoians to enjoy the festive Christmas spirit and take photos.

Located on Nhà Chung Street in downtown Hoàn Kiếm District, the cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the capital.

At Hàm Long parish church, a giant Christmas tree has also been erected, and the decoration, done together by parishioners, has been completed.

Thu Hương, a parishioner of Hàm Long Church, said: "Every year, members of the parish community gather to prepare for Christmas. This is a significant occasion, so each of us spends time on it as a contribution to decorating the church."

Cửa Bắc Church, one of the most beautiful in the capital city, has also completed a programme to celebrate Noel. A huge Christmas tree of about 12m is lavishly decorated with many balls, bell strings, big stars and electric lights. VNS