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.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has confirmed the killing of intelligence minister Esmail Khatib calling it a "cowardly assassination", foll...
Festive events across Azerbaijan are bringing the spirit of Novruz to life, with the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve hosting its ann...
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow...
Pakistani authorities have denied claims by the Afghan government that a hospital was targeted, insisting that its airstrikes were aimed solely at ...
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Wednesday that it has identified five new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total ...
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.
Morocco has been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Senegal stripped of their title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
President Donald Trump said NATO is making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to help the U.S. as Israel Katz claimed Ali Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has confirmed the killing of intelligence minister Esmail Khatib calling it a "cowardly assassination", following reports that Israel carried out an overnight strike.
The real power of the Strait of Hormuz lies not in closing it, but in the threat of closure.
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
A Chinese man, Zhang Kequn and his Kenyan associate, Charles Mwangi, have been charged by a court in Kenya for alleged involvement in illegal dealings of wildlife species.
Six people died on Wednesday, following fresh Israeli offensive against suspected Hezbollah infrastructure in Central Beirut on Wednesday.
Employees of Voice of America (VOA) who had spent nearly a year on paid administrative leave may soon return to work after U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled that efforts to scale down the broadcaster were unlawful.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment