巴伐利亚阿尔卑斯山脉的雪中教堂与圣诞树，德国 Snowy chapel with Christmas tree in the Bavarian Alps, Germany (© mauritius images GmbH/Alamy)

流动的传统 Traditions that travel

平安夜

随着平安夜的到来，数以百万计的人们拥抱那些将我们与根源相连的习俗，或者接触全新的文化。如今日图片中所见的那样，在德国巴伐利亚阿尔卑斯山的雪景中，节日灯光在寒冬中闪耀；而在地球的另一端，比如加勒比海、澳大利亚或巴西，耀眼阳光洒在金色海滩上，圣诞节的画面则截然不同

在德国，人们会捧着一杯热气腾腾的漫步于圣诞市集，穿梭于一个个摊位之间。在委内瑞拉加拉加斯，人们则会踩着轮滑去参加圣诞弥撒。在墨西哥，可能又会看到夜圣萝卜节中剩下的奇趣萝卜雕塑。对于那些喜欢神秘事物的人来说，乌克兰会在圣诞树上装饰象征好运的蜘蛛网，而威尔士则会庆祝马利·卢伊德，一种由装饰过的马头骨引领、挨家挨户巡游的独特传统。传统习俗多到数不胜数。对一个人来说平凡至极的习惯，对另一个人而言却可能是一片崭新的文化天地。所以，今夜不妨敞开心扉，甚至打开家门，或许有人正期待与你分享他们的节日故事，或静静聆听你的。

Christmas Eve

As Christmas Eve arrives, millions embrace customs that connect us to our roots—or introduce us to entirely new cultures. In snowy regions like the Bavarian Alps in Germany—a frost-kissed landscape seen in today's image—festive lights glow against winter's chill. Elsewhere, the sun blazes brightly: think of the Caribbean, Australia, or Brazil, where Christmas often means golden beaches instead of frosty mornings.

In Germany, you might wander through a festive market with a steaming cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) in hand, weaving from one stall to the next. In Caracas, Venezuela, you'll join crowds rollerblading to Christmas Mass. Head to Mexico, and you'll find quirky radish sculptures from the Night of the Radishes festival, left over from the night before. For those drawn to mystery, Ukraine decorates trees with spider webs, and Wales celebrates Mari Lwyd—a horse's skull adorned and paraded door to door. The list of traditions is endless. What feels ordinary to one may be an entirely new world to someone else. So tonight, open your heart—and maybe your door—someone might be eager to discover your holiday tradition.

多马索的建筑上的圣诞彩灯，科莫湖，意大利 Christmas lights in Domaso, Lake Como, Italy (© Roberto Moiola/Getty Images)

一切安详，一切明亮 All is calm, all is bright

多马索的建筑上的圣诞彩灯，科莫湖，意大利

当意大利科莫湖上闪烁的灯光比星辰更耀眼时，你就会知道，圣诞节已在多马索登场。这个昔日的渔村，如今每到冬季便化身为闪亮的节日舞台：粉彩色的房屋、古老的教堂与湖畔别墅被光带缠绕，交织成一幅梦幻的圣诞画卷。

湖畔的主步道湖滨大道成为节日的焦点。教堂里回荡着圣诞颂歌，集市摊位上陈列着手工艺品、香气四溢的烤栗子，以及堆得满满的意大利圣诞蛋糕，让人们在甜蜜中迎接新年。

这一切的核心是温暖的社区精神。科莫湖畔的居民以让节日更特别为荣：他们在广场上组织现场音乐演出，搭建宛如文艺复兴画卷般的耶稣诞生场景。游客们也不再只是旁观者，毕竟，没有什么比一杯热气腾腾的香料红酒与一个真挚的微笑，更能传递那句温暖的祝福：“圣诞快乐！”。

Christmas lights in Domaso, Lake Como, Italy

When the twinkling reflections on Italy's Lake Como outshine the stars, you know Christmas has docked in Domaso. Once a fishing village, this lakeside town now transforms each winter into a glittering display of holiday cheer, where pastel houses, old churches, and waterfront villas are wrapped in ribbons of light. The result? A picturesque Christmas scene.

