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Destinations

These are the 5 warmest countries to visit in Europe this December

Visit Cascais has crunched the numbers to find the sunniest destinations for a short winter break - maybe even a Christmas one.

Art

Kew Gardens' Christmas illuminations trail is sold out until January

Preparation for the world famous festive display takes a year of planning, 100 workers, and 25 kilometres of lighting cable.

Germany

COVID causes cancellation of popular Christmas market in Germany

Earlier this week health authorities issued a stark warning as 65,371 new cases were reported in a single day, confirming an upward trend that experts have been warning about for weeks.

Moments

Three famous German Christmas markets to visit instead of Munich

With Munich's market cancelled, we take a look at some others that are still planning to go ahead this festive season.

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London lights up for the Christmas season

The now familiar Christmas on London's Regent Street have some company this year. Since 12 November, 20 iconic London streets have switched on their Christmas lights - all at the same time.

Culture news

Christmas gifts for music lovers: Sonic suggestions for silly season

Vinyl box sets, photobooks, and books adorned with encyclopaedic knowledge of modern music. Here are some of the best gifts you can purchase for your nearest and dearest music lovers.

Culture news

Have yourself a monstrous Christmas: Europe's scariest anti-santas

When Santa comes to town in these countries he brings a frightening accomplice.

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.

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.