Advent in Austria: This is the so-called Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf bei Salzburg. It stands on the same site as the former St. Nicholas Church, where the beloved hymn was first performed in 1818.
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Advent in Austria: The Salzburg Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop for Christmas markets and festivities.
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Advent in China: St. Ignatius Cathedral (and called Xujiahui Catholic Church in Shanghai) is one of the city's iconic buildings. In December 2017, it reopened to the public after a two-year renovation. The building was once the largest cathedral in East Asia.
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Advent in China: The secular Christmas season is becoming more popular in China. Visitors will find decorations and holiday decor for sale in a shop in Shanghai.
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Advent in Croatia: Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption is seen in the background as paper lanterns are released as a part of Christmas festivities in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.
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Advent in Croatia: Yes, it gets cold in Zagreb during the Christmas and Advent season, but the atmosphere is both festive and reverent and makes for a memorable journey.
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Advent in Germany: The signature symbol of the season, an Advent wreath lights up the interior of evangelical Sankt-Petri Church in Magdeburg, which is about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Berlin.
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Advent in Hungary: Children ice skate in front of St. Stephen Basilica in Budapest, the second largest church in Hungary.
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Advent in Hungary: Beiglis are the taste of Advent in Hungary. A beigli is a rolled crust traditionally filled with poppy seeds or walnuts.
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Advent in Mexico: Advent and the Christmas season in general are big in Mexico. Decorations are displayed for sale at a market in Mexico City.
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Advent in Mexico: The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is a magnificent house of worship, especially during Advent.
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Advent in Poland: Overwhelmingly Catholic Poland takes Advent and Christmas seriously. This is a general view of the Christmas Market in Krakow's Main Square.
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Advent in Poland: St. Mary's Basilica, In Krakow's Main Square, goes back centuries -- to 1320 in fact.
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Advent in the United Kingdom: Choristers from the Salisbury Cathedral Choir decorate a Christmas tree ahead of their final practice. Christmas has been celebrated in the cathedral for over 750 years since it was dedicated in 1258.