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World News

Nativity scenes from around the world on display in St. Peter's Square

The war in Ukraine and climate change are among the themes of this year's exhibition

Culture news

Euroviews. Why are the Brits censoring a classic Christmas song? Again

Christmas censorship: The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York’ is once again under attack under the guise of “protection”.

Culture news

Top book tips this Christmas

Haven't bought all your Christmas gifts? We've got you covered...

World News

Spain on tenterhooks over €2500m lottery prize draw

€2500 million of prize money will be distributed in this year's El Gordo - the big one - the nation's annual festive lottery.

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World News

Festive shoppers in Romania feel the pinch of soaring costs

This Christmas many Romanians are faced with the prospect of ditching their favourite festive foods to cut costs.

United Kingdom

A delicious and sustainable miniature world - made out of gingerbread

A miniature world made of gingerbread and sweets with marshmallow mines, beaches and climate refugees - entirely designed, baked and installed by architects - is on show at the Museum of Architecture in London.

Spain

Madrid’s taxi drivers provide a Christmas journey for the elderly

Madrid’s taxi drivers taking part in the Taxiluz initiative drive the elderly around Spain’s capital to see all the Christmas decorations and lights for free

Travel News

What trains are still running during Christmas rail strikes in the UK?

Around 20 per cent of services are still scheduled to run on Christmas strike dates.

Climate

The letters offering a ‘lifeline’ to climate protesters in prison

Looking for a good Christmas deed? Writing to a protester behind bars is a very cheap way to show solidarity.

Italy

Christmas in Europe: Are Italy's festive traditions under threat?

Did you know Christmas celebrations were born in Italy?

Partner content

Santa Claus is coming to Dubai: preparing for christmas in the desert

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

As Christmas nears, Dubai's expat and local communities come together to celebrate the holidays. From winter markets to tree light illuminations the festivities are a festive feast, you’re spoilt for choice with Christmas in Dubai.

Economy

Christmas food shopping impacted as inflation hits Belgian shoppers

According to surveys made by some of the larger supermarket chains, 75% of Belgians say they will celebrate a “more frugal” Christmas this year.

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Christmas tree unveiled in Kyiv in act of defiance against Russia

The day started with attacks on critical infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital and ended with the unveiling of the 12-metre-high artificial tree decorated with white peace doves. Residents braved the freezing temperatures to admire the tree located next to the Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Ukraine

Two dozen Iranian-made drones detected over Kyiv

The Ukrainian capital was targeted by multiple drones again Monday evening as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more air defence from the West.

Czech Republic

Christmas in Europe: Carp in your bathtub and other Czech traditions

Rather than an Anglo-Saxon turkey, some Czechs prefer carp, traditionally fried in bread crumbs and served with potato salad.

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Santa Claus delivers presents in the Amazon

A charity aims to give presents to 4,500 children in poor communities along Brazil's Amazon by sending Santa Claus to see them on a river boat.

Finland

Santa is back in business as Lapland expects tourism rebound

After the previous pandemic-hit Christmases, Santa is back in business in Lapland. The northern Finnish region, fabled as the home of Father Christmas, is preparing for a bumper season with 63,000 arrivals expected.

Culture news

The inappropriate toys that might ruin Christmas

From Hellraiser puzzleboxes to vibrating E.T. fingers and sexualised cuddly toys, there are the toys you might want to stay from this Christmas...

Iceland

Iceland's festive traditions and why they've stood the test of time

Icelandic festive traditions centre around the mischievous Yule Lads and their truly terrifying troll witch mother.

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Family of fallen Ukraine soldier decorate Christmas tree on his grave

The widow and mother of a Ukrainian soldier killed in action decorate his grave for Christmas.