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Netherlands

Anti-racism activists stage demo against Dutch 'Black Pete'

Anti-racism protesters chanted “Kick Out Black Pete” at an event where children could meet the Dutch version of Santa Claus and his controversial sidekick.

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-"Santa of Jerusalem" visits Sea of Galilee ahead of Christmas

Bringing presents and a tree, Issa Kassissieh, better known as the Santa Claus of Jerusalem, arrives in the Sea of Galilee on his kayak to bring joy to the children in anticipation of Christmas.

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Paris department store La Samaritaine kicks off holiday season

The Parisian department store La Samaritaine unveils its first Christmas displays since reopening in June after a 16-year closure.

Food and Drink

The top 10 markets to visit this Christmas, and the products to try

From Gluhwein to Madeira, from Stollen to Foie Gras, we've got your cultural Christmas market experiences lined up this year.

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Destinations

We’ve found Poland’s best Christmas markets for 2021

Explore Poland’s Christmas Markets and stock up on tasty treats in these quaint cities.

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Rockettes rehearse for live Christmas show

The Radio City Rockettes dancers are busy rehearsing for their Christmas show in New York, which returns this year after being canceled last year due to the pandemic

Destinations

12 stays of Christmas: Where to go this holiday season

From winter sun to festive markets, here are the best countries to book a December getaway now global travel is easing.

Estonia

Estonian distillery infuses its tonic with Christmas pine needles

It's made from infused pine needles, mixed with cardamom and lemon peel and the end result is a delicate bitter-sweet soda.

Germany

German regional intelligence chief dismissed over Berlin terror attack

Reinhard Müller was "put into temporary retirement with immediate effect" over his agency's failure to pass on information about the 2016 Berlin terror attack, which killed twelve people.

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Putin visits UNESCO-listed church for Orthodox Christmas service

During two decades in power, Putin generally has marked Christmas outside Moscow, often at relatively little-known provincial churches.

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Palestinian scout bands parade during celebrations for Orthodox Christ

Palestinian scout bands outside and christian worshippers inside the Church of the Nativity celebrate the Orthodox Christmas.

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Yemenis light candles on Christmas Day to shine light on ongoing war

Yemeni citizens of Al-Jahmiliya neighbourhood, the most destroyed neighbourhood in Taez, light hundreds of candles on Christmas Day to draw the world's attention to end the war in their city.

Czech Republic

Hardy swimmers take a Christmas dip in Prague's Vlata river

It was the 74th edition of the event which commemorates the life of Alfred Nikodém, who was a goldsmith and a promoter of a spartan lifestyle.

Portugal

Madeira hit by floods and torrential rain on Christmas Day

Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes and at least one house was destroyed, local media reported.

Living

Swamped with sprouts? Our guide to fighting Christmas leftover waste

From curry to pasties, here's how you can help the planet (and your wallet) by putting food waste to good use.

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COVID-19: Christmas Masses held in open-air or in a basketball arena

At St. Mary's church in Berlin, several services are offered so that everyone can gather in safety for Christmas mass amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

United Kingdom

Watch: 'You are not alone' says Queen Elizabeth in Christmas speech

The British monarch said that there is "hope in the new dawn" and praised all those who have "risen magnificently to the challenges" of the year.

Vatican

Pope Francis calls for needy, vulnerable to get COVID-19 vaccine first

"Vaccines for everybody, especially for the most vulnerable and needy," who should be first in line, Francis said in his "Urbi and Orbi" message delivered indoors this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

France

Christmas Eve concert held in Paris' fire-wrecked Notre Dame

It was the first event of this kind since the Paris landmark was devastated by fire in April 2019.

World News

Christmas in times of coronavirus, from Bethlehem to Rome

From Bethlehem to Rome and beyond, coronavirus restrictions dampened Christmas Eve celebrations on Thursday.