Across continents, Christmas is being observed with a mix of worship, tradition and local flavour, reflecting how the season resonates differently around the world.
In central Europe, Prague’s Old Town Square filled with visitors as the city opened its annual Christmas market.
A towering tree from the Pardubice region anchors the square, surrounded by wooden stalls selling crafts, food and mulled wine.
In Italy, Santa Claus arrived by unconventional means.
Festive parades saw Santas riding bicycles, motorbikes and even gondolas, bringing Christmas cheer through city streets and waterways in the lead-up to the holiday.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo used his Christmas Eve Mass to reflect on compassion and inclusion.
Speaking to thousands in St Peter’s Basilica, he said the nativity story calls on Christians to welcome the poor and strangers, reminding worshippers that God is present in every human being.
In the United States, New York City marked the season in lights.
The Empire State Building’s spire glowed red and green, a long-standing holiday tradition that adds festive colour to the skyline and draws residents and visitors alike into the Christmas spirit.
Further south in Australia, Christmas looked different again.
Cooler weather and alcohol restrictions shifted backpackers away from Bondi Beach, with many choosing Coogee instead, creating a quieter shoreline and a more subdued take on the usual beach-side Christmas gatherings.
In Japan, unusual weather shaped the holiday mood.
Rain swept across eastern regions, flooding roads in parts of Chiba, while Tokyo endured its coldest day of the season. Even northern Aomori saw a rare snowless Christmas, underscoring the year’s unexpected conditions.
In Mexico, tradition took centre stage in Oaxaca.
Crowds gathered for the annual Night of the Radishes, where artists carved ornate scenes into vegetables. Rooted in indigenous agriculture and dating back to the 16th century, the festival blends history, creativity and Christmas celebration.
In northern Iraq, members of the Christian community attended Christmas Mass at Mar Eth-Alaha Chaldean Church in Duhok.
Worshippers marked the birth of Jesus with prayers and hymns, as Western Christian celebrations culminated with Midnight Mass.
In Indian-administered Kashmir, Christians gathered at Holy Family Catholic Church in Srinagar. Believers attended Christmas Day Mass, joining millions worldwide in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
From solemn worship to vibrant festivals and unexpected weather, Christmas this year once again reflects the diversity of cultures and communities marking the season around the globe.
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President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan’s Orthodox Christian community on the occasion of Christmas.
The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday.
As Christmas is celebrated worldwide, the faithful in Baku gathered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church to partake in prayers, songs, and community celebrations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised concerns that Russia could launch large-scale attacks during the Christmas period.
Donald Trump has said the U.S. will resume bombing Iran if Tehran doesn't "behave," at the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Earlier, the U.S. President criticised Israel for its tactics against Hezbollah, saying it was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings to tackle militants.
A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island early Tuesday, killing at least one person and injuring four, according to emergency authorities.
U.S. President Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end the war in the Gulf has been signed by the U.S. and Iran, though details have yet to be made public and both countries said a permanent truce is yet to be negotiated.
Australia's weather bureau warned on Tuesday that an El Niño weather pattern has formed in the tropical Pacific and could intensify in the second half of 2026, becoming one of the strongest events recorded in seven decades.
Ukraine has said it struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Moscow region, marking one of the deepest reported attacks into Russian territory in recent months.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he had a "very good" conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in France, adding that Washington and New Delhi were working on trade agreements despite recent strains in bilateral ties.
Polish police have launched an investigation after videos circulating online showed men in military-style uniforms patrolling Warsaw Central railway station and questioning people they believed to be foreigners.
The Netherlands has announced a new €500 million military support package for Ukraine, focused on drones and air defence systems, as Western allies intensify efforts to strengthen Kyiv's position in its war against Russia.
China has condemned new UK sanctions against two Chinese companies accused of supplying materials used by Russia's military, calling the measures illegal and warning of possible retaliation if they are not lifted.
The UK has secured more than £1.3 billion in new international investment for battery storage, energy infrastructure and technology projects, with major commitments from companies based in France and India.
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