Instead of the bustling streets as usual, many streets near big churches in Hanoi centre were quite deserted. Local churches limited gatherings and held online Christmas celebrations following the Ministry of Health’s safety guidance.

Many popular churches, including Hang Ma and Hang Ngang and Hang Dao streets, were cordoned off from the public during Christmas.

On Hang Ma Street at 8 pm on Thursday 

Many shops around Hoan Kiem Lake closed from 9 pm. 

A man in Santa Claus clothes on Dinh Tien Hoang Street 

Parishioners were requested to test negative for Covid-19 to enter St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Christmas celebrations were organised at St. Joseph’s Cathedral from 8 pm to 11 pm

At Ham Long Church, only a small number of people were allowed to join the Christmas celebrations.

Participants had to conform to safe distancing at the church