By 9 PM, approximately 500 meters of Nguyen Hue pedestrian street in TP HCM was almost completely full, as thousands of people streamed in to watch the countdown program and fireworks for 2026.

This year, the countdown stage area was divided into several zones, allowing people to celebrate the New Year transition while reducing congestion compared to previous years.

On stage, music performances by singers and dancers continuously enlivened the atmosphere leading up to the new year.

Below the stage, many young people danced to the vibrant music, anticipating the new year.

Two foreign tourists watched the countdown program on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street.

The section in front of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee was packed with people watching the program on a large LED screen along the pedestrian street.

An ambulance was deployed near the stage to ensure audience safety during the program.

About 300 meters from the countdown stage, the Bach Dang wharf area along the Sai Gon River was crowded with people securing spots to watch the fireworks. This year, TP HCM launched about 2,500 fireworks to welcome the new year from locations including: the entrance to the Sai Gon River tunnel, Dam Sen Cultural Park (Binh Thoi ward), New City Center (Binh Duong ward), and Bai Sau Central Square (Vung Tau ward).

People spread mats to eat and rest while waiting for fireworks at Bach Dang wharf.

Across from Bach Dang wharf, three hours before the fireworks display began, people had already gathered at the Sai Gon riverside park in Thu Thiem. This area offers a clear view of the river facing a row of illuminated high-rise buildings along Ton Duc Thang street. It is one of the two best fireworks viewing spots in the city, making it a popular gathering point for residents during holidays.

Simultaneously, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Ha Noi was bustling with people watching the music program to welcome 2026. Tonight, in addition to the music program, Ha Noi will have a 15-minute fireworks display, from 11:45 PM on 31/12/2025 to 12 AM on 1/1/2026, in Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Tu Liem, Tay Ho, and Ha Dong wards.

The stage for the 2026 welcome program was colorful, featuring many musical performances at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.

Young people swayed along to singer Van Mai Huong's song on stage.

By 9 PM, Ho Guom pedestrian street was packed, and the area in front of the Ly Thai To statue was full of people waiting to watch the fireworks. Nguyen Minh Hieu, 20, a student at Dai Nam University, who arrived early with friends from universities in the capital, expressed his wish for better academic results in the new year to secure a good job. "I wish everyone a happy new year and a joyful life," Hieu said.

Nguyen Quynh Anh, 17, from Tay Ho, attended the fireworks with a group of 8 friends. This marks the third year the group has celebrated New Year's Day with a countdown event. For 2026, Quynh Anh hopes to pass the entrance exam for Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Nhom phong vien