Skipping the US This country's safest A spotlight on America Lost, damaged? Tell us
TRAVEL

Christmas celebrations around the world

A light installation replaces the traditional Christmas tree at the Grand Place in Brussels, Dec. 1, 2012.
A light installation replaces the traditional Christmas tree at the Grand Place in Brussels, Dec. 1, 2012.
Geert Vanden Wijngaert, AP
In this combination of two images, the interior of Salisbury Cathedral is illuminated by trails of candles carried by choristers during the annual "darkness to light" advent procession on Dec. 1, 2012, in Salisbury, England. The service is one of the most popular services of the liturgical year.
In this combination of two images, the interior of Salisbury Cathedral is illuminated by trails of candles carried by choristers during the annual "darkness to light" advent procession on Dec. 1, 2012, in Salisbury, England. The service is one of the most popular services of the liturgical year.
Matt Cardy, Getty Images
Santas from around the world compete in the Kicksled Sack Race during the Santa Claus Winter Games in Gallivare, Sweden, on Nov. 17, 2012.
Santas from around the world compete in the Kicksled Sack Race during the Santa Claus Winter Games in Gallivare, Sweden, on Nov. 17, 2012.
Jonathan Nackstrand, AFP/Getty Images
A man carries the "Bethlehem light" to the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Brno, Czech Republic, on Dec. 15, 2012. The flame was originally lit in Bethlehem and will travel by train throughout the Czech Republic.
A man carries the "Bethlehem light" to the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Brno, Czech Republic, on Dec. 15, 2012. The flame was originally lit in Bethlehem and will travel by train throughout the Czech Republic.
Radek Mica, AFP/Getty Images
Illuminated angels frame the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York on Nov. 28, 2012.
Illuminated angels frame the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York on Nov. 28, 2012.
Kathy Willens, AP
Bicycle designer Didi Senft, also known as "El Diabolo," presents his latest Christmas-themed construction in Storkow, Germany, on Nov. 29, 2012.
Bicycle designer Didi Senft, also known as "El Diabolo," presents his latest Christmas-themed construction in Storkow, Germany, on Nov. 29, 2012.
Patrick Pleul, AFP/Getty Images
Revelers in Santa costumes sit on a lion statue in London's Trafalgar Square during a "Santacon" on Dec. 15, 2012.
Revelers in Santa costumes sit on a lion statue in London's Trafalgar Square during a "Santacon" on Dec. 15, 2012.
Leon Neal, AFP/Getty Images
A giant black Christmas bauble, part of an installation by artist Eva Grubinger, hangs in Vienna's Belvedere palace on Dec. 10, 2012.
A giant black Christmas bauble, part of an installation by artist Eva Grubinger, hangs in Vienna's Belvedere palace on Dec. 10, 2012.
Dieter Nagl, AFP/Getty Images
A Christmas tree on the front lawn of The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., on Nov. 15, 2012. The tree was bought from a Tennessee family, who had planted it in their yard 40 years ago.
A Christmas tree on the front lawn of The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., on Nov. 15, 2012. The tree was bought from a Tennessee family, who had planted it in their yard 40 years ago.
Sandra Stambaugh, AP
Claire Robertson poses inside a life-size snow globe on Buchanan Street in Glasgow on Nov. 20, 2012, during a promotion for the Scottish Ballet'??s production of "The Nutcracker."
Claire Robertson poses inside a life-size snow globe on Buchanan Street in Glasgow on Nov. 20, 2012, during a promotion for the Scottish Ballet'??s production of "The Nutcracker."
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images
A giant Christmas crib sits on top of the Panecillo hill in Quito, Ecuador, on Dec. 22, 2012. This crib is the biggest in South America, with figures of 40 meters high and illuminated with more than 400,000 LED lights.
A giant Christmas crib sits on top of the Panecillo hill in Quito, Ecuador, on Dec. 22, 2012. This crib is the biggest in South America, with figures of 40 meters high and illuminated with more than 400,000 LED lights.
Pablo Cozzaglio, AFP/Getty Images
Santa Claus hugs a young visitor at Macy's Herald Square store in New York on Nov. 23, 2012.
Santa Claus hugs a young visitor at Macy's Herald Square store in New York on Nov. 23, 2012.
John Minchillo, AP
Christmas decorations in front of the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco on Dec. 12, 2012.
Christmas decorations in front of the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco on Dec. 12, 2012.
Lionel Cironneau, AP
A young woman takes a close look at a Christmas decoration set up at Lisbon's Rossio square on Dec. 5, 2012.
A young woman takes a close look at a Christmas decoration set up at Lisbon's Rossio square on Dec. 5, 2012.
