From the evening of December 31, 2025, when decorative lights simultaneously light up in the city center area, the New Year atmosphere in Lang Son becomes more bustling than usual.
People flock to the square, the main streets are bustling with laughter and talking, waiting for the Countdown 2026 program - the opening event for a series of cultural and tourism activities at the beginning of the year within the framework of the Lang Dau Flower Festival.
Recorded by Lao Dong Newspaper reporters at about 8 pm, the Countdown area was already crowded with people.
Along the roads leading to the center, groups of young people and families with young children holding flags and phones are always ready to record moments of transition from the old year to the new year.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hanh (35 years old, Hoang Van Thu ward) said that her whole family went early to choose a beautiful location: "It's been several years since I saw so much excitement on New Year's Eve. Children are very excited, just looking forward to New Year's Eve to watch fireworks.
Not only city residents, but also many tourists from localities in the province and neighboring localities were present early.
Cafes and eateries around the central area are almost fully booked, creating a vivid picture of a bustling year-end night on the border.
The 2026 New Year's Day Countdown program in Lang Son is elaborately staged, divided into two sections of content throughout.
Part 1 "Border Spring" opens up a traditional art space. The singing, dancing, and music performances recreate the atmosphere of welcoming the New Year in the land at the forefront of the Fatherland, depicting the gentle beauty of Lang Son spring, rich in cultural identity from the colors of Lang Xu peach blossoms.
In part 2, "Hello 2026 - Aspiration to reach far", the program atmosphere becomes more vibrant and youthful with modern art performances.
Participating in the program are singers Ky Anh, Yen Vy; DJ Dung Nhi; MC Hype T, along with HT Dance dance groups, MIA dance troupe and the collective of artists and actors of the Lang Son Provincial Ethnic Art Troupe.
In the moment of transition between the old year and the new year, art performances are staged in harmony between tradition and modernity, pushing audience emotions to a climax.
The special highlight of the Countdown night is the art fireworks display to welcome the new year, for the first time Lang Son organizes fireworks displays during the New Year.
When the program entered the final performances, the atmosphere in the central area became even more excited. Many people continuously looked at the stage screen, electronic clocks, counting down each minute waiting for the New Year's Eve moment.
Mr. Hoang Van Lam (27 years old, Ky Lua ward) shared while standing in the middle of the crowd: "It's not yet New Year's Eve, but the atmosphere is very different. Everyone is looking forward to the moment of transitioning to the new year, especially this year the province organizes such a large-scale Countdown.
For many people in Laos, Countdown is not only an entertainment program but also an opportunity to send expectations for the new year.
Ms. Trieu Thi Lan (62 years old, Tam Thanh ward) said slowly: "The old year was still difficult, but looking at this bustling atmosphere, everyone has more faith. I just hope the new year will be peaceful and business will be favorable.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper reporters, Mr. Doan Thanh Son - Vice Chairman of Lang Son Provincial People's Committee said that this is an activity that the province pays special attention to to create a New Year atmosphere, and at the same time promote the image of Lang Son, a border land rich in identity.
In the chilly year-end weather on the border, the streets of Lang Son are brightly lit with lights, waiting for the moment of transition, the moment to open a year 2026 with many new hopes.
