Cities and towns all across the globe have their unique methods of commemorating the Christmas season, from parades of lit boats to spectacular light extravaganzas. New York City or Paris may get the most attention for their spectacular Christmas displays, but there are at least six more cities across the globe that are just as joyful and beautiful.
New York, United States
Thousands of people go to New York City at year’s end to see the annual lighting of the Xmas tree at Rockefeller Center. A star made of not one, not two, but 1.3 million Swarovski crystals sits atop the iconic tree, which is almost as tall as the adjacent buildings. This vacation spot is a should in the city that never sleeps.
It’s hard to imagine the holidays without seeing Manhattan, with its roasted chestnut merchants and several ice skating rinks in Midtown. Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree is traditionally lit in the late fall or early winter, often between the end of November and the beginning of December, signaling the formal start of holiday celebrations.
The world’s most enormous menorah, measuring 32 feet in height and weighing two tonnes, may be seen in front of the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street during Hanukkah celebrations. Each night of the Hanukkah celebration ends with a lighting ritual.
Moscow, Russia’s Red Square
Step inside a Russian fairy tale as the streets of Moscow’s Red Square comes alive with a Christmas festival. Try sliding down an ice slide overlooking the Kremlin, or ride one of the dazzlingly illuminated carousels. Even on the coldest of winter days, the cheerful atmosphere of this ancient area, with its stalls offering pastries and mulled wine, can help you feel warmer.
Regent Street, located in London, England
Regent Street is a must-see as a popular destination that gets into the holiday mood. It was the first place in Central London to be decked up for Christmas in lights back in 1954, and ever since then, the tradition has been an enormous success. Large angelic sculptures hover high above London’s pedestrian shopping district, which stretches from Landham Place to Waterloo Place and is home to the city’s most famous Christmas lights show. The hundreds of LED lights that cover their glistening wingspans make them a sight to see.
The Colombian city of Medellin
In Colombia’s second-largest city, Los adumbrates are taken to a new level, creating the world’s most jaw-dropping show of dynamic lights and color. Medellin’s annual Christmas Lights Fiesta is a must-see for every holiday visitor, as the city’s skyline is transformed into a visual feast with magnificent landscapes and giant 3D sculptures.
The most spectacular light shows may be seen along the main river of Medellin, the Rio Medellin, and in the city’s historic district. Located on the western bank of the river, Cerro Nutibara is a natural hillside that rises 260 feet above the city and offers a breathtaking view from its summit, surrounded by illuminated trees.
Philippines
No one doubts that the Philippines can teach the rest of the world a thing or two about Christmas celebrations. Bright lights and one-of-a-kind star-shaped lanterns, called paroles, begin to illuminate the land as early as September. Malls compete to have giant Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and reindeer displays.
Australia
Even if temperatures are rising, you can still see many Santa Clauses and snowmen in Victoria. The most incredible collection of lights may be seen in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe, which draws up to 20,000 people every night during its nine-day Christmas Lights on the Boulevard event, which takes place annually in the week before Christmas. Candy cane pathways, flying reindeer, and shimmering kangaroos are just some of the holiday decorations you can expect to see.
Myer on Bourke Street is a Melbourne institution; since 1956, the store’s Christmas window display has been a must-see for visitors. At the beginning of December, the city’s tall Christmas tree on Swanson Street’s City Square is illuminated.
Japan
Kobe Luminarie is an impressive light show in memory of the 6,000 persons who died in the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. This Japanese celebration of light was created to help the local community financially and emotionally for only one year. However, it has only risen in popularity since it was first introduced in 1995. Kobe’s central business district is awash in a kaleidoscope of lights created by more than 200,000 painted bulbs.
Brazil
Gramado, a little mountain hamlet in Rio Grande do Sul; Brazil has been turning into a spectacular Christmas Wonderland every year since 1986 as part of its two-month-long Natal Luz and Christmas of Light festival.
A wide variety of entertainment is available, including a puppet theatre and a Christmas tree light display that is choreographed to music. Lastly, read more about travel around the world. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
