Exclusive : PHOTO GALLERY : Christmas around the world

France

A replica of the casino along the Promenade jetty is seen as part of the Christmas holiday illuminations in Nice December 16, 2014



United States

First lady Michelle Obama, accompanied by the first family's pet dog Bo and Sunny, reads “Twas the night before Christmas” to patients, families, and staff at Children’s National Health System in Washington, Monday, Dec. 15, 2014



United States

In this Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, photo, Spencer Slate, garbed as Santa Claus, scuba dives in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary off Islamorada, Fla.



India

Christmas decorations and related items hang for sale at a market in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Dec 20, 2014



Germany

A general view is seen of the Christmas market in front of the historical town hall in Hamburg, December 19, 2014



Brazil

Carlos Bahia, dressed as Santa Claus, poses with his board at the Maresias beach, in the state of Sao Paulo December 9, 2014



Poland

People walk near illuminated Christmas decorations at the Wilanow Palace in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014



Singapore

People take pictures inside a Christmas tree along Orchard Road in Singapore December 18, 2014



Malaysia

A diver in Santa costume feeds fish as part of upcoming Christmas celebrations at Aquaria KLCC underwater park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014



Romania

People walk at a Christmas fair in central Bucharest, Romania, Monday, Dec. 15, 2014



Indonesia

Christmas decorations are displayed at a shopping mall in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014



Monaco

Albert II of Monaco (C) waves as he poses with children during the traditional Christmas tree ceremony at the Monaco Palace as part of Christmas holiday season in Monaco, December 17, 2014



Italy

A street artist performs dressed as Santa Klaus with two life-size puppets in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014



Maine

A man portraying Santa Claus moves between cars while greeting passengers during a Polar Express holiday train ride to the "North Pole" on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, in Portland, Maine. The Polar Express is the largest annual fundraiser for the railroad's museum