Ho Chi Minh City flower street debuts first night edition at Tet 2026 opening

Under the theme ‘Spring Convergence – Advancing with Strength,’ the event kicked off at 7:00 pm along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street.

More than an annual Tet cultural space, it is envisioned as a symphony of spring, affirming Vietnam's confidence and aspirations in a new era of growth.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, deputy chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration and head of the organizing board, said the 2026 event is being held at three locations simultaneously for the first time: Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Binh Duong Ward, and Vung Tau Ward.

Each venue has its own distinctive features but shares a common message of unity, convergence, and ambitions for robust development.

Together, they reflect the city’s determination in its bid to become a dynamic international mega-urban center in Southeast Asia.

Notably, for the first time in its 23-year history, the event offers parallel daytime and nighttime experiences along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, blending traditional art with modern technology to create a fresh and vibrant viewing space.

The artistic flower displays also feature contributions from the consulates general of the United Kingdom, India, Laos, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Malaysia, China, and Thailand.

Their participation, along with exhibits highlighting the cultural identities of different local communities, adds international color and diversity to the Tet celebration.

“The 2026 Nguyen Hue Flower Street, with its energetic horse mascot, emotionally rich grand scenes, and new technological features, will continue to be a major cultural and tourism attraction, offering residents and visitors memorable moments and a hopeful start to the new year,” Thuy said.

The coming lunar year is that of the horse, as per the Vietnamese zodiac.

City leaders called on organizers, departments, and functional forces to ensure security, traffic safety, fire prevention, and environmental sanitation so that the event remains safe, orderly, and welcoming.

From the afternoon, crowds had already streamed toward the Nguyen Hue – Le Loi pedestrian area to join activities along the route and wait for the official opening of the flower street.

Immediately after the opening ceremony, local and international visitors flocked to the flower street to capture photos while the blooms were still at their freshest.

Hoang Hong, a resident of Tan Hung Ward, said her family wore ‘ao dai’ (Vietnamese traditional long gown) to take Tet pictures before returning to their hometown in central Vietnam for the holiday.

“On the 28th day of the lunar month, the weather was not too hot and the street was not overcrowded, so we were very happy,” Hong said.

“After a year of hard work and busy schedules, this is a precious moment for us, especially for our two children.”

Many foreign tourists, part of the large influx of international visitors to the city during the Tet holiday season, expressed excitement about experiencing Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year atmosphere.

Andrew, a tourist from the United Kingdom, said his tour guide had introduced him to the flower street beforehand, making him eager to see it in person.

“When I arrived, I was truly impressed by the horse statue at the entrance,” he said.

“The horse is accompanied by explanations of traditional Vietnamese historical values, but to me its style and spirit feel very modern and powerful.”

This year’s Nguyen Hue Flower Street will remain open to the public until 9:00 pm on February 22, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year.

The main entrance and exit grand scenes will continue to be displayed until 9:00 pm on March 22, giving residents and visitors more time to enjoy the festive decorations.