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A man dressed as Santa Claus takes notes in a giant book as he speaks with two children, next to a Christmas tree
Image: Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa/picture-allianceImage: Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa/picture-alliance

Christmas

Christmas is the annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is commonly observed on December 24 and 25 by billions of people worldwide.

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All Content on this topic

A row of Chocolate Santa Claus figurines sit in a box on a shelf in a German supermarket

Christmas chocolate prices soar while cocoa farmers struggle

The rising price of chocolate, due to a bad cocoa harvest and fertilizer shortages, is at risk of hurting holiday sales.
BusinessDecember 24, 2024
Christmas festivities in Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, have been toned down for a second year running.

Bethlehem marks somber Christmas amid ongoing Gaza war

Christmas festivities in Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, have been toned down for a second year running.
SocietyDecember 24, 202401:47 min
People attend a protest against in Damascus

Syria: Hundreds protest over Christmas tree burning — report

Reports of the burning of a Christmas tree come days after the interim leader assured minorities they’d be protected.
PoliticsDecember 24, 2024
Portrait of happy Santa Claus in eyeglasses is preparing to Christmas in his residence, sitting in rocking chair, smiling and looking at camera.

What message does Santa bring while jingling all the way?

DW takes you to Santa’s magical Christmas village in his hometown to see how the jolly preparations are coming along.
SocietyDecember 24, 202401:51 min
A statue of Colonel Sanders in Santa outfit is pictured on December 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan.

Global Christmas traditions: From witches to KFC

From roller-skating to church or festive greetings from Donald Duck, Christmas can be more than tinsel and turkey.
LifestyleDecember 24, 2024
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace

German president calls for unity in Christmas address

In his traditional Christmas speech, Steinmeier called for people in Germany to stand together against hatred.
PoliticsDecember 24, 2024
A woman poses for a picture in front of a Christmas tree in Aleppo

Syria's Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas

Many Christians say they're hopeful about their future in Syria, but fears remain.
PoliticsDecember 23, 202401:52 min
Explainer: Exploring the role of Jesus across different religions

Christmas 2024: How various religions view the role of Jesus

Christmas is celebrated globally, with each religion providing its own view on Jesus. Let's explore these perspectives.
ReligionDecember 23, 202401:35 min
People using sign language to "sing" Christmas carols in Berlin

Berlin choir brings Christmas spirit through sign language

The members of this choir in Berlin don't sing songs — but instead perform them in sign language.
MusicDecember 23, 202404:12 min
A Santa sled at the Christmas market in Bremerhaven

Germany: Man arrested over TikTok Christmas market threat

German police in the northern city of Bremerhaven have arrested a man who threatened an attack on a Christmas market.
CrimeDecember 23, 2024
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle Europe

German Christmas traditions, handcrafted decorations, and a trip to St. Moritz in Switzerland.
LifestyleDecember 22, 202426:04 min
Mascots Xin, Luce, Fe and Sky, with the little angel Lubi and the dog Santino

Holy Year 2025: What to expect

The Pope will open the "Jubilee" or "Holy Year 2025" on Christmas Eve. What does that entail?
ReligionDecember 22, 2024
Schoolchildren stand as they call out the first prize number in Spain's Christmas lottery "El Gordo" (The Fat One), in Madrid, Spain, on December 22, 2024

Spain: World's biggest lottery El Gordo awards billions

Millions watched a four-hour TV extravaganza revealing the winners of the Christmas draw.
SocietyDecember 22, 2024
The Christmas market in Magdeburg after a deadly car-ramming attack which left five dead.

Germany probes Christmas market attack warnings

Police are looking into whether previous warnings about the suspected Christmas market attacker were handled properly.
CrimeDecember 22, 2024
rescue services with shopping center with christmas lights in the background

Germany in shock after car rams into Christmas market

At least two people are dead and more than 60 injured after a car rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg.
CrimeDecember 21, 202402:01 min
Living Planet 210318 Podcast Cover

What's better: Real Christmas trees or artificial ones?

