People flood downtown Ho Chi Minh City to welcome New Year 2025

At Saigon River Park in Thu Thiem Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, the main Countdown event for New Year’s Eve 2025 took place. This spectacular music event ran from 4 PM on December 31, 2024, to 1 AM on January 1, 2025.

From early in the evening, thousands of people gathered, immersing themselves in the excitement of the event and participating in the City Tet Fest - Thu Duc 2025. Under dazzling lights and vibrant music, the area became a familiar rendezvous point, bringing joy and hope to many as the new year approached.

“Every year, I spend time celebrating New Year’s Eve here. This year feels more joyous than last year, maybe because the economy has improved a bit. I hope for prosperity for Vietnam and everyone in 2025,” said Tran Thi Thanh Toan, a 58-year-old resident.

This year’s City Tet Fest Thu Duc 2025 featured dynamic communities such as hip-hop enthusiasts, X-Games athletes, visual arts, traditional cuisine, and various festivities, creating the perfect venue for people with shared passions to connect.

“Even though the traffic was hectic, it was fun. For the New Year, I hope for good things for my family, friends, and everyone. I also wish for further development for the country in 2025.”, said Nguyen Tu, a visitor from Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Hue Walking Street was adorned with spectacular LED lights and a vibrant atmosphere, resembling a grand light festival to celebrate the New Year. Along major streets such as Dong Khoi and Le Loi, residents cheerfully moved about, creating a lively and colorful festival scene.

Another Countdown event, Tiger Remix, took place on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Thousands of young people have gathered since the afternoon, eagerly awaiting the programme.

“Today, my friends and I came to the walking street to shoot a video for the upcoming Vietnamese Students and Student Association’s Traditional Day (January 9, 2025). For next year, my dream is for good health for my parents first. Then I hope to secure a steady job and income. Right now, I want to gain more practical experience to pursue my dreams and support my parents back home,” shared Nguyen Tan Huy, a third-year student at University of Finance and Marketing.

Nguyen Duc Bao Khanh, a second-year student at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, said his group enjoyed the festivities while fundraising for a charity project. Their initiative aims to provide Tet gifts to underprivileged residents in Tan Thanh District, Dong Thap Province.

“We’re not only here for the crowded countdown event but also come regularly, three to four times a week, to the walking street to raise funds. Today is special….. It’s more meaningful to do something for society on such a day," said Bao Khanh.

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City include fireworks displays at three locations, (i) at the Saigon River Tunnel entrance, featuring 1,500 high-altitude fireworks, 30 low-altitude arrays, and 10 special effects arrays; (ii) at Dam Sen Cultural Park (District 11) and Van Phuc Urban Area (Thu Duc City), each with 90 low-altitude arrays.
The fireworks displays are scheduled to last for 15 minutes, adding a spectacular finale to the festive celebrations.