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Santa is celebrating -

To celebrate Santa Sunday at the Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine, dozens of skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and even the Grinch.

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Bluest light -

In Tokyo’s Shibuya district, visitors could be found taking selfies under Zelkova trees that have been extensively wrapped in blue LEDs. The district’s illumination event is known as Ao no Dokutsu (or "Blue Cave"), and entices visitors from all over Japan.

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Paganism -

Early in December, the German municipality of Frauenneuharting, near Munich, saw people dressed in fur, masks, and animal costumes as they participated in the traditional Perchten parade. The pagan festival is designed to drive out the “devils of winter.”

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The Pope’s blessing -

On December 8, Pope Francis delivered his Sunday Angelus blessing in St. Peter's Square following his usual weekly mass. This time, his image was captured alongside the branches of the massive Christmas tree erected in the square.

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A Greek celebration -

As December rolled around this year, the Greek city of Thessaloniki celebrated the beginning of the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on the shore of the Thermaic Gulf. The city’s Aristotelous Square was lit up with a myriad of colors as fireworks painted the sky.

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Long-distance travel -

The Christmas tree for the US Capitol stands illuminated against the West Front of the Capitol Building in Washington. The tree is an 80-foot (24.4-meter) Sitka spruce that was transported more than 2,700 miles (4,400 km) from Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

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Sunset guardians -

Here, the tree in front of the Capitol Building is pictured in twilight, draped from behind by a blanket of clouds and the colors of the setting sun. In the distance, the Washington Monument stands as a silhouette.

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Canine Christmas -

Even dogs join in the Christmas cheer as owners around the world put Santa Claus costumes on their beloved pets. This particular canine was spotted in Budapest, Hungary, howling during a Christmas walk in City Park.

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Markets and markets -

In late November, Frankfurt’s renowned Christmas fair opened to hundreds of visitors, who reveled in the golden hues that lit up the central Roemer Square. Germany is known for having popular markets scattered throughout the country, especially in Nuremberg and Berlin.

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Santa in solidarity - The Scottish city of Edinburgh hosted its 20th anniversary of the annual Santa Run, where members of the public dressed in Santa suits and elf costumes take part in a Santa Dash through the gardens of Princess Street. The event raises funds to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

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Santa’s sleigh -

Cruising through the streets of Germany near Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, members of the Harley Davidson club Riding Santas distribute sweets to children and also collect money to donate to a children's hospice.

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Burning through the night -

In Guatemala City, a statue of the devil was set ablaze as crowds gathered to celebrate the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. This Christian event marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the nation of Guatemala.

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'Snowing' in NYC -

In November, spectators gathered in New York City as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was installed. Fake snow accompanied the event, which marks the 93rd year of the city’s Christmas tree tradition.

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Carols by candlelight -

Christian denominations around the world gather during Christmastime to pay homage to their deity. Meskel Square in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa saw many Orthodox Christians gathering to light candles and take part in mass.

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A lunar gathering -

In Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, Christmas lights were strung up as the last supermoon of 2024 glided across the night sky. The next supermoon will only arrive on October 7, 2025.

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Snowy Santa -

In the German town of Wernigerode, a Santa Claus statue was spotted between a string of lights as snow circled down from the sky. As the depths of winter come closer, more snow and precipitation is expected to fall on the region.

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Sports and lights -

As Milano-Cortina gears up to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, the city of Milan lit up a Christmas tree that towers over the famous Olympic rings. The Games will be held during the month of February.

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Running to Christmas -

In the municipality of Michendorf in eastern Germany, hundreds of athletes dressed in Santa Claus costumes took part in the “Michendorfer Nikolauslauf.” After the event, the athletes enjoyed hearty delicacies and warming mulled wine to celebrate the season.

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A guiding light -

In the United Kingdom, the city of Chester features an elaborate light arch, guiding people down a beautiful and visceral trail within the its zoo’s boundaries.

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Mint coins -

The most expensive Christmas tree in Europe stands on display in Munich, Germany. The 10-foot (three-meter) tall tree consists of 2,024 Vienna Philharmonic coins, with a total value of more than US$5.3 million (€5 million). The tree is not for sale.

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A doggy gathering -

On December 7, the city of London held its annual Christmas jumper Corgi parade. Hundreds of corgis dressed in sweaters, Santa coats, and hats were spotted running through the streets in the city center.

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Santa can fly -

A floating Santa kite was spotted over the skies of Italy earlier in December. The city of Turin held its 14th Santa Claus Meeting (known locally as Raduno Babbi Natale), and hundreds gathered in all manner of costumes and Christmas regalia.

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A view of a market -

In Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, the Old Town Square saw the opening of its traditional Christmas market at the end of November.

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Cosmetics for Christmas -

A man in a flamboyant and elaborate Santa Claus costume was spotted wandering the streets of Mexico City, visiting locals and bringing the Christmas spirit to iconic places. Many children were excited to behold the beloved Santa, and many a picture was taken.

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Soccer celebrations -

Prior to a soccer match between local German teams in western Germany, small chocolate Santa Claus figures were spotted next to the goal area. The soccer game saw Eintracht Frankfurt playing against FC Augsburg in Frankfurt am Main.

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A glittering restaurant -

The Dome in Edinburgh, Scotland, sparkles with Christmas decorations as shoppers go about their business in search of gifts for the holiday season. An award-winning bar and restaurant, the Dome is considered one of the best in the city.

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Light up the night -

The province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica saw a massive Christmas parade unfurling through the streets. The parade even featured a statue head covered in a myriad of exuberant lights.

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Soaked Santa -

In the German town of Tönning, the Head of Aquarium and Animal Care at the Multimar Wattforum decided to take a dive into the large aquarium dressed as Santa Claus. Children held their hands against the glass as the marine biologist swam around the 52,830-gallon (250,000-liter) tank.

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Inflatable Christmas -

Standing stark against the skyline of Frankfurt in Germany, a giant inflatable Santa Claus is used as an advertisement for a local Christmas tree shop. That’s certainly a big way to bring in the Christmas cheer!

Sources: (Reuters) (Getty Images)

See also: The best Christmas light displays around the world

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