Priests lead a procession on a cold Lithuanian night, while a colorful celebration is brightened by candlelight in Mexico. Santa appears in various forms, including on a street corner in the capital city of Cuba.
Christmas, the traditional Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus, is being celebrated globally, continuing a practice that has persisted for centuries. In the days and weeks leading up to December 25, city streets, homes, and churches have been adorned with lights and red and green decorations, embodying the optimism of the season.
Many adorned evergreen trees with ornaments and tinsel, and numerous individuals attended Mass or other religious ceremonies. In various locations, children eagerly awaited Santa Claus, who was expected to bring presents.
From the biblical birthplace of Jesus in the West Bank city of Bethlehem to the coastal suburbs of Florida, photographers captured images of people gathering with family, friends, and communities to observe the holiday.