The main waterfront, or lungolago, becomes the star attraction. Churches chime with carols, and market stalls pop up selling handmade crafts, warm chestnuts, and enough panettone to keep everyone running on sweet energy until the New Year.

At the heart of it all is community. Residents around Lake Como take pride in making the season special, from organizing live music in the piazza to staging nativity scenes that look straight out of a Renaissance painting. Even visitors feel part of the celebration—after all, nothing says 'Buon Natale' (Merry Christmas) like being handed a steaming cup of vin brulé, or mulled wine, and a smile.

莱比锡圣诞集市, 德国 Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany (© Krzysztof Baranowski/Getty Images)

一路闪耀 Twinkle all the way

莱比锡圣诞集市, 德国

你知道567年前的圣诞集市，人们都买些什么吗？不是昂贵的饰品，也不是精致的纪念品，而是蜡烛、香料、本地特产、针织品和玩具。莱比锡的圣诞集市始于1458年，很快成为商人和当地居民最喜爱的去处。如今，这个集市遍布历史老城，约有300个摊位，汇聚文化与美食，是德国规模最大的圣诞集市之一。想象一下，街道上商贩的叫卖声此起彼伏，孩子们追随着蜂蜜姜饼的甜香奔跑。这里是人们聚在一起庆祝冬季、边喝热红酒边聊新闻的地方。圣诞集市从来不仅仅是购物，它更是一种逃离日常的温暖仪式。

圣诞集市怎能少了圣诞老人？在莱比锡，圣诞老人的隆重到来是一项传统。每年将临期前的周六，家家户户都会迎接圣诞老人和他的随行队伍，他们乘坐特别的列车抵达中央火车站。城市的每个角落都在讲述故事：从历史悠久的圣托马斯教堂，到让孩子们欢笑了几代人的旋转木马。漫步其中，节日的气息仿佛一段活生生的故事，将数百年的习俗与现代的庆典交织在一起。

Christmas market in Leipzig, Germany

Do you know what people bought at Christmas markets 567 years ago? Not costly ornaments or fancy souvenirs but candles, spices, local goods, knitted items, and toys. Leipzig's Christmas market began in 1458 and quickly became a favorite stop for merchants and locals alike. Today, with its cultural and culinary offerings spread across the historic old town and about 300 stalls, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. Imagine streets buzzing with the chatter of traders and children following the scent of 'Lebkuchen'—honey-sweetened cakes. This is where townsfolk gather to celebrate winter and catch up on news while sipping mulled wine. These markets have always symbolized more than shopping—they offer an escape from the everyday routine.

And what is a Christmas market without Santa Claus? In Leipzig, his grand arrival is a tradition. On the Saturday before Advent Sunday, families welcome Santa and his entourage, who arrive on a special train at the main station. Every corner of this city tells a story, from the historic St. Thomas Church to the merry-go-rounds that have delighted children for generations. As you walk through it, the festive spirit feels like a living story, blending centuries of customs with modern celebrations.

莫斯霍尔港的圣诞灯饰，康沃尔，英格兰 Christmas lights at Mousehole Harbour, Cornwall, England (© ianwool/Getty Images)

节日还在继续 The holidays continue

节礼日

当圣诞颂歌的余音仍在空中回荡时，节礼日又到了。英国、加拿大及多个英联邦国家都会庆祝这个节日。过去，富人们会在圣诞节后的这一天给仆人赠送装满礼物的礼盒，这一传统后来演变为向不幸者进行慈善捐赠的日子。如今，尽管赠予的精神仍在，但这一天已转变为购物促销和观看足球比赛的节日。

让我们前往英格兰康沃尔的渔村港口莫斯霍尔港，继续感受节日的欢乐氛围。今天的图片中的莫斯霍尔港因其圣诞灯饰而闻名于世。这些灯饰最早是由当地艺术家琼·吉尔克雷斯特于20世纪60年代初点亮的。最初的几串简单灯饰很快发展为一场盛大的视觉盛宴，逐年增加了标志性场景、航海主题和康沃尔特色主题。如今，这些灯饰从12月开始被点亮，一直持续到次年1月初，覆盖了整个港口，让建筑物、船只甚至水边都披上了柔和的光芒。

