Celebrating Christmas: Unique Traditions from Around the Globe
Explore the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated around the world, from skiing Santas in Virginia to traditional candlelight services in Kyiv.
This Christmas, festivities span the globe as various cultures celebrate in unique ways. From Santa waterskiing in the US to candlelight services in Ukraine and meat auctions in London, the holiday showcases diverse traditions. Many Christians celebrate the day on December 25, but others, particularly Orthodox Christians, mark it on January 7. Images from these celebrations illustrate the joyful spirit of Christmas worldwide.
From skiing Santas in the US and Mass with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, to giant cuts of meat being thrown into crowds in London, Christmas celebrations around the world are in full swing.
Worshippers in Ukraine, China, and Pakistan gathered for Christmas Eve services at their local churches.
While most Christians mark Christmas on 25 December, many Orthodox Christians do not celebrate until 7 January.
Here are some of the best images of the holiday cheer around the world.
Pope Leo holds a figurine of Baby Jesus during Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, ItalyTwo women take a photo in front of the Christmas tree in Nativity Square in Bethlehem, held to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the occupied West BankA woman lights a candle with her son during a Christmas Eve service in Kyiv, UkraineWorshippers attend a Christmas Eve mass at the Church of the Saviour in Beijing, ChinaA skiing Santa delights crowds during an annual Waterskiing Santa event in Alexandria, Virginia, in the US
