( CNN ) -- Christmas is synonymous with colorful decorations , festive markets and extravagant quantities of food . But while most yuletide celebrations share these general characteristics , there are of course a host of distinctive traditions and regional variations depending on where you are in the world . That 's why CNN asked you to show us exactly how Christmas is celebrated where you live . From the Philippines to Germany to Colombia and even the Pacific island of Tonga , we received over 400 wonderfully vivid submissions . Christmas would obviously not be Christmas without Santa Claus , or Father Christmas , or Pere Noel . Whatever the name , his popularity among children ( and many adults ) is perennial . See also : Where is the world 's most Christmassy destination . Greg Reese from Cincinnati , Ohio , sent in these images of 'Santa-Con ' in his home city -- an annual event where people come dressed up as Santa Claus and tread the streets doling out candy . `` It 's essentially a gathering of like-minded individuals who wish to both get into the Christmas spirit , as well as spread Christmas cheer to their fellow man , '' said Reese . Thousands of miles away , the Philippines hosts some of the most lavish Christmas celebrations in the world -- starting in September and ending in January . They also have some of the most colorful and fascinating traditions around the holiday . Nathaniel Molines from San Pedro in Laguna province , the Philippines , sent in these beautiful images of parols -- lanterns made traditionally from bamboo and paper used to light the way to church for worshipers living in darkened rural areas . `` This is a simple decoration that tells us that Christmas is in every corner , love is in the air , '' he said . `` I took the picture because it reminds me the value of celebrating Christmas here in the Philippines . '' Lights of a similar design were spotted thousands of miles away in Shanghai , China , by Dutch expat Irene Reijs , who captured a beautiful image of a delivery man doggedly trundling along on his bike with his wares crammed into a delivery box . `` This photo for me represents Shanghai . Everything you can imagine is being delivered by these men and women on their bikes , '' she said . `` I was walking down the street with my camera and saw a golden shimmer at the end of the street . Then I saw this man and his bike ... It made my day . '' See also : The world 's longest Christmas celebrations . Christmas in warmer locals can bring its challenges when it comes to at least one major decorative theme -- snow . In Barranquilla , Colombia , Canadian expat Sara Tatham captured images of some creative craftwork using white felt to ensure that at least the look of decorations at the Colegio Britanico Internacional ( British International School ) where she works was festive , even if the temperature was not . `` I love living in the tropics , but at this time of year I really miss seeing the lights and snow , and seeing the hustle and bustle as people buy their gifts . '' Others break with convention entirely in their Christmas decorations , such as in Cape Cod in the eastern U.S. state of Massachusetts , where photographer Marie Sager spotted a tree built with lobster cages , decorated with plastic seashells and topped with other nautical items . `` This was the most unusual tree I had ever seen , '' she said . `` It 's perfect for a town by the sea . '' See also : Europe 's best Christmas markets . Christmas markets are held across the globe and are a reliable source of presents , seasonal cheer and regional delicacies . Mary Legg in Prague , the Czech Republic , captured some beautiful images of the city 's famous Christmas market and parade , held in the city 's Old Town Square . `` Tourists flock in by the droves to buy small handmade presents and enjoy the winter holidays , '' she says . `` All kinds of scrumptious fast foods are to be had from freshly roasted meat over open spits to mulled wine and the ever great Czech beer . '' See also : Test your Christmas knowledge with our quirky festive quiz . Elsewhere in Europe , Angeline Hwang was captivated by the beautiful Christmas market in the German town of Hanau , the birthplace of famous fairy tale authors , the Brothers Grimm . `` I went to walk around the Christmas Market and as I looked up , there were the statues of the Grimm Brothers , standing majestically over the old city square ! '' she said . `` I was standing exactly where my fairy-tales began . ''
They asked people to send images of themselves to where they live . iReporters sent in the best images from as far afield as Colombia , the Philippines and China . Some of the most intriguing featured light displays , fireworks , parades and religious services .