Ever wondered what's the better choice between a chopped down live Christmas tree or an artificial plastic one?
Nature and EnvironmentDecember 20, 202419:42 min
Videostill | Christmas in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Ukrainians try to look forward to Christmas

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches its third anniversary, the toll is visible across the country.
ConflictsDecember 20, 202404:13 min
Aerial view of the Christmas market on Bebelplatz in Berlin, Germany, in the evening.

How safe are Germany's Christmas markets?

Germany's festive markets attract thousands of visitors each winter. But are revelers worried about terrorist attacks?
SocietyDecember 18, 202402:28 min
Plates filled with dishes from the traditional Polish Wigilia feast for Christmas.

Poland's Wigilia feast is a sumptuous Christmas custom

The Polish Christmas Eve dinner is a 12-course menu commemorating the 12 apostles.
CultureDecember 15, 202404:41 min
Euromaxx reporter Sarah Hucal looks at traditional wooden handicrafts from Germany at a Christmas market in Cologne.

What to see at Germany's famous Cologne Christmas markets

Mulled wine, gingerbread and handicrafts: DW takes you on a tour of one of Germany's most beloved Christmas markets.
TravelDecember 14, 202404:32 min
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle Europe

A 12-course Christmas dinner, valuable eider down and a narrowboat as a floating home.
TravelDecember 13, 202426:04 min
Gingerbread cookies hang on a Christmas tree.

What makes a good Christmas gift from Germany?

Expats in Germany heading home for the holidays have plenty of options. Here are some of the most popular items.
CultureDecember 13, 2024
Sweets seller Nasratullah Kushkaki standing behind a display of various chocolates including bars of Dubai Chocolate for €15 per 200 grams

Trending treat 'Dubai chocolate' — but who owns the name?

This Christmas, chocolate lovers are going nuts about "Dubai chocolate." But who actually owns the trademark?
BusinessDecember 10, 2024
A diver in a Santa Claus costume paddles through the aquarium at the Multimar Wattforum in Schlesweg-Holstein on St. Nicholas Day.

Santas on the loose!

At this time of year, Santas are handing out presents across the world. For some, it's all about making an entrance.
OffbeatDecember 9, 202414 images
People dressed in Romanian folk attire with a basket full of red apples and a plate with Colaci, a traditional Christmas pastry.

How well do you know these European Christmas traditions?

Discover lesser-known Christmas traditions from Hungary, Romania and Serbia.
CultureDecember 8, 202404:01 min
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle Europe

Notre Dame in Paris reopens. Unknown Christmas traditions. Dining in a prison restaurant.
LifestyleDecember 6, 202426:04 min
A man dressed as St. Nicholas is on his way to a St. Nicholas party on the first Sunday in Advent in a carriage pulled by a pony through a snowy landscape on a sunny day.

Why Saint Nick and Santa Claus are not the same

How Christianity, pagan folklore and capitalism were combined to create Santa Claus.
CultureDecember 5, 2024
Euromaxx reporter Aisha Sharizpan with a cup of Glühwein at the Christmas market in Bremen.

Mulled wine and more at Bremen's Christmas market

A culinary stroll around Bremen's Christmas market, with marzipan potatoes and mulled wine.
CultureDecember 1, 202404:16 min
A German stamp showing the Christmas window in the church of St. Maruitius.

Muslim artist Mahbuba Maqsoodi makes history in Germany

The first female artist ever to have an artwork chosen for the special German Christmas stamp was born in Afghanistan.
SocietyDecember 1, 2024
George Michael, left, and Andrew Ridgeley, right, both men are smiling and wearing white shirts with popped collars.

Why people love (and hate) 'Last Christmas'

At the core of the Wham! pop classic, which turns 40 this year, lies melancholy, a broken heart and ... Easter?!
MusicNovember 29, 2024
Christmas market in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Germany's Faeser calls for 'vigilance' at Christmas markets

German security authorities said that while there were no indications of a "concrete" threat on the popular markets.
PoliticsNovember 28, 2024
A Christmas market visitor with a hot chocolate.

Why are Germany's Christmas markets so special?

