Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty ImagesCoronavirus cases are still rising in many countries, with holiday travel and celebrations providing a breeding ground for the virus. A number of countries have chosen to drastically curtail Christmas and New Year's celebrations in the
The trend is particularly apparent in mainland Europe, where curfews, lockdowns, and limits on private and public gatherings have been reintroduced.People seen in Hamburg, Germany, on December 14, 2020.Germany entered a new Christmas lockdown on Wednesday, with only food shops and essential services like gas stations, chemists, and post office allowed to stay open.
Singing Christmas carols and drinking outdoors is banned, but Christmas tree vendors have been allowed to remain open. From Christmas Eve to Boxing Day only, families are allowed to be visited by four other adult family members. Precautions have also been put in place for New Year's Eve. Any and all public gatherings have been banned, as has the sale of fireworks.