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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.

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Almost 1,000 cycling santas gather in Rome

The cyclists met in front of the Colosseum and rode their bikes to raise money for cancer treatment.

Moments

The three best places in Europe to spend the winter solstice

The solstice - which falls on 21 December - is the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year.

Climate

Is climate change making a white Christmas a thing of the past?

In the popular imagination, Christmas is synonymous with snow. But as climate change bites, how likely is snow on Christmas Day?

Travel News

Eurostar Christmas strikes called off as pay increases

Workers were due to stirke on 22 and 23 December but the action was called off at the last minute.

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Colorful kayakers light up Copenhagen canals for parade

Danes have staged an alternative take on the traditional Santa Lucia parade, kayaking through Copenhagen's canals while singing carols.

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Watch: Rome unveils second sustainably-lit Christmas tree

Rome unveiled on Tuesday its second eco-friendly, low-impact Christmas tree, as the city installed a spruce in Campidoglio Square.

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Adorable corgis wearing Christmas sweaters parade through London

The annual parade started in 2018 to celebrate the Christmas holiday season and this year was in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II

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Watch: Santa makes special delivery to Budapest shark tank

A scuba diver dressed as Santa Claus has delighted onlookers by setting up Christmas decorations at the Tropicarium Shark Zoo in Budapest, Hungary.