A look at the best news photos from around the world.
December 17, 2014

5
A combination of pictures shows houses and decorations ahead of Christmas in German cities of Berlin, Hamburg-Heimfeld, Moenchengladbach, Olching and Stolberg.

6
Clowns from Slava's Snowshow pose for photographers on London's South Bank.

7
Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers attend a training session in freezing temperatures in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang province.

8
A white beluga whale wears a Santa hat to attract visitors at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, Japan.