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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