U.S. President Barack Obama and family host a Christmas concert in Washington, and meanwhile a massive nativity scene opens its doors at the Aztec Stadium in Mexico, and thousands of Santas race through streets of Paris for charity. So, let's head over to America and Europe and see how people are preparing for the biggest holiday of the year.

The Obamas celebrated the holiday season with musical stars Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and the Band Perry at the 30th annual "Christmas in Washington" concert Sunday night.

President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson attended the concert to benefit the Children's National Medical Center.

The concert of Christmas carols and songs took place at the National Building Museum.

The Obamas celebrated the holiday season with musical stars Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and the Band Perry at the 30th annual "Christmas in Washington" concert Sunday night.

Other entertainers included the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, Washington Youth Choir, American Family Choir, United States Army Band Herald Trumpets, Ian Fraser and the Christmas in Washington Orchestra.

In Mexico City, the largest nativity village in the world opened its doors to the public at the parking lot of the iconic Aztec Stadium.

According to organiser Adrian Lozano, the nativity scene covers an area of 18-thousand square metres, and contains over one-thousand life-size figures including camels, Roman soldiers, shepherds, the Magi, and of course Mary and Joseph.

Some of the figures are animated and are activated by sensors when visitors approach them.

According to the Guinness World Records website, the nativity scene has set two Guinness records, one for "Largest Nativity Village" and "Most Figures in a Nativity Village".

The project originated in Cali, Colombia.

Across the Atlantic, more than 3,000 children and adults took part in the annual Santa Claus charity race in Paris on Sunday.

The well-padded red and white Santa suits proved to be suitable attire on a chilly morning in the French capital.

While those dressed as Saint Nick dominated the adult race, there were many other creative costumes - some came as Christmas trees, others came gift-wrapped. The children and parents race also attracted a big field.

The day's events raised over 4,000 euros for charities working with children in Africa.

(CNTV December 15, 2011)