Localities across the country held many cultural and arts activities on the night of Dec. 31 to welcome the New Year.

In the capital city of Hanoi , people gathered around the Hoan Kiem lake to wait for the moment when the New Year comes.

On the stage at the Ba Kieu temple, an art performance programme was held by the Vietnam Song and Dance Theatre.

Meanwhile, at the August Revolution square a Countdown party was held with the performance of sound and lights.

In Ho Chi Minh City , major streets were decorated with colourful lights.

Domestic and foreign tourists and young local people welcomed the New Year at hotels and restaurants with their special programmes.

The city also held an art performance at the Sept. 23 Park and a countdown event took place in front of the Sunwah building in the Nguyen Hue avenue.

Splendid fireworks were set at the Caric shipyard in District 2 and the Dam Sen Culture Park./.