Armando Franca, AP
A Christmas teddy bear is wheeled along on a trolley at the Steiff stuffed toy factory on Nov. 23, 2012, in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany. Teddy bears are among the most popular children's toys and the company is hoping for a strong Christmas season.
A Christmas teddy bear is wheeled along on a trolley at the Steiff stuffed toy factory on Nov. 23, 2012, in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany. Teddy bears are among the most popular children's toys and the company is hoping for a strong Christmas season.
Thomas Niedermueller, Getty Images
A firehouse along the Embarcadero in San Francisco is decorated for Christmas on Dec. 4, 2012.
A firehouse along the Embarcadero in San Francisco is decorated for Christmas on Dec. 4, 2012.
Eric Risberg, AP
The "Lights of Christmas" are featured at Saint Mary's Cathedral on Dec. 13, 2012, in Sydney. The illuminations are projected over the facade of the sandstone cathedral.
The "Lights of Christmas" are featured at Saint Mary's Cathedral on Dec. 13, 2012, in Sydney. The illuminations are projected over the facade of the sandstone cathedral.
Lisa Maree Williams, Getty Images
Artist Sudersan Pattnaik works on a sand sculpture with over 500 Santa Claus statues at Golden Beach in Puri, India, on Dec. 22, 2012.
Artist Sudersan Pattnaik works on a sand sculpture with over 500 Santa Claus statues at Golden Beach in Puri, India, on Dec. 22, 2012.
STRDEL AFP/Getty Images
Saint Peter's Basilica rises behind a Christmas tree in downtown Rome on Dec. 19, 2012.
Saint Peter's Basilica rises behind a Christmas tree in downtown Rome on Dec. 19, 2012.
Filippo Monteforte, AFP/Getty Images
Cars drive over the frozen Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Dec. 23, 2012.
Cars drive over the frozen Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Dec. 23, 2012.
Markus Schreiber, AP
A family walks amid Christmas decorations in the Izatapalapa neighborhood of Mexico City on Dec. 19, 2012.
A family walks amid Christmas decorations in the Izatapalapa neighborhood of Mexico City on Dec. 19, 2012.
Omar Torres, AFP/Getty Images
Richard Lowry lifts a Christmas tree at Garrocher Tree Farm on Nov. 10, 2012, in Creetown, Scotland.
Richard Lowry lifts a Christmas tree at Garrocher Tree Farm on Nov. 10, 2012, in Creetown, Scotland.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images
Catholics attend the first dawn mass at a Manila suburb in the Philippines on Dec. 16, 2012. Many Filipinos traditionally attend nine consecutive dawn masses before Christmas in this largely Roman Catholic nation.
Catholics attend the first dawn mass at a Manila suburb in the Philippines on Dec. 16, 2012. Many Filipinos traditionally attend nine consecutive dawn masses before Christmas in this largely Roman Catholic nation.
Aaron Favila, AP
Lucifer the lion holds a Christmas present in his mouth at the London Zoo on Dec. 12, 2012. Keepers gave the some of the animals presents containing festive treats.
Lucifer the lion holds a Christmas present in his mouth at the London Zoo on Dec. 12, 2012. Keepers gave the some of the animals presents containing festive treats.
Dan Kitwood, Getty Images
Indian Christians holds candles as they offer prayers at a church in Amritsar on Dec. 22, 2012. Despite Christians forming a little over two percent of the billion plus population in India, with Hindus comprising the majority, Christmas is celebrated with fanfare and zeal throughout the country.
Indian Christians holds candles as they offer prayers at a church in Amritsar on Dec. 22, 2012. Despite Christians forming a little over two percent of the billion plus population in India, with Hindus comprising the majority, Christmas is celebrated with fanfare and zeal throughout the country.
Narinder Nanu, AFP/Getty Images
"Father Frost" and "Snow Maiden" wave from a car during a parade in front of Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg on Dec. 22, 2012.
"Father Frost" and "Snow Maiden" wave from a car during a parade in front of Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg on Dec. 22, 2012.
Olga Maltseva, AFP/Getty Images
Trees are decorated with lights at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, South Korea, on Dec. 23, 2012. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea, where over half of the population are Christians.
Trees are decorated with lights at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, South Korea, on Dec. 23, 2012. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea, where over half of the population are Christians.
Ahn Young-joon, AP
A police officer dressed as Santa Claus prepares to hand out presents to children in the Macacos slum in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 20, 2012.
A police officer dressed as Santa Claus prepares to hand out presents to children in the Macacos slum in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 20, 2012.
Felipe Dana, AP
Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin on its opening day of Nov. 26, 2012. Christmas markets are an integral part of German Christmas tradition.
Performers on stilts walk among visitors at the annual Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin on its opening day of Nov. 26, 2012. Christmas markets are an integral part of German Christmas tradition.
