On the evening of December 23, St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi transformed into a bustling hub, attracting locals and tourists who came to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

Over 24 hours before the Christmas Eve celebration, choirs rehearsed hymns and carols in preparation for the main event.

The streets around St. Joseph's, such as Nha Chung, Hang Trong, and Ly Quoc Su, were packed with vehicles and pedestrians from early evening, as crowds gathered to revel in the festive cheer.

Families braved the cold to enjoy the decorated city.

Nguyen Van Vu and Nguyen Thi Phuong took advantage of the weekend to explore Hanoi’s winter charm.

Vu shared: "Every year, we usually visit our hometown during Christmas, but this year, we decided to stay in Hanoi. It’s also our first time visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral to take Christmas photos together."

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich, who also visited the cathedral for the first time, said: "My friend and I arrived at 7 PM, and it was already very crowded. The atmosphere here is vibrant and festive."

Ham Long Church dazzled with lights strung from the main street into its courtyard.

Although its courtyard is modestly sized, it featured an array of colorful LED lights and laser displays, creating a vibrant spectacle.

Children dressed in red outfits carried Santa Claus balloons and posed with their families for photos near the church’s large Christmas tree.

Inside, Ham Long Church was meticulously decorated in preparation for the Christmas Eve service.

Photographers also flocked to these iconic churches, capturing their splendid holiday displays.

Cua Bac Church was equally radiant on December 23. Its courtyard featured glowing decorations and a snow machine, drawing the excitement of children and families.

The courtyard of Cua Bac Church is adorned with shimmering colors. A faux snow area has been set up here, delighting the children who come to admire it.