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The Exchange

Kidults drive boom for traditional toys

In partnership with Media City

2021 is set to be another bumper year for the toy industry. And despite some reports that video games have killed the sector, it seems the traditional toy market is bouncing back.

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Santa brings Christmas gifts to fish in Bangkok aquarium

An aquarium in Bangkok celebrates Christmas by holding special shows which divers are dressed up in Santa Claus costumes to feed sharks and fish. The event with will be held once a day from December 14 to December 26, 2021.

United Kingdom

Boris Johnson 'furious' over staff lockdown party claims

Downing Street has denied a Christmas party was held and Johnson has insisted no rules were broken.

Culture news

Romanian COVID clinic makes Christmas tree out of vaccine containers

Staff at one the largest COVID-19 vaccination centers in Bucharest, Romania, have built a three meter tall Christmas tree out of the empty vaccine containers.

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More than 500 toy makers show off their teddy bear creations

The 'Hello Teddy!" exhibition in Moscow is a celebration of the classic cuddly toy.

Experiences

These travel memberships are the gift that keeps on giving

The perfect present for the travel enthusiast who already has everything they could ever need.

Living

Stuck for ideas? Why not give a seagrass meadow this Christmas?

These 10 environmental and climate action charities need your support to continue their vital work into 2022.

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Skiing Santas hit the slopes in Maine

Over 200 skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa Claus took to the slopes of Maine on Sunday for charity.

Poland

Nativity crib contest takes place in Krakow

Three years ago, the Krakow cribs were recognised by UNESCO as a cultural treasure.

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Famed Manger Square Christmas tree lit up

The West Bank city of Bethlehem marked the start of the festive season Saturday by lighting up its Christmas tree in Manger Square.

Tech News

Tech Christmas gift guide 2021: What to get your loved ones this year

What to buy for music lovers, fitness fanatics, video gamers and remote workers? Here are some ideas.

Experiences

Christmas in Europe: Here are the festive events going ahead this year

While many events are cancelled, there are still places to soak in some festive cheer this year.

Culture news

Merry Saturnalia! Which Christmas traditions are actually pagan?

Christmas is coming, but do you know which of your favourite things about the holiday were practiced by druids?

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Crowds enjoy Taiwan's 'Christmasland' as the island keeps Covid under control

Crowds of people wearing facial masks packed New Taipei City Hall Square to watch the opening of "Christmasland", Taiwan's largest outdoor festive decoration.

Destinations

Here are Europe’s 5 snowiest cities for a scenic winter break

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland to escape to this Christmas, here are the top five snowiest cities in Europe.

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Underwater Santa puts on a show at Seoul aquarium

An acquatic Santa swims with the fish at an aquarium in South Korean capital Seoul. Visitors can watch the festive diver feed fish and perform bubble tricks with air.

Art

'Are we at war with Norway?' Brits reel at 'sad' Christmas Tree gift

Norway has selected and delivered one of its best Christmas trees to London every year since 1947 as a festive gift. What went wrong this year?

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Budapest embraces the Christmas spirit

Budapest's Christmas market is welcoming visitors for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

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Lord Mayor of the City of London unveils a rubbish Christmas tree

The Lord Mayor of the City of London unveils a Christmas tree made out of waste at his official residence, Mansion House.

Culture news

Music, not chocolate: Celebrate Swiss-mas with Geneva's top orchestra

From Vivaldi to Duke Ellington, from Tchaikovsky to Charlie Chaplin, from chamber ensembles to the full orchestra - there's a sonic celebration behind every door.