Midnight Mass and surfing Santas: Pictures of Christmas around the world

From Australia to the Americas, services, events and Santa runs have been taking place to mark one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar. Here are some of the best Christmas images from around the world.

Dec 26, 2023 - 14:03
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Worshippers attend Christmas Eve midnight mass at the St. Francis Xavier's Church in Katana, Sri Lanka, early 25 December 2023.EPA
The faithful prayed in St Francis church in Sri Lanka
Worshippers of the Legio Maria African Church Mission gather to pray during the Christmas Eve vigil mass in a church near UgunjaGETTY IMAGES
Worshippers of the Legio Maria African Church Mission also gathered for a Christmas Eve vigil Mass in a church near Ugunja, Kenya
A woman wearing a Santa hat and bathing suit goes surfing on Christmas Day at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, 25 December 2023.EPA
Surfers at Bondi Beach in Sydney dressed festively for the occasion
Pope Francis presides the Christmas Eve mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the VaticanGETTY IMAGES
At the Vatican, Pope Francis presides over Christmas Eve midnight Mass in St Peter's Basilica
Ukrainian service members attend a Christmas celebration, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in LvivREUTERS
Ukrainian service members attend a Christmas celebration, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Lviv
Children dressed in Ukrainian traditional costumes attend a Christmas celebration, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Lviv, Ukraine December 24, 2023.REUTERS
Children in Lviv wore traditional dress for a Christmas celebration in Lviv