Boxing Day

As the last notes of Christmas carols linger in the air, Boxing Day arrives. This day is celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, and several other Commonwealth countries. In the past, it was customary for the wealthy to give boxes filled with gifts to their servants on the day after Christmas. The tradition evolved into a day for charitable giving to the less fortunate. Today, while the spirit of giving remains, it has transformed into a holiday about enjoying bustling sales and a lineup of soccer matches.

Let's visit Mousehole, a fishing village in Cornwall, England, to keep the merriment going. Featured in today's image, Mousehole Harbour is known for its Christmas illuminations. The Mousehole lights were first lit in the early 1960s, thanks to local artist Joan Gillchrest. A few humble strings of lights soon turned into a full-blown spectacle, growing over the years to include iconic scenes, nautical motifs, and Cornish themes. Today, the lights, switched on from December until early January, span the entire harbor, wrapping buildings, boats, and even the water's edge in a soft glow.

水晶码头的圣诞树，太平洋海滩，加利福尼亚州，美国 Christmas tree at Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach, San Diego, California, USA (© SamAntonioPhotography/Getty Images)

冲浪、沙滩和圣诞老人 Surf, sand, and Santa

水晶码头的圣诞树，圣地亚哥，加利福尼亚州

圣诞老人有足够的跑道可以降落，但要想光临你家的烟囱，那就只能祝你好运了。今天，我们在加利福尼亚州圣地亚哥的太平洋海滩为圣诞节做准备。虽然这里可能不会下雪，但在阳光明媚的南加州，圣诞节前仍然充满了节日气氛。在圣地亚哥的圣诞小径上，有许多美丽的圣诞树，其中一棵20英尺高的圣诞树位于装饰一新的水晶码头尽头。

Christmas tree on Crystal Pier, San Diego, California

Santa has plenty of runway to land his sleigh, but good luck trying to find a chimney. Today, we're getting ready for Christmas at Pacific Beach in San Diego, California. While it might not snow here, there's still plenty of yuletide spirit leading up to Christmas in sunny Southern California. Among many beautiful examples on San Diego's Christmas Tree Trail is the 20-foot tree at the end of a festively decorated Crystal Pier.

Stretching out 872 feet into the water, the pier has been a Pacific Beach icon since 1927. Once home to a ballroom and carnival-like midway, Crystal Pier has since become a mellower vacation destination and one of the few places on the West Coast with rental accommodations over the ocean. Open to the public during the day and 24/7 for hotel guests, the pier is an ideal place to take in panoramic coastal views, watch whales and surfers at play, do some fishing, or bathe in glorious coastal sunsets. Pacific Beach also has a lively restaurant, bar, and club scene if eggnog isn't your thing. There are certainly colder places to spend Christmas, but perhaps no place cooler than Crystal Pier.

罗瓦涅米圣诞老人村，拉普兰，芬兰 Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland (© Smelov/Shutterstock)

圣诞老人要来镇上了 He's coming to town...

罗瓦涅米圣诞老人村，拉普兰，芬兰

圣诞老人村坐落在芬兰的罗瓦涅米，这是一个神奇的四季皆宜的旅游胜地，游客从这里可以进入到迷人的圣诞世界。这个村庄位于北极圈内，可为游客提供独一份的节日体验，比如见到圣诞老人本人或穿越北极圈线。儿童和成人都可以见到圣诞老人忠诚的驯鹿，探索一系列以圣诞节为主题的充满活力的景点，让所有年龄段的游客都能不虚此行。

罗瓦涅米位于芬兰拉普兰的中心地带，是该地区的首府。罗瓦涅米以其恍如仙境的冰雪森林和神奇的北极光而闻名，给游客提供了一个融合了独特自然美景和节日精神的旅行地。从白雪皑皑的森林到浓厚的节日氛围，罗瓦涅米一直等待着游客们前来体验它的魅力。无论你喜不喜欢圣诞节，罗瓦涅米的魅力都会让你惊叹不已。

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Nestled in Rovaniemi, Finland, Santa Claus Village is a magical year-round destination where visitors can enter the enchanting world of Christmas. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, this village offers unique experiences, like meeting Santa and his reindeer or stepping over the Arctic Circle line.

