(VOVworld) – Christmas has been warmly welcomed around the globe. In Bethlehem, Christians and tourists flocked to Manger Square near the Church of the Nativity for Christmas Eve.

A Christian scouts performance at the Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on December 24, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Hazem Bader)

Various Christmas celebrations took place in the Saint Elias Cathedral in the Syrian city of Aleppo after the government forces gained the control of the entire city. The church’s roof which was ravaged due to several fighting last year has been repaired.
The same day, cities in Europe have colorfully been decorated for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Christmas trees have been lit and Christmas songs are played everywhere.

Christmas market near the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche in Berlin on December 22, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Clemens Bilan)

On this occasion, world leaders sent messages of hope and solidarity to the people. In his final address as a president, US President Barack Obama looked back the outcomes during his 8 years in the office and expressed thanks to American people for their support. British Prime Minister Theresa May sent Christmas congratulatory message to the soldiers who are stationed abroad and called on Britons to "come together" after a year of divisions over the Brexit referendum.