Hanoi (VNA) - Brightly lit, bustling streets, bedecked churches andbuildings and groups of people enjoying the holiday season, marked the Eve ofChristmas across the country.

Bigcities and provinces, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, were transformedwith colourful and shimmering lights and decorations.

OnDecember 24, thousands of people had a sleepless night, as they flocked to thestreets, churches and shopping malls, sharing beautiful and memorable momentswith friends and families.

Fromearly evening, the streets around Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake and those leadingto the Saint Joseph Cathedral, decked with colourful Christmas decorations andgifts, were bustling.

For manyyears, the church has remained a highlight of the Christmas holidays. It is oneof the most visited places on the eve of Christmas by both Christians andnon-Christians.

Hang MaStreet was also full of people as it is well-known as a shopping street fordecorations, gifts and everything else, not only during Christmas but also forthe New Year and other festivals.

Mostpeople chose to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoyed the music, danceperformances and folk games taking place there.

Shoppingmalls and hotels were also frequented by youngsters.

Trang TienPlaza, located next to Hoan Kiem Lake, was beautifully decorated. The front ofthe commercial centre was lit up with thousands of lights, attracting people totake pictures.

RoyalCity and Times City looked like magnificent palaces, with sparkling Christmastrees, galaxy ornaments and beautiful wreaths everywhere.

TheEuropean-styled Metropole Hotel also saw people gathering under itsglittering lights and shining garlands to take selfies.

🍰[Photos: Exciting atmosphere ahead Christmas season 2017]

Those whodidn’t want to walk stopped by at cafés, to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere,albeit in a more quiet style.

Manystores around the area also cashed in on the holiday demand, by offering majorprice cuts.

In HCMCity, the Notre Dame Cathedral in the centre of District 1 was the most popularvenue for people.

Thechurch is decorated beautifully, days before Christmas Eve and lures visitorsfrom every corner of the city.

Thepeople were spread from the church right to Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, whichhosted street art shows along with jugglery and circus performances.

Otherplaces which were popular among people to celebrate a memorable Christmas wereStar Light Bridge in District 7, Bitexco building on Nguyen Hue, Phu My HungUrban Area, Diamon Plaza and Aeon mall.

To makeup for the warm weather in HCM City, people flocked to witness snow at theSnow Village event organised from December 22 to 24 at Crescent Mall.

Apartfrom taking photos with the falling snow under a European-styled space, peoplecan also taste free ice cream and enjoy music shows every night.

Hanoi’s peoplehad a similar event on December 23 and 24 at the Ly Thai To Flower Garden byHoan Kiem Lake.-VNA