World Dec 31 PHOTOS: How the world is ringing in 2026 Drummers pounded in the New Year and a stampede of computer-generated horses was shown over a section of the Great Wall as China and the rest of East Asia marked the start of 2026. By Rod McGuirk, Sheikh Saaliq, Associated Press
Arts Dec 25 Watch 5:44 How the character and traditions of Santa Claus evolved over centuries This Christmas, many children welcomed a familiar visitor – a jolly man in a red suit and a sleigh full of gifts. But the bearded figure Americans recognize today as Santa Claus is a relatively modern creation, shaped over centuries… By Stephanie Sy, Mary Fecteau
Arts Dec 24 Watch 7:27 Why Christmas carols endure as popular music changes From “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bells,” Christmas carols are some of the most familiar songs of the season, and some of the oldest. Stephanie Sy explores why most popular music changes with time, but many of these old tunes have… By Stephanie Sy, Sarah Clune Hartman, Jenna Bloom, Mary Fecteau
Arts Dec 24 Watch 3:32 'Joy to the World' performed by U.S. armed forces musicians We continue with a News Hour holiday tradition in which we ask members of the armed forces to record a holiday song. For Christmas Eve, we bring you "Joy to the World." This video was produced by the Pentagon's Defense… By Dan Sagalyn, Seth Pajak
Dec 24 WATCH: Trump takes part in NORAD Santa Tracker calls By Colleen Slevin, Associated Press The tradition started in 1955 when NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, was on the lookout for any sign of a possible nuclear attack from the then-Soviet Union. NORAD says a child mistakenly called the combat operations center and… Continue reading
Dec 24 Californians warned to reconsider driving through treacherous Christmas storms By Trân Nguyễn, Associated Press Millions of people are expected to travel across the state. They will likely meet hazardous, if not impossible, traveling conditions as several atmospheric rivers were forecast to make their way through the state, the National Weather Service warned. Continue reading
Dec 24 Thousands flock to Bethlehem to revive Christmas spirit after 2 years of war in Gaza By Melanie Lidman, Associated Press The giant Christmas tree that was absent during the Israel-Hamas war returned on Wednesday, overlooking a parade of scouts playing songs on bagpipes. Continue reading
Dec 21 Watch 3:22 A look at Christmas festivities and traditions around the world By John Yang, Lorna Baldwin From twinkling Christmas markets across Europe to vibrant displays of poinsettia in Mexico City, the Christmas spirit takes many forms. John Yang takes a look at how Christians around the world are celebrating the season. Continue watching
Dec 12 When is Hanukkah? What to know about how it's celebrated By Peter Smith, Associated Press On eight consecutive nightfalls, Jews gather with family and friends to light one additional candle in the menorah. Continue reading