Hang Ma street is always busy ahead of Christmas.

Decorative items and Christmas gifts are on display all over downtown Hanoi, but especially in Hang Ma, Hang Luoc, and Luong Van Can street. People are flocking to these areas to shop or just sight-see.

"On this occasion, we often buy a Christmas tree to decorate our home. Our kids love to buy Santa Claus outfits and toys. We can combine shopping and having fun together walking along these streets as Christmas approaches," said Nguyen Tien Dung, a resident of Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung district, who was with his wife in Hang Ma street to do some Christmas shopping.

Christmas decorations at Royal City in Hanoi.

Royal City and Times City have become a favorite entertainment and shopping venue for many young people in this festive season. This year the West Lake Park has organized a special program called “The legendary world” to create a romantic atmosphere for couples, who can walk hand in hand through falling snow and enjoy various fun performances.

The area around Sword Lake in downtown Hanoi is a great place to enjoy Christmas in the city. There are cafes with great views of Sword Lake, like Avalon Cafe on Cau Go street and City View Cafe on Dinh Tien Hoang street, when your feet begin to tire. Nguyen Thuy Trang, a student at Foreign Trade University, told VOV: "Some places I like to go during the Christmas season are Sword Lake, the water park, and shopping malls. Christmas is a special occasion that should be spent with your friends and loved ones."

St. Joseph Church in downtown Hanoi.

As Christmas approaches, Hanoi churches like Cua Bac and St. Joseph’s are beautifully decorated to welcome tourists and the Catholic faithful from around Vietnam. Nguyen Tra My of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem district told VOV: "I often visit the churches in Hanoi. I find the Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and other decorations at the churches very beautiful and Christmas carols are very inspiring to me."

Tis the season to be jolly. It’s time to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.