ARTICLE AD BOX
People across the world are celebrating Christmas - one of the holiest times in the Christian calendar. However, for the second year in a row, there are smaller crowds at church services and other events because of the continuing coronavirus outbreak. Here's our snapshot of global festivities.
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
Image caption,Colourful lights decorations made this footbridge in Taipei, Taiwan, very popular with the locals and tourists
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,Nuns held prayers at a solemn church service in Nairobi, Kenya
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,In Pakistan, families - many with young children - attended a Christmas Eve service at St Andrew's church in Karachi
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,Worshippers lit candles in Istanbul, Turkey
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,In the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, a midnight Mass was held in the Church of the Nativity
Image source, Corbis via Getty Images
Image caption,Pope Francis presided at the similar service in the Vatican, which was held earlier than usual because of Covid restrictions
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Image caption,Young altar servers assisted during celebrations in Irbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
Image caption,This giant sand sculpture of Santa Claus appeared on the beach of Bay of Bengal in India's eastern Odisha state
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
Image caption,Meanwhile, a rhino enjoyed its Christmas treats at Orana Wildlife Park on the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,This pub in London, Great Britain, looked a giant Christmas toy