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Egypt

Coptic Christians in Egypt on alert for attacks

Catholic Copts in Egypt are marking Christmas amid tight security after threats from Islamic extremist groups. The Christmas Eve Mass at the Coptic Catholic Church in Cairo was packed despite the aler

Iraq

Some displaced Iraqi Christians are not in the Christmas spirit

Internally displaced Iraqi Christians who fled violence in Mosul celebrated Christmas in Baghdad on Wednesday. About 80 families gathered at a

France

France tells people to enjoy Christmas, but stay vigilant

Have a relaxing Christmas, but keep personal safety in mind when out in public, say French authorities.

Russia

Father Christmases meet at Russia-Finland border

Russia’s Father Frost and Finland’s Father Christmas have had a festive meet-up on the border of the two countries. The pair exchanged festive

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Ho-ho-ho! Santa is leaving

Vatican

Pope hits out at Cardinals' 'lust for power'

In his Christmas greeting to those who run the Holy See, Pope Francis said they were "hypocritical" and had "forgotten the Lord".

France

Santa Claus goes underwater

Santa Claus took a break from wrapping presents today to drop by the Paris city aquarium and feed the fishes. Swimming underwater in a full Santa

Finland

Santa sets off for work

Santa took the opportunity today to send his Christmas greetings to everyone. He then set off from home in his sled, pulled by a single white

West Bank

Palestinians clash with Israeli forces in Bethlehem

Just two days before Christmas, dozens of Palestinians, some dressed as Santa Claus, clashed with Israeli forces at a checkpoint in Bethlehem

Denmark

Oh cloned Christmas tree, your leaves are so duplicated

Finding the perfect Christmas tree can be a chore. Tall, short, full or sparse there are trees to suit all tastes in Denmark which is the world’s

Vatican

Vatican Christmas tree lights switched on in St Peter's Square

There is less than a week until Christmas and the Vatican has switched on the lights on its tree in St. Peter’s Square. The governor of Vatican City

Netherlands

Black Pete "a symptom of Europe's Afrophobia", warn campaigners

Finland

Focus on children's education, says Santa Claus

Hundreds of thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus have been arriving in his village in the Arctic Circle. While they were being opened and

Ukraine

Children's tribute to Ukraine's 'cyborg' soldiers

Ukrainian soldiers receive thanks and gifts from staff and children at a Kindergarten in Kiev. Their bravery defending Donetsk airport from Russian separatists has led some to refer to them as 'cyborg

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Santa takes Hawaii beach break ahead of his big day

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Berlin: Santa abseils down building to children's delight

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Prayers with Pope Francis on second Sunday of Advent

Culture news

Christmas at Nagytétény Castle

It’s Christmas at the Castle Museum of Nagytétény, one of the finest monuments of Baroque architecture in Hungary. Every year the castle opens its

Italy

Great Prison Bake-off in Italy aims to change lives

From inmate to pastry chef, a cooperative in Padua has opened Italy’s only bakery behind bars. Those serving time are serving up 70,000 Pannetonni

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Christmas swimmers take a chilly dip in the Mediterranean