Rovaniemi is the capital of the Finnish Lapland region in the northernmost part of the country. Known for snowy forests and the northern lights, the town offers a blend of natural beauty and festive spirit. Whether you're on Team Christmas or Team Grinch, there's no way you won't be amazed by Rovaniemi's charm.

锡比乌圣诞市场，罗马尼亚 Christmas market in Sibiu, Romania (© Calin Stan/Alamy Stock Photo)

闪烁的小镇 Twinkle town

罗马尼亚的锡比乌圣诞市场

随着冬季寒潮来临，锡比乌市变成了一个令人眼花缭乱的假日仙境，这里有罗马尼亚最受欢迎的圣诞市场之一。锡比乌圣诞市场从11月底到1月初在中央广场举行。在今天的图片中，一串串闪闪发光的灯悬挂在广场上，形成了一个雨棚，使鹅卵石街道沐浴在温暖的节日光芒中。那里还有一棵灯火辉煌的圣诞树，周围是迷人的木屋，售卖各种各样的东西，不仅有手工制作的装饰品，还有当地制作的点心，比如罗马尼亚传统甜面包，芳香的热葡萄酒，还有撒上盐的热脆饼。

锡比乌本身就是一个历史悠久的地方，以其保存完好的中世纪建筑、色彩缤纷的外墙和充满活力的文化景观而闻名。它曾是德国移民在12世纪建立的最富有城市，2007年被指定为欧洲文化之都。在圣诞节期间，锡比乌的光芒更加明亮，旋转木马，溜冰场和各种表演使这座城市充满活力。

Sibiu Christmas market, Romania

As the winter chill sets in, the city of Sibiu transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland as it hosts one of Romania's most popular Christmas markets. The Sibiu Christmas Market, known in Romanian as Târgul de Crăciun din Sibiu, is held in the central square from the end of November until early January. Sparkling strings of lights drape across the square, seen in today's image, creating a canopy that bathes the cobblestone streets in a warm, festive glow. There also stands a beautifully lit Christmas tree, surrounded by charming wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to locally made treats like cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread; vin fiert, an aromatic mulled wine; and covrigi, a type of pretzel served warm and sprinkled with salt.

Sibiu itself is a place steeped in history, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful facades, and vibrant cultural scene. Once the wealthiest city founded by German settlers in the 12th century, it was designated the European Capital of Culture for 2007. During the Christmas season, Sibiu shines even brighter, with carousels, ice skating rinks, and performances that bring the city to life.

圣诞市场，圣斯蒂芬大教堂，布达佩斯，匈牙利 Christmas market, St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary (© Calin Stan/Shutterstock)

圣斯蒂芬大教堂的降临节 Advent at the basilica

圣诞市场，圣斯蒂芬大教堂，布达佩斯，匈牙利

在圣诞节来临之际，圣斯蒂芬大教堂成为了布达佩斯标志性的圣诞集市的中心。在洋溢着节日气氛的集市上，匈牙利手工艺品、节日装饰和当地美食应有尽有，充分体现了传统圣诞节的精髓。作为在圣诞节前几周举行的活动，降临节盛宴也是匈牙利节日传统的一部分，届时会邀请游客们品尝烟囱蛋糕、白菜卷和炖牛肉汤等菜肴，而空气中也会弥漫着热红酒和烤栗子的香味。对许多人来说，大教堂外墙投射的3D灯光秀是一大亮点，现代感十足的灯光秀让这座历史悠久的建筑栩栩如生。

