People flocked to Hoan Kiem Lake to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display.

On the evening of February 16th (the 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the Year of the Horse), a large crowd of locals and tourists flocked to the Hoan Kiem Lake area in Hanoi to await the New Year's Eve fireworks display, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the sacred moment of the new year.

Báo Thanh niên•16/02/2026

From 9 PM on February 16th, many streets leading to the center of Hoan Kiem District ( Hanoi ) were packed with people. Streams of people from all directions and neighboring communes and wards poured into the Hoan Kiem Lake area , creating a bustling atmosphere.

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square was bustling with activity as the New Year approached.

PHOTO: DINH VU

The area around the lake was brightly decorated with lighting, flags, flowers, and spring-themed displays. Many families took the opportunity to capture memorable moments by Hoan Kiem Lake.

According to the plan of the Hanoi People's Committee, at the stroke of midnight on the eve of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), the city will simultaneously launch fireworks at 33 locations with 34 firing sites, lasting 15 minutes (from 0:00 to 0:15 on February 17th, the first day of the Lunar New Year 2026). Of these, there will be two fireworks displays at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Crowds of people flocked to the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake from early morning, waiting to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display.

PHOTO: DINH VU

To serve residents and tourists visiting temples and pagodas during the Lunar New Year, the Hoan Kiem Ward People's Committee has arranged several free parking areas. Specifically, point 1 is on the street of Hang Giay (next to the wall of Bach Ma Temple at 76 Hang Buom); point 2 is at 33 Nha Chung; and point 3 is on the sidewalk of Phu Doan Street (opposite houses 27-39, 45-53 Phu Doan).

Le Duy Hung's family (21 years old, residing in Hai Ba Trung Ward, Hanoi) arrived at Hoan Kiem Lake early to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks. "Every year, my family comes here to celebrate New Year's Eve because it's a very sacred and meaningful moment," Hung shared.

PHOTO: DINH VU