Christmas markets and festive villages aren't only a European pastime. The Arab world is also home to an array of customs owing to its Christian communities, with some traditions harking back to the early years of the faith.
This week, streets in the Lebanese city of Batroun are festooned with lights and colours to celebrate the festive season. This includes the 300-year-old Arnaoon Village, an eco-resort that recently reopened its Christmas Village, which has been running for nearly 20 years.
The fabric of seasonal events across the Middle East, while locally minded, reflect the region’s place in the wider Christian community.
From Palestine to Iraq, here's a look at Christmas traditions in the region.
Lebanon
Festive processi
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