Christmas festivities held around world

Britain's Queen Elizabeth (L) watches a preview of her Christmas message with a pair of 3D glasses, studded with Swarovski crystals in the form of a "Q", with producer John McAndrew and director John Bennett (R), at Buckingham Palace in central London in a photo released Dec 24, 2012. The Christmas message to the Commonwealth is to be broadcast in 3D for the first time. [Photo/Agencies]

Laser beams and images are projected on the facade of Madrid's city hall during a lighting show to mark the start of Christmas festivities in the Spanish capital of Madrid Dec 23, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

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