Christmas 2017: December 25 is celebrated across the world marking the birth of Jesus Christ (AFP)
The big tree all decorated and lit up, the sound of carols in the air; the dinner feast with wine and plum cakes, Christmas is here. The day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated across varied cultures of the world differently based on religious practices and superstitions. Like every other festival, a major part of Christmas is getting together with family and friends, exchanging gifts and wishes with one another. Christmas celebrations across the world go beyond faith and religion. It is seen as a joyous time to spread love and the spirit of festivity as another year comes to an end.
Here is a glimpse of Christmas celebrations across the world:
Merry Christmas 2017: Peoples dressed as Santa participate in a procession to celebrate Christmas in Jammu (PTI)
Merry Christmas 2017: Children, dressed up as Santa Claus, celebrating Christmas at their school in Mathura (PTI)
Merry Christmas 2017: A bonfire marking Christmas Eve outside St. Peter's Church in Allahabad (AFP)
Merry Christmas 2017: Students participate in a Christmas rally, in Kolkata. (PTI)
Merry Christmas 2017: Christmas trees installed at Manezhnaya square for Christmas in Moscow, Russia (PTI)
Merry Christmas 2017: Shop clerks and workers wearing Santa Claus costumes at a Christmas parade in Tokyo (AFP)
Merry Christmas 2017: Christmas ornaments at a market in Karachi, Pakistan (PTI)
Merry Christmas 2017: Volunteers at the Los Angeles Mission's annual Christmas meal for the homeless. (AFP)
Merry Christmas 2017: The Christmas tree known as "Spelacchio" at The Piazza Venezia in Rome. (AFP)
Merry Christmas 2017: Syrians dressed in Christmas outfits roam in Damascus as, escorted by Syrian forces. (AFP)
Merry Christmas 2017: Lit candles held at Christmas mass at a stadium in Surabaya in Indonesia. (AFP)
Merry Christmas 2017: Pope Francis celebrates a mass on Christmas eve at St Peter's basilica in the Vatican. (AFP)