Hoang Cau Lake shines brightly on New Year's Eve 2026 (Year of the Horse).

From around 10 PM on the 29th day of the Lunar New Year, the roads leading to the lake, such as Mai Anh Tuan, Hoang Cau, and Vo Van Dung, began to bustle. Unlike its usual quiet appearance, Hoang Cau Lake tonight donned a magnificent "coat" woven from thousands of lights from the surrounding high-rise buildings and the decorative lights along the lake's edge.

Fireworks illuminate the sky over Hoang Cau Lake. Photo: Nguyet Anh

To ensure people could enjoy themselves without worry, security measures were implemented very strictly. From early morning, checkpoints were set up at the intersections of Hoang Cau - Thai Ha and Hoang Cau - Vo Van Dung. Police officers were on duty to guide people to park in designated areas, preventing traffic congestion and illegal parking on the road.

In the spacious surroundings, groups of young people take advantage of the opportunity to check in, while small families of three generations stroll hand in hand. All of this creates a warm and vibrant community scene.

Immediately following the spectacular art performance, precisely at midnight, the entire sky above Hoang Cau Lake lit up with clusters of colorful fireworks. Each burst of fireworks resembled a giant flower, shimmering and reflecting on the lake's surface, creating an incredibly impressive visual effect. Cheers, exclamations of wonder, and applause erupted continuously. Everyone simultaneously raised their phones to capture the glorious moment, some closing their eyes to pray for good fortune in the new year.

Nguyen Ngoc Linh Chi's family (wearing light pink) celebrates New Year's Eve by Hoang Cau Lake. *Photo: Bao Lam.*

Amidst the festive atmosphere, many people shared their heartfelt feelings. Nguyen Ngoc Linh Chi (Group 26, O Cho Dua Ward) and her family arrived early to watch the fireworks. Linh Chi happily said: "This year's fireworks are very beautiful. Seeing these dazzling fireworks, I hope that the Year of the Horse will bring my family much luck, good health, and joy."

In another corner by the lake, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung (Hao Nam Street), accompanied by his wife and grandson, expressed his emotion: "New Year's Eve is a very special moment. After a year of economic difficulties, being able to stand here with my family, healthy and safe, is a great happiness. I only hope that in the new year, every family will have enough food and warm clothes, and that their children and grandchildren will be well-behaved."

Simple wishes for health, peace, and family happiness are also the shared wishes of Hanoi residents as they enter the new year.

In the transitional moment between the old year and the new year, everyone joyfully expresses their hope for a peaceful Year of the Horse, a thriving economy, and a stable life.

Some photos from the Hoang Cau fireworks display. Photo: Nguyet Anh