According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters in Ho Chi Minh City, the crowds started rush to shopping malls and eateries in District 1 at around 7:00 pm.

Christmas lights and decorations lit up many streets and buildings in the city center to mark the occasion.

Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is seen being packed with people on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

However, traffic congestion also occurred along these routes due to the large number of people and vehicles.

Residents were required to have their temperatures measured and sanitize their hands before entering restaurants and shopping malls.

They also donned face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Dong Khoi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City is congested on December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

“The weather is just perfect for us to celebrate Christmas. We wear face masks most of the time and only took them off when we needed to take photos,” said Minh Han, a local university student.

The famous Christian neighborhood on Thong Nhat Street in Go Vap District also attracted a lot of people with colorful and vibrant decorations.

People celebrate Christmas Eve at a shopping mall in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

“My family comes here every Christmas. We arrived early this year and took a lot of pictures,” said Pham Linh Chi, who resides in Go Vap.

In Hanoi, all popular destinations in downtown areas, especially the St. Joseph's Cathedral, were already crowded in the early evening.

Traffic jams were recorded along such streets as Xa Dan, Nguyen Luong Bang, and the Tay Son-Nguyen Trai overpass.

A family poses for a photo in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Elly, a visitor from Australia, said it was the first time she had celebrated Christmas with her parents in Hanoi, and that she was very surprised how bustling and lively the city became during this time.

In Da Nang, downtown streets turned colorful, vibrant, and crowded on Christmas Eve.

The lowest temperature in the central city was 22 degrees Celsius, and the weather was very pleasant and fitted the festive spirit.

Residents flock to a Christian neighborhood in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2020. Photo: Nhat Thinh / Tuoi Tre

Thu Duc Church in Ho Chi Minh City lights up on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

People celebrate Christmas Eve at a church in Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City, December 24, 2020. Photo: Khanh Tran / Tuoi Tre

The St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi is crowded on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

People wear face masks while celebrating Christmas Eve in downtown Hanoi, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Phung Khoang Church in Hanoi lights up on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Ha Thanh / Tuoi Tre

Foreign visitors celebrate Christmas Eve in Hanoi, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Foreign visitors celebrate Christmas Eve in Hanoi, December 24, 2020. Photo: Mai Thuong / Tuoi Tre

Young people celebrate Christmas Eve in Da Nang, December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

A family poses for a photo in Da Nang, December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

A couple brings their pets to downtown Da Nang to mark Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

A street in Da Nang is congested on December 24, 2020. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

Source: tuoitrenews.vn