What would Christmas be without Christmas trees? A particularly magnificent example is on the Grand Place in Brussels.Image: keystone
December 24, 2025, 2:59 p.mDecember 24, 2025, 2:59 p.m
Christmas 2025 takes place at a difficult time. The liberal-democratic social model is under pressure like never since the Second World War. The president of the supposed leading power USA is flirting with the Russian ruler and despises the European allies.
Authoritarian tendencies are on the rise worldwide, the law of the strongest is replacing the rule-based order, wars are once again “socially acceptable”. Can you celebrate Christmas without any worries in this situation? Absolutely. The Christmas tree in particular becomes a symbol of joy and hope, even in places where you would hardly expect it:
Kyiv
This Christmas tree is made of work clothes. It is a tribute to the employees of the electricity companies who are making a heroic effort to maintain Ukraine’s electricity supply despite the constant Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure.Image: keystone
Kyiv
On December 5th, the lights of a huge Christmas tree will be put into operation in the square in front of St. Sophia Cathedral. It is a symbol of Ukrainian self-assertion in several ways: Since the Russian invasion, the country celebrates St. Nicholas Day on December 6th and Christmas on December 25th, like in the West. Image: keystone
Gaza City
Children decorate a tree in Gaza City’s only Catholic church. It was damaged during the Israeli offensive. There is now a fragile ceasefire.Image: keystone
Bethlehem
For the first time since the beginning of the Gaza war, a Christmas tree will be erected on Manger Square in Bethlehem. There may be fewer and fewer Christians living in the biblical birthplace of Jesus, but Christmas here is also a symbol of the Palestinian cause.Image: keystone
Roumieh
In Roumieh, north of Beirut, a Muslim and a Christian cleric attend the unveiling of a Christmas tree made from two tons of soap. After the holidays it will be distributed to orphanages.Image: keystone
Berlin
In front of the Brandenburg Gate there is a Christmas tree next to a Hanukkah candlestick. It is a symbolic image, also against the background of the terrorist attack in Sydney.Image: keystone
Rome
As every year, there is a large nativity scene and a tree from South Tyrol on St. Peter’s Square. It is the first Christmas under the new Pope Leo XIV.Image: keystone
Miami
In Donald Trump’s polarized country, there are moments of solidarity, especially at Christmas time. This was the case in Miami, where 200 Christmas trees were given away free of charge to low-income families on December 2nd.Image: keystone
Zurich
Rio de Janeiro
There was a special spectacle in Rio de Janeiro, where a floating Christmas tree was put into operation on November 30th with much fanfare.Image: keystone
Budapest
In the Hungarian capital’s zoo, even the elephants can enjoy a Christmas tree decorated with apples, bananas and carrots.Image: keystone