Billions of people worldwide are commemorating the birth of Jesus through prayer, gatherings, and cultural customs unique to their regions. For many, the season centers on family, reflection, and hope, even as the world grapples with ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, and social unrest.
From solemn church services to vibrant public celebrations, here’s a visual journey through how Christmas is being observed in 2025, spanning cities and communities from Bethlehem to Beijing.
Children celebrate Christmas Eve in the southern Lebanese border village of Alma al-Shaab, near the Israeli border.
People gather at Roemerberg square to attend the city’s bell ringing on Christmas Eve in Frankfurt, Germany.
Children play with bubbles during a Christmas dinner organized by labor activists for people in need outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Christians attend prayer on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, at St. Mary Cathedral in Yangon, Myanmar.
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Catholic clergy walk in procession next to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, on Christmas Eve, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
People hold electric candles as they sing during a Christmas Eve service at Indonesia Arena stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Ukrainian servicemen attend a parade on Orthodox Christmas eve in downtown Lviv, Ukraine.
People wearing traditional Ukrainian clothes sign carols on the Christmas Eve at a subway station in central Kyiv, Ukraine.
A man walks past an illuminated church on the eve of Christmas in Ahmedabad, India.
