Christmas Around The World

Hundreds of people gather around a merry-go-round at the traditional Christmas market in Frankfurt, central Germany, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008.

Russia

A huge Christmas tree is installed in Red Square, with St. Basil Cathedral in the background, in Moscow, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008.

Bulgaria

People celebrate during the lighting ceremony of the biggest Christmas tree in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.

Czech Republic

Tens of thousands of people gather around a Christmas tree, newly lit for the start of the Christmas season, in the Old Town square in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.

Germany

The traditional Christmas tree in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is illuminated on Sunday evening, Nov. 30, 2008.

South Korea

South Korean Christians, bottom, sing a song at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of the Seoul City Hall, South Korea, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008.

France

Christmas decorations light up the Champs Elysees in Paris, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, as the Arc de Triomphe is seen in the background.

Canada

The Peace Tower and Parliament Hill are lit with giant snowflakes during the Christmas Lights Across Canada illumination ceremony in Ottawa on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008.

Brazil

Fireworks explode over a 230-foot-tall Christmas tree in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008.

Malaysia

Shoppers gather around the Christmas decorations at a shopping mall in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008. The spirit of Christmas is felt very much in Muslim-dominated Malaysia as shopping malls and hotels have started decorating with Christmas trees, lights, Santa Claus and carols to capture the mood of the season.