On Christmas Eve, the area around St. Joseph's Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake gets packed, so go early and travel light.
- Arrive before 7pm to get photos while there is still room.
- Streets around the cathedral restrict vehicles; park further away and walk, or take a Grab to a nearby point.
- After 11pm rides are hard to find and ride-hailing prices usually surge.
- Bring a warm layer: late-December evenings in Hanoi can drop below 15°C.
Note: Hold on to your phone and wallet in the crowds.