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Culture news

Why is the BBC refusing to play this chart-topping Christmas song?

The parody song ‘Freezing This Christmas’, by Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers, directly criticises the slashing of winter fuel payments for pensioners. It has hit No. 1 in the download charts and the BBC are facing growing criticism for refusing to play the track.

Living

How to care for your pets during firework season, according to experts

Puppies are a terrible Christmas gift idea - but pooches are the most pampered family member, new research reveals.

Culture news

What are the best Christmas albums to combat the tired radio classics?

Sick of hearing Bing Crosby, Band Aid and Mariah during the Christmas season? Fret no more - here are the Christmas albums you need in your life (and ears) during the holidays.

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2,000-year-old ice rink opens in Croatian seaside city of Pula

For the first time in its two-thousand-year history, the iconic Arena in the Croatian city on the Adriatic coast has been transformed into a Christmas ice rink.

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Norway

Norway: Queues for Christmas aid reveal deepening poverty

Statistics show that food prices have risen by 33% over the last three years.

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After the war, Lebanon prepares for Christmas

Relieved after the ceasefire that was agreed at the end of November, which ended almost 14 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese people celebrated Christmas on Tuesday with markets and parades.

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In Brazil, Santa arrives by jet ski

On Tuesday, Santa arrived at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on a jet ski.

Experiences

Esslingen Christmas Market has medieval minstrels, crafts and hot tubs

Escape to Germany’s medieval Esslingen for a festive, fun and foodie experience over Christmas and New Year.

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Traditional Christmas carols from Romania

On Sunday, carolers from all over Romania gathered in the city of Galati for a traditional folk festival.

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Santa Claus for the poor in Argentina

Against a backdrop of growing poverty, a soup kitchen "Los Chicos de la Via" on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in Argentina is organising a special pre-Christmas party with Santa Claus and presents.

Economy

Christmas jobs: How are postings and searches faring this season?

Seasonal job postings and searches on Indeed in the UK show a clear trend, peaking in November. In 2024, searches hit a record high, while postings remained low.

Destinations

Christmas crowds: Alsace fights back with smaller festive markets

The fairytale towns of Alsace are now tackling their winter overtourism problem.

Culture news

Smell like Donald Trump with his Fight Fight Fight perfumes

For nearly $200, you could have the privilege of smelling like the president-elect. Make Armpits Great Again.

Europe News

Superheroes drop off Christmas gifts to young Kosovo cancer patients

Popular fictional characters like Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Super Mario, Superwoman, Captain America, Bumble Bee and the Flash became a powerful symbol of hope for the children.

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King Charles hosts the Military Wives Choirs after year of challenges

The Military Wives Choirs performed a heartfelt Christmas concert for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Buckingham Palace’s Music Room on Wednesday.

Art

130 nativity scenes go on display in Vatican's St. Peter's Square

The Vatican's 100 Nativity Scenes exhibition in St. Peter's Square has been unveiled, this year featuring 130 cribs from 21 countries.

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Warm autumn leaves Santa's Lapland village with less snow

In Lapland, Santa readies himself for the annual tradition of delivering presents around the globe. However, this year’s unusually warm autumn has left less snow in his village near Rovaniemi, northern Finland, impacting the experience for visitors.

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A choir inside a giant Christmas tree in the USA

In Michigan, the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree is 20 metres tall, with 25,000 LED lights, 1,580 linear metres of greenery and 15 levels on which 180 choir members stand. The 40-year-old tree can hold up to 220 singers.

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Wall climbing Santa meets sick children

On Friday 6 December, members of the Herzegovina Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) from Mostar, dressed as Santa Claus, climbed down the side of the University Clinical Hospital (SKB) wall in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina. They handed out presents and made the children smile and laugh.

Lifestyle

Sinterklaas, poems and Zwarte Piet: How the Dutch celebrate Christmas

On the evening of 5 December, Dutch friends and families get together to celebrate their unique take on the festive season.