这座新古典主义风格的大教堂是为了纪念匈牙利第一位君主斯蒂芬一世（又称圣斯蒂芬国王）。经过数十年的建设，该教堂于1906年竣工，教堂顶部是一个高耸的圆顶。游客可以参观教堂，欣赏错综复杂的彩色玻璃，或瞻仰据说是国王本人木乃伊化的右手遗骸。穹顶上有一个观景台，游客可以在此俯瞰城市的全景，如今天的图片所示。

Christmas market, St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

As the holiday season kicks off, St. Stephen's Basilica becomes the dazzling centerpiece of one of Budapest's iconic Christmas markets. The fair buzzes with holiday spirit, offering a mix of Hungarian craft, festive décor, and local delicacies, capturing the essence of a traditional Christmas. The Advent Feast—an event held in the weeks leading up to Christmas and part of Hungary's holiday traditions—invites guests to savor dishes like chimney cakes, stuffed cabbage, and goulash soup, while the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. A highlight for many is the 3D light show projected onto the basilica's facade, a modern touch that brings this historic structure to life.

This neoclassical basilica honors Stephen I, also known as King Saint Stephen, who was Hungary's first monarch. Completed in 1906 after decades of construction, it is topped by a towering dome. Visitors can explore its chapels, admire the intricate stained glass, or view a relic that is believed to be the mummified right hand of the king himself. For those seeking a panoramic view, the dome has an observation deck where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city's skyline, as shown in today's image.

市政厅广场，塔尔图，爱沙尼亚 Town Hall Square, Tartu, Estonia (© Westend61/Getty Images)

多么可爱的树枝啊！ How lovely are your branches

平安夜

在这个平安夜，世界各地的城镇都沉浸在一种神奇的魔力中。商店关着门，街道空无一人，人们与朋友及家人欢聚一堂，互相慰藉。把礼物装进圣诞袜、举办派对或是播放节日音乐，每个人都有自己的平安夜传统活动。今天的照片上展示的是爱沙尼亚塔尔图市政厅广场一年一度的庆祝活动，广场上灯火辉煌，圣诞树点缀其间。塔尔图的圣诞集市洋溢着欢乐的气氛，有雪橇、户外火炉和木质动物旋转木马。此外，集市上还有熏肉、热饮和酥脆的姜饼。无论你是选择观看一部经典的节日电影，还是选择在十二点钟声敲响时惬意地喝上一杯热可可，在这个宁静的夜晚都能感受到浓浓的圣诞气氛。

Christmas Eve

There's a certain magic in knowing that, around the world, shops are closing, streets are emptying, and friends and families are gathering to celebrate Christmas Eve. We each have our own traditions, from filling stockings to hosting parties and playing festive music. Today's twilight homepage shows the gleaming lights and Christmas trees of Town Hall Square in Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city. Tartu's Christmas fair has a merry atmosphere, featuring sleigh rides, fire kettles, and wooden animal carousels, while serving up smoked meats, hot drinks, and gingerbread. Whether you're partying or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa, embrace the Christmas spirit on this peaceful night—and don't forget the milk and cookies!

卢布尔雅那，斯洛文尼亚共和国 Ljubljana, Slovenia (© kasto80/Getty images)

斯洛文尼亚式的节日氛围 Holiday cheer, Slovenian style

卢布尔雅那，斯洛文尼亚共和国

多么可爱的城市啊！斯洛文尼亚首都卢布尔雅那和流经该市的卢布尔雅尼察河的名字的前缀都是“ljub”，这个前缀在斯拉夫语中的意思是“爱”。卢布尔雅那位于连接亚得里亚海北部和多瑙河地区的贸易路线之上，是一个相对较小的首都，人口不到30万。城市南部是卢布尔雅那沼泽，这是该国最大的沼泽，面积达63平方英里。卢布尔雅那的外围地区现代建筑林立，而城市的核心区则保留了具有古罗马和中世纪元素的历史建筑。例如卢布尔雅那城堡、三重桥、龙桥和历史悠久的老城区。当你在城中闲逛时，一定要留心，因为你很可能会遇到这座城市的象征——卢布尔雅那龙。