World in focus - best photos for December 23, 2018

Take a look at some of the best images from around the world today

A Bedouin boy rides a donkey at sunset in a field near the southern city of Ofakim, Israel. Reuters

Demonstrators of the French "yellow vests" (gilets jaunes) movement gather on the Champs Elysees at the end of a protest in Paris. AFP

Tijuana, Mexico, left, and San Diego, Calif, right, are seen separated by the US border fence. AP

Demonstrators of the French "yellow vests" (gilets jaunes) throws tear gas canisters back at police in Paris. AFP

A worker waves as he cleans the windows of a building, dressed as Santa Claus, in Concon, Chile. Reuters

A horse's mane is prepared with knotted plaits ahead of the Meath Hunt club fox hunt during a meet near Kells, Ireland. Reuters

Japan's Emperor Akihito, flanked by Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako and Princess Kako wave to well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the emperor's 85th birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan. Reuters

A Honduran migrant grabs his son as they climb the US border fence before jumping across to San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico. AP

Revellers take part in the winter solstice celebrations at the ancient Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, Britain. PA

The US Capitol on the first morning of a partial government shutdown in Washington, DC. EPA

Members of the Shakti Sings choir warble as druids, pagans and revellers gather in the centre of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. Getty

Athletes start the men's open-water-swimming competition during the Rei e Rainha do Mar at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Getty

A dog barks at sea lions in Valparaiso, Chile. AFP

More galleries from The National:

Santa costumes around the world

Aladdin at the Madinat Theatre at Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Christmas lights bring festive cheer around the world