Xmas marked around the world

8:44 pm, Tue 25 Dec 2012

Scottish Santa spreads festive cheer to animal kingdom

Alan Leach did his morning feeding rounds at Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling, Scotland, dress as Father Christmas Credit: PA

Llamas were among the beneficiaries of Leach's Christmas dinner handouts Credit: PA

No turkey for the giraffes, they are strictly vegetarian Credit: PA

8:29 pm, Tue 25 Dec 2012

Christians around the globe mark 25 December

Pakistani Christians attend a mass at a cathedral church in Peshawar Credit: Reuters

Iraqi Christians pray during a mass at St. Joseph Chaldean church in Baghdad Credit: Reuters

Santa sand sculptures created by artist Pattnaik at beach celebrations in Puri, India Credit: Reuters

Chilly charity challenge at Christmas

swimmers — Diving into Weymouth Harbour, the brave Lion's Club charity fundraisers today Credit: Dorset Media Services

It's lovely once you're in ... if you are in a canoe Credit: Dorset Media Services

10:50 am, Tue 25 Dec 2012

Swimmers exit the water after Serpentine Xmas plunge

Members of the Peter Pan club cross the finish line during the annual handicapped 100 yard swimming race in the Serpentine Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Swimmers feel the cold after their early morning Christmas swim — Swimmers feel the cold after their early morning Christmas dip in the water Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

UK
Christmas

10:18 am, Tue 25 Dec 2012

Swimmers prepare to take the plunge

Members of the Peter Pan club prepare to compete in the annual handicapped 100 yard swimming race in the Serpentine, Hyde Park. Credit: PA Wire

10:02 pm, Mon 24 Dec 2012

Pope leads Christmas Eve mass

Pope Benedict XVI has led Christmas Eve mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The ceremony began at 10 pm (2100 GMT) instead of the traditional midnight start time.

The schedule was changed at the Vatican years ago to let the pontiff rest before he is deliver a Christmas Day speech hours later from the basilica's central balcony.

Santa water-skis at US National Harbour

Performers dressed as Santa and his reindeers took part in an unusual annual event at the foot of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, which connects Washington and Maryland in the US.

The show featured a water-skiing Santa, flying elves, and Frosty the Snowman.

9:09 pm, Mon 24 Dec 2012

US Vice President sends his Christmas wishes

US Vice President Joe Biden has posted a picture on his Twitter account wishing people a "happy and safe holiday season".

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama recorded their Christmas message over the weekend, thanking America's troops and their families for their service.

US Vice President pictured here with President Obama. Credit: Twitter/@JoeBiden

8:41 pm, Mon 24 Dec 2012

Pope marks the nativity at Christmas Eve holy mass

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated a late Christmas night holy mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to mark the nativity of Jesus Christ.

Pilgrims, tourists and Romans gathered to watch the Pope light a Christmas peace candle from the windowsill of his private studio and witness the inauguration of a Nativity scene.

8:18 pm, Mon 24 Dec 2012

Catholics gather for Christmas Eve service in Moscow

Hundreds of Catholics have gathered at the Russian capital for the Christmas Eve service this evening, hosting the Nativity in Moscow. Although Russia Orthodox believers mark the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7, many are celebrating tonight.