Residents of western Aleppo came together on Tuesday evening to light the city's Christmas tree for the first time since the Syrian conflict began in 2012 ... and then a bomb went off.
Fortunately, nobody was injured in the nearby explosion. And despite the scare, the many Muslims and Christians continued celebrating, undeterred by the attack.
The festivities took place in Azizieh square, an area under firm government control, according to RT. The area was decorated with seasonal cheer as well as portraits of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad flanked by posters of Russian and Hezbollah leaders.
Just days ago, fighting raged in eastern Aleppo as the Syrian government and its allies fought to regain full control of the city. Over the past few days, rebel fighters and their supporters have been evacuated from the city in a ceasefire agreement.
Thus, this Christmas celebration marks a victory for the Syrian government and its supporters.
A brass band performed in red Santa costumes as people waved Syrian flags.
Many shared images and videos from the festivities on social media, highlighting the surreal normalcy the event brought to the war-torn city.