As the festive season reached its peak, people across the globe came together to mark Christmas with a dazzling array of traditions, from the sacred to the spectacular. On Wednesday 24 December 2025, the world was a tapestry of celebration, a fact beautifully documented by the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
A World United in Festive Spirit
The scope of the celebrations was truly global, illustrating the holiday's widespread appeal. In the ancient city of Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, pilgrims and locals gathered for solemn and joyous observances. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Beijing, festive lights and decorations signalled the season's reach far beyond its traditional heartlands.
These contrasting scenes were part of a wider collection of mesmerising images curated by AP's own photo editors. The gallery serves as a vibrant chronicle of a holiday period defined by an abundance of joy, deep reverence, and, of course, brilliant, dazzling lights.
Unique and Charming Holiday Moments
The photographs captured more than just traditional services and glittering trees. They highlighted the quirky and charitable side of the season. One striking image showed a person in a polar bear mascot costume casually boarding an elevator amidst the holiday revelry, adding a touch of whimsy to the festivities.
In a display of hardy charity, swimmers were photographed bravely plunging into the frigid waters off the coast of Northern Ireland. This annual dip is a cherished tradition for many, raising funds for good causes despite the biting cold.
Community and Celebration from Indonesia to Everywhere
The sense of community was powerfully evident in other corners of the world. In Indonesia, a country with a Muslim-majority population, singers filled a stadium, their voices uniting in celebration of the Christmas season. This image underscores the holiday's power to bring diverse communities together in a shared spirit of peace and goodwill.
The common thread through all these scenes is the universal human desire for connection, celebration, and light during the darkest time of the year. The Associated Press portfolio stands as a powerful testament to the many beautiful ways this desire is expressed across continents and cultures.