Sean Gallup, Getty Images
Tito Aguirre, the director of "Club of Clowns" school, delivers a present to a patient at the Mascota Hospital for Children in Managua, Nicaragua, on Dec. 18, 2012. Each year members of the club visit hospitalized children before Christmas to make them laugh as part of an alternative therapy.
Tito Aguirre, the director of "Club of Clowns" school, delivers a present to a patient at the Mascota Hospital for Children in Managua, Nicaragua, on Dec. 18, 2012. Each year members of the club visit hospitalized children before Christmas to make them laugh as part of an alternative therapy.
Esteban Felix AP
Police officer Terry Fitzgerald of Portland, Maine, helps lay wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Dec. 15, 2012. The Wreaths Across America project was started at the cemetery in 1992 and has expanded to hundreds of other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
Police officer Terry Fitzgerald of Portland, Maine, helps lay wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Dec. 15, 2012. The Wreaths Across America project was started at the cemetery in 1992 and has expanded to hundreds of other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
Jose Luis Magana, AP
Crowds gather at a Christmas market in front of the town hall in Vienna on Dec. 1, 2012.
Crowds gather at a Christmas market in front of the town hall in Vienna on Dec. 1, 2012.
Alexander Klein, AFP/Getty Images
People surround a Christmas tree in front of San Francisco Church in La Paz, Bolivia, on Dec. 19, 2012.
People surround a Christmas tree in front of San Francisco Church in La Paz, Bolivia, on Dec. 19, 2012.
Juan Karita, AP
Fireworks explode over the floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro during the annual lighting event on Dec. 1, 2012. The Christmas tree is believed to be one of the largest in the world.
Fireworks explode over the floating Christmas tree in Rio de Janeiro during the annual lighting event on Dec. 1, 2012. The Christmas tree is believed to be one of the largest in the world.
Silvia Izquierdo, AP
The Christmas fair at the Palace of Culture in Warsaw on Dec. 2, 2012.
The Christmas fair at the Palace of Culture in Warsaw on Dec. 2, 2012.
Czarek Sokolowski, AP
Fireworks explode over Christmas illuminations at the Tokyo Bay area in Tokyo on Dec. 22, 2012.
Fireworks explode over Christmas illuminations at the Tokyo Bay area in Tokyo on Dec. 22, 2012.
Koji Sasahara, AP
Miners from the Ore Mountains take part in the Christmas Miners Parade on Dec. 22, 2012, in Leipzig, Germany.
Miners from the Ore Mountains take part in the Christmas Miners Parade on Dec. 22, 2012, in Leipzig, Germany.
Peter Endig, AFP/Getty Images
People shop at a Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest on Dec. 23, 2012.
People shop at a Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest on Dec. 23, 2012.
Attila Kisbenedek, AFP/Getty Images
A local castle tower is transformed into a Christmas candle in Schlitz, Germany, on Dec. 1, 2012.
A local castle tower is transformed into a Christmas candle in Schlitz, Germany, on Dec. 1, 2012.
Uwe Zucchi, AFP/Getty Images
Clad in Santa Claus costumes, workers clean the windows of a hotel in Tokyo on Dec. 20, 2012. The hotel produced the event to enliven the Yaesu business district ahead of Christmas.
Clad in Santa Claus costumes, workers clean the windows of a hotel in Tokyo on Dec. 20, 2012. The hotel produced the event to enliven the Yaesu business district ahead of Christmas.
Toru Yamanaka, AFP/Getty Images
A Christmas tree stands in front of City Hall in Seoul on Dec. 5, 2012.
A Christmas tree stands in front of City Hall in Seoul on Dec. 5, 2012.
Lee Jin-man, AP
Children look at a Christmas tree made of milk tin cans in Athens on Dec. 14, 2012, during an event organized by Medecins du Monde, a non-governmental humanitarian aid organisation.
Children look at a Christmas tree made of milk tin cans in Athens on Dec. 14, 2012, during an event organized by Medecins du Monde, a non-governmental humanitarian aid organisation.
Louisa Gouliamaki, AFP/Getty Images
A giant snowman on la Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, on Dec. 6, 2012.
A giant snowman on la Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, on Dec. 6, 2012.
Lionel Cironneau, AP
Street musicians perform in downtown Barcelona on Dec. 20, 2012.
Street musicians perform in downtown Barcelona on Dec. 20, 2012.
Emilio Morenatti, AP
A Christmas tree appears to be crashing through the roof of a house in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood on Dec. 20, 2012. Homeowner Patrick Kruger created the illusion by cutting a 14-foot tree into two pieces and attaching the top section to a piece of plywood that's bolted to the roof.
