Waterskiing Santas and giant cuts of meat: Christmas around the world

Cheer around the world. Pope Leo XIV holds a figurine of baby Jesus during Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, 24 December 2025./SCREENGRAB 

From skiing Santas in the US and Mass with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, to giant cuts of meat being thrown into crowds in London, Christmas celebrations around the world are in full swing.

Worshippers in Ukraine, China and Pakistan gathered for Christmas Eve services at their local churches.

While most Christians mark Christmas on 25 December, many Orthodox Christians do not celebrate until 7 January.

Here are some of the best images of the holiday cheer around the world.

Women hold candles as they attend a Christmas Eve mass in Nairobi, Kenya../SCREENGRAB 

Two women take a photo in front of the Christmas tree in Nativity Square in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank./SCREENGRAB 

Worshippers attend a Christmas Eve mass at the Church of the Saviour in Beijing, China/SCREENGRAB 

Christians attend midnight Mass at Central Brooks Memorial Church in Karachi, Pakistan/SCREENGRAB 

A skiing Santa delights crowds during an annual Waterskiing Santa event in Alexandria, Virginia, in the US./SCREENGRAB