From Spanish holidays to Greek celebrations to German circus performances, the Covid-19 pandemic has derailed plans and upended Christmas traditions across Europe for a second year in a row.

After a surge in cases this fall dashed hopes of a normal festive season this year, authorities on the continent have tightened restrictions to avoid overwhelming hospitals. Expectations that the highly transmissible Omicron variant will soon take hold are further adding to the fears.

For families and businesses around the region, this means gatherings, festivities and holiday trips are being scaled down or canceled altogether. Instead of shopping for presents, Europeans are lining up for their booster shots…

Across Europe, tightening restrictions and new uncertainties are hitting an already virus-weary populace. In some German provinces, traditional Christmas markets have been closed and the country has banned firecrackers and big gatherings for New Year’s Eve. In Paris, the Élysée Palace canceled its holiday party while towns across the rest of France are calling off Christmas concerts.