A Christmas tree appears to be crashing through the roof of a house in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood on Dec. 20, 2012. Homeowner Patrick Kruger created the illusion by cutting a 14-foot tree into two pieces and attaching the top section to a piece of plywood that's bolted to the roof.
Elaine Thompson, AP
A man dressed as Santa Claus stands on top of a cable car moving up Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 21, 2012. Santa also handed out cake to children during the event to celebrate Christmas.
A man dressed as Santa Claus stands on top of a cable car moving up Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 21, 2012. Santa also handed out cake to children during the event to celebrate Christmas.
Silvia Izquierdo, AP
People enjoy a display of Christmas lights in Medellin, Colombia, on Dec. 1, 2012.
People enjoy a display of Christmas lights in Medellin, Colombia, on Dec. 1, 2012.
Raul Arboleda, AFP/Getty Images
Runners dressed in Father Christmas costumes take part in the annual five-kilometer Santa Dash in Liverpool, England, on Dec. 2, 2012. Many runners wear a blue suit, usually supporters of Everton FC, who refuse to run in the colours of their city rivals Liverpool FC.
Runners dressed in Father Christmas costumes take part in the annual five-kilometer Santa Dash in Liverpool, England, on Dec. 2, 2012. Many runners wear a blue suit, usually supporters of Everton FC, who refuse to run in the colours of their city rivals Liverpool FC.
Paul Ellis, AFP/Getty Images
Christmas lights line the Avenue des Champs-Elysees on Nov. 21, 2012, in Paris.
Christmas lights line the Avenue des Champs-Elysees on Nov. 21, 2012, in Paris.
Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images
Hundreds of people gather in the rain on Nov. 26, 2012, to attend the opening of the Christmas market on the Roemerberg square in Frankfurt.
Hundreds of people gather in the rain on Nov. 26, 2012, to attend the opening of the Christmas market on the Roemerberg square in Frankfurt.
Michael Probst, AP
A surfer dressed as Santa Claus trains children on Kuta Beach on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Dec. 22, 2012. The island, a pocket of Hindu culture in a country with the biggest Muslim population in the world, receives thousands of tourists every year over the Christmas season.
A surfer dressed as Santa Claus trains children on Kuta Beach on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Dec. 22, 2012. The island, a pocket of Hindu culture in a country with the biggest Muslim population in the world, receives thousands of tourists every year over the Christmas season.
Sonny Tumbelaka, AFP/Getty Images
Christmas decorations light the streets of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Dec. 15, 2012.
Christmas decorations light the streets of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Dec. 15, 2012.
Sia Kambou, AFP/Getty Images
Spectators watch the Christmas illuminations at Royal Treaty street in Warsaw on Dec. 1, 2012.
Spectators watch the Christmas illuminations at Royal Treaty street in Warsaw on Dec. 1, 2012.
Czarek Sokolowski, AP
People walk past a Christmas tree in Red Square, with the GUM State Department Store at right, in Moscow on Dec. 4, 2012.
People walk past a Christmas tree in Red Square, with the GUM State Department Store at right, in Moscow on Dec. 4, 2012.
Alexander Zemlianichenko, AP
A Christmas tree stands in front of City Hall in Madrid, Spain, on Dec. 6, 2012.
A Christmas tree stands in front of City Hall in Madrid, Spain, on Dec. 6, 2012.
Emilio Morenatti, AP
Christmas decorations are displayed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Dec. 22, 2012.
Christmas decorations are displayed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Dec. 22, 2012.
Lakruwan Wanniarachchi, AFP/Getty Images
A Christmas tree in central Stockholm on Dec. 02, 2012. It's the world's tallest Christmas tree made solely out of fir.
A Christmas tree in central Stockholm on Dec. 02, 2012. It's the world's tallest Christmas tree made solely out of fir.
Claudio Bresciani, AFP/Getty Images
A Palestinian man dressed up as Santa Claus walks along the wall of Jerusalem's Old City on Dec. 23, 2012.
A Palestinian man dressed up as Santa Claus walks along the wall of Jerusalem's Old City on Dec. 23, 2012.
Menahem Kahana, AFP/Getty Images
The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is lit on Dec. 4, 2012, in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is lit on Dec. 4, 2012, in Washington, D.C.
Manuel Balce Ceneta, AP
Unable to compete with her neighbor, Kristina Green opted to decorate her home in Maricopa, Ariz., with a 450-light "Ditto" sign and an arrow pointing to Eric Cyr's 20,000-light Christmas display, as shown on Dec. 11, 2012.
Unable to compete with her neighbor, Kristina Green opted to decorate her home in Maricopa, Ariz., with a 450-light "Ditto" sign and an arrow pointing to Eric Cyr's 20,000-light Christmas display, as shown on Dec. 11, 2012.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
Featured Weekly Ad