As Trump rebuffs India, the EU nudges closer
Frederique Mauduit
Romania's ice hotel shapes up early with musical-themed rooms
With favourable weather conditions, construction has begun earlier than usual, ensuring the hotel will be ready to host guests at one of Europe’s most unique winter destinations.
Santa sets off on his Christmas gift-giving tour
Santa Claus left his office in Korvatunturi, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, and set off on his magical journey to deliver gifts across the world.
Taiwanese paratrooper training
Paratroopers in the southern city of Pingtung, Taiwan took part in military exercises on Thursday. They used zip lines and virtual reality simulators to perfect their landing technique.
2,000-year-old ice rink opens in Croatian seaside city of Pula
For the first time in its two-thousand-year history, the iconic Arena in the Croatian city on the Adriatic coast has been transformed into a Christmas ice rink.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rio de Janeiro's missing children
The NGO Rio de Paz organised a demonstration on Copacabana beach on Wednesday to demand answers from the government about the violent deaths of children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
After the war, Lebanon prepares for Christmas
Relieved after the ceasefire that was agreed at the end of November, which ended almost 14 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese people celebrated Christmas on Tuesday with markets and parades.
Flights resume in Syria
Syria's first domestic flight since the fall of Bashar al-Assad landed in Aleppo on Wednesday after taking off from the capital Damascus.
Environmental disaster in the Black Sea
Russian regional authorities reported on Tuesday that around 35km of coastline had been contaminated by oil after two ships were badly damaged by storms in the Kerch Strait . A state of emergency has been declared in several districts.
Sea lion makes unusual visit to Ipanema beach
A fur seal appeared on the sand of Rio de Janeiro's iconic Ipanema beach on Wednesday morning.
The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the southernmost race in the world
On Friday 13 December, competitors from all over the world took part in the start of the legendary Antarctic Ice Marathon, an extreme challenge that takes place at an altitude of 700 metres.
In Brazil, Santa arrives by jet ski
On Tuesday, Santa arrived at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on a jet ski.
Traditional Christmas carols from Romania
On Sunday, carolers from all over Romania gathered in the city of Galati for a traditional folk festival.
A carnival for dogs in Nigeria
The theme of the sixth edition of the Dog Carnival in Lagos, Nigeria, was "Angels on legs".
Santa Claus for the poor in Argentina
Against a backdrop of growing poverty, a soup kitchen "Los Chicos de la Via" on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in Argentina is organising a special pre-Christmas party with Santa Claus and presents.
Rare birth of one of the smallest deer in the world
The birth of a baby pudu named Lenga has given hope to environmentalists in Argentina. He was born on 6 November at the Temaikèn Biopark in Buenos Aires and weighed less than 600 grams at his first appearance.
Cyclone Chido ravages Mayotte island
The people of Mayotte are trying to assess the damage caused by the passage of Cyclone Chido over the weekend.
Cyclone Chido 'worst storm in 90 years' hits Mayotte
Officials have called the storm the most destructive to hit the archipelago in 90 years, with fears of a high death toll as the cyclone wreaks havoc across the region.
Christmas runners brave cold in Budapest in Santa hats and swimwear
Wearing nothing more than bathing suits and Santa hats, around a hundred people ran, danced, and sang their way through the streets of Budapest, cheered on by onlookers.
Femen campaign against the war in Ukraine
On Friday morning in Geneva, activists from the Femen group, known for its provocative demonstrations, used a chainsaw to cut up the wooden sculpture known as the "Broken Chair". They were protesting against the UN's failure to act against Russia.
Commemoration of the Nanjing Massacre in China
In China, 13 December is a national day of remembrance for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre.
ADVERTISEMENT