Germany's Christmas markets are once again providing a little warmth and space for contemplation in the dark season.
CultureNovember 26, 20247 images
Band Aid of Sir Bob Geldof (second left), along with other artists recording the first ever Band Aid single, 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'

'Do They Know It's Christmas?': Band Aid benefit at 40

Released in 1984, several versions of the charity hit followed. Ed Sheeran has since distanced himself from the song.
MusicNovember 25, 2024
IG Metall members at warning strike in front of VW factory in Osnabrück, Germany

VW talks: German union demands deal before Christmas

Volkswagen has threatened plant closures and layoffs in a bid to reduce labor costs.
BusinessNovember 21, 2024
Police patrol car in front of the Christmas market on the Alter Markt in the old town of Cologne

Germany to enforce strict knife ban at Christmas markets

The tighter security comes after a deadly knife attack in Germany earlier this year.
Rule of LawNovember 17, 2024
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela: Maduro moves Christmas to October amid turmoil

Nicolas Maduro declared the national holiday season would be moved up to October amid a widely contested election.
PoliticsSeptember 4, 2024
The Christmas market in Opladen

German court sentences teen over Christmas terror plot

A German court hands a four-year custodial sentence to a defendant for planning a terror attack on a Christmas market.
CrimeJune 28, 2024
A lawyer enters the Paris' courthouse where the Strasbourg attack trial is taking place.

Strasbourg Christmas market terror attack trial starts

Authorities say the suspects supplied the gunman with the weapons he used in the deadly Christmas market attack.
Law and JusticeFebruary 29, 2024
Australien Christmas Island Krabbenwanderung

Climate change delays Australian crab migration

On Australia's Christmas Island, a yearly phenomenon has been disrupted: the great Christmas Island crab migration.
Nature and EnvironmentFebruary 19, 202401:16 min
Arturs Aukons starts swimming in a lake amidst pieces of ice.

Latvia: Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas

DW has met with a family from the Latvian capital, Riga, that likes to spend Christmas out of town.
ReligionJanuary 6, 202402:19 min
Image shows singathon photographed through a window

Guinness world record attempt: Ghanaian sing-a-thon ends

Ghanaian Afua Asantewaa Aduonum sang for almost 127 hours. But did she break the record held by an Indian?
MusicDecember 29, 2023
Deutsche Welle 2023 | The 77 Percent Magazine #197 | Weihnachtsspezial

How does South Africa prepare for Christmas

Festive in South Africa is a special time. We speak to some Joburgers on what December means for them.
SocietyDecember 28, 202302:30 min
Deutsche Welle 2023 | The 77 Percent Magazine #197 | Weihnachtsspezial

Atheist Christmas in Kenya

The Atheist Society of Kenya wants to fight stigma against non-believers
SocietyDecember 27, 202306:17 min
In his Christmas speech, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier focused on the need for courage and cooperation.

Germany's Steinmeier calls for unity in Christmas message

In his Christmas speech, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier focused on the need for courage and cooperation.
PoliticsDecember 25, 202308:01 min
Megastädte in Afrika | Lagos in Nigeria

AfricaLink on Air - Special Christmas Edition

Africans scramble to travel back home for Christmas+++In Nigeria, high transport fares deter some from traveling home
PoliticsDecember 25, 202329:59 min
Stock photo: Close-up of the torso of a man wearing a Santa Claus costume cradling a bottle of champagne in his arms.

Germany: Drunken 'Santa' crashes into house delivering gifts

Police in Thuringia said the man in a Santa suit was "absolutely incapable of driving" given his alcohol consumption.
CrimeDecember 25, 2023
Christmas decorations are being displayed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on December 23, 2023

Sri Lanka: Christmas amnesty sees 1,000 freed from jail

Many of the prisoners had been arrested for failing to pay outstanding fines.
Law and JusticeDecember 25, 2023
Santa's sleigh pulled by reindeer

How to follow Santa around the world with NORAD

The military command responsible for protecting North American skies is also tracking Santa on Christmas Eve.
CultureDecember 24, 2023
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa in a red frock surrounded by priests, security and Catholic faithful

Bethlehem: Small Christmas procession held despite Gaza war

This year's Christmas procession in the Holy Land is much smaller than usual, with decorations and festivities canceled.
PoliticsDecember 24, 2023
Flooding in Bavaria

Flood warnings issued across Germany ahead of Christmas

The German weather service (DWD) issued warnings for six states across Germany.
Nature and EnvironmentDecember 24, 2023