In early December, the area in front of Notre Dame Cathedral was adorned with yellow string lights. This marks the third Christmas the cathedral has been decorated since its restoration began in 2017.

Located in Cong Xa Paris Square, the cathedral's construction began in 1877 and was completed three years later. In 1959, the Vatican elevated the church to a minor basilica. Each Christmas season, it draws many locals and tourists for visits and ceremonies.

This year's display features 1,000 km of LED string lights, doubling last year's quantity. The tiled roof is adorned with motifs like globes, stars, and bells. The two zinc spires also feature LED lights shaped like Christmas trees.

The lighting system uses LED bulbs that do not emit heat, preventing damage to nearby trees and the ongoing restoration structure, while also saving operational costs. Within the cathedral grounds, a grotto and dioramas depict the Nativity story.

On the evening of 5/12, in a high-floor lobby of a nearby shopping mall, many arrived an hour early to "capture" the moment Notre Dame Cathedral illuminated. At exactly 6:45 PM, amidst ringing bells, lights from the bell tower to the rooftop successively brightened. Numerous phones were raised to record the scene.

Visitors eagerly photographed the cathedral from this elevated vantage point. As access is free, the shopping mall lobby remains crowded each evening.

Le Vy arrived nearly an hour early, anticipating the cathedral's illumination. She described the entire space as brightly lit and magical, adorned with thousands of lights.

Below, many gathered and enjoyed the ambiance in front of the statue of Our Lady of Peace.

Passersby stopped their vehicles in front of the cathedral grounds and on nearby streets, including Dong Khoi, Cong Xa Paris, and Le Duan, to capture photos.

Many foreign visitors strolled the streets, admiring the city center's nighttime scenery.

As the night progressed, the crowds around the cathedral grew, causing localized traffic congestion on adjacent roads. Christmas mass at Notre Dame Cathedral will be held on 24 and 25/12.

Quynh Tran - Thanh Tung