[Breaking News]Icefall festival in Hokkaido

KAMIKAWA, Japan, Jan. 25 Kyodo - An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8. (Kyodo)

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

RECAP: Strongest Solar Storm in Over 20 Years Triggers Widespread Auroras

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 7

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 6

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 5

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 4

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 2

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 3

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Forty-nine candles are lit at a park in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, on Jan. 17, 2026, creating a Japanese "kanji" character meaning "life" as the western Japan city and its surrounding areas mark the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people, including 49 in the city.

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a park in Kobe on Jan. 17, 2026, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck the western Japan city and its vicinity, killing more than 6,400 people.

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a park in Kobe on Jan. 17, 2026, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck the western Japan city and its vicinity, killing more than 6,400 people.

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a park in Kobe on Jan. 17, 2026, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck the western Japan city and its vicinity, killing more than 6,400 people.

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Lanterns are lit at a park in Kobe on Jan. 17, 2026, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck the western Japan city and its vicinity, killing more than 6,400 people.

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniversary of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Lanterns are lit at a park in Kobe on Jan. 17, 2026, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck the western Japan city and its vicinity, killing more than 6,400 people.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

People pray around lit candles at a park in Itami in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 16, 2026, the eve of the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Paper lanterns are lit at a park in Kobe, western Japan, on Jan. 16, 2026, the eve of the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Paper lanterns are lit at a park in Kobe, western Japan, on Jan. 16, 2026, the eve of the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

People pray in front of lit lanterns at a park in Kobe, western Japan, on Jan. 16, 2026, the eve of the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

People pray in front of lit candles at a park in Kobe, western Japan, on Jan. 16, 2026, the eve of the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

People pray in front of lit candles at a park in Kobe, western Japan, on Jan. 16, 2026, the eve of the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people.

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

Traditional thatched roof houses in the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go hamlet in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, are lit up on Jan. 12, 2026.

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

Traditional thatched roof houses in the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go hamlet in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, are lit up on Jan. 12, 2026.

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

Traditional thatched roof houses in the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go hamlet in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, are lit up on Jan. 12, 2026.

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a shrine in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, creating illumination reading "Noto" on Jan. 1, 2026, exactly two years after a powerful earthquake hit central Japan's Noto Peninsula area.

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a shrine in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Jan. 1, 2026, exactly two years after a powerful earthquake hit central Japan's Noto Peninsula area.

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a shrine in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Jan. 1, 2026, exactly two years after a powerful earthquake hit central Japan's Noto Peninsula area.

South Korea: Seoul Rings in 2026 With Fireworks at Lotte World Tower 3

Fireworks lit up the Lotte World Tower as Seoul rang in 2026 on January 1.

UK: Hull Celebrates New Year With Fireworks

Fireworks lit up the city of Hull as residents celebrated the start of 2026 on January 1.

South Korea: Seoul Rings in 2026 With Fireworks at Lotte World Tower 2

Fireworks lit up the Lotte World Tower as Seoul rang in 2026 on January 1.

South Korea: Seoul Rings in 2026 With Fireworks at Lotte World Tower

Fireworks lit up the Lotte World Tower as Seoul rang in 2026 on January 1.

Nachi Falls lit up in western Japan

Nachi Falls lit up in western Japan

Lighting tested at World Heritage-listed Nachi Falls and Seiganto-ji temple in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 19, 2025, as a rehearsal for a light-up on New Year's eve.

Nachi Falls lit up in western Japan

Nachi Falls lit up in western Japan

Lighting tested at World Heritage-listed Nachi Falls and Seiganto-ji temple in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 19, 2025, as a rehearsal for a light-up on New Year's eve.

US: Nights of Thousand Candles Lights Up Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is glowing with holiday magic during its annual Nights of a Thousand Candles event. On select evenings, thousands of hand-lit candles and sparkling lights illuminate the gardens, creating a festive and atmospheric nighttime experience. Visitors can stroll through the grounds, enjoy seasonal music, and take in the warm holiday ambiance.

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch arrives in Palermo during the Olympic Torch Relay for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in Palermo, Italy, on 15 December 2025; in the photo: Olympic torch lit

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch arrives in Palermo during the Olympic Torch Relay for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in Palermo, Italy, on 15 December 2025; in the photo: Olympic torch lit and Mayor of Palermo

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch arrives in Palermo during the Olympic Torch Relay for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in Palermo, Italy, on 15 December 2025; in the photo: Olympic torch lit

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch arrives in Palermo during the Olympic Torch Relay for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in Palermo, Italy, on 15 December 2025; in the photo: Olympic torch lit and Mayor of Palermo

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

GIOCHI OLIMPICI - Olimpiadi Invernali Milano-Cortina 2026 - Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch arrives in Palermo during the Olympic Torch Relay for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in Palermo, Italy, on 15 December 2025; in the photo: Olympic torch lit

RECAP: 2025 Super Cold Moon Dazzles Nights Sky

The final full supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, lit up skies around the world.

Illumination event in Sendai

Illumination event in Sendai

The annual Sendai Pageant of Starlight illumination event begins in Sendai, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 5, 2025. Zelkova trees lining a 500-meter street are lit up with about 480,000 LED lights, with about 2.5 million people expected to visit through Dec. 28.

Illumination event in Sendai

Illumination event in Sendai

The annual Sendai Pageant of Starlight illumination event begins in Sendai, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 5, 2025. Zelkova trees lining a 500-meter street are lit up with about 480,000 LED lights, with about 2.5 million people expected to visit through Dec. 28.

The first Advent

The first Advent

30.11.2025, Tallinn. Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski and Dean Arho Tuhkru, lit the Advent candle on the Town Hall Square. Photo: Martin Pedaja / Postimees

The first Advent

The first Advent

30.11.2025, Tallinn. Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski and Dean Arho Tuhkru, lit the Advent candle on the Town Hall Square. Photo: Martin Pedaja / Postimees

The first Advent

The first Advent

30.11.2025, Tallinn. Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski and Dean Arho Tuhkru, lit the Advent candle on the Town Hall Square. Photo: Martin Pedaja / Postimees