If you’re a fan of Christmas lights and festive displays, there are some truly spectacular locations around the world where you can witness stunning holiday illuminations. Whether you prefer traditional displays or more modern, artistic light shows, these destinations will fill you with Christmas cheer. Here are some of the best Christmas light displays to visit around the world:
1. New York City, USA
- Where to Go: Fifth Avenue, Dyker Heights, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park
- Why It’s Special: New York City is famous for its grand and iconic holiday displays. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see, adorned with thousands of lights. Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is known for its over-the-top residential light displays, with entire blocks of homes beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, giant inflatables, and intricate scenes. Don’t miss the holiday windows at department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
2. London, England
- Where to Go: Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Kew Gardens, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
- Why It’s Special: London’s Christmas lights are some of the most enchanting in Europe. Oxford Street boasts a grand display of lights, while Covent Garden transforms into a festive wonderland with decorations, street performers, and live music. Kew Gardens hosts a beautiful light trail through its botanical gardens, and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland features festive markets, ice skating, and incredible light displays.
3. Tokyo, Japan
- Where to Go: Shibuya, Roppongi Hills, and Tokyo Midtown
- Why It’s Special: Tokyo’s Christmas lights are famous for their dazzling beauty and innovative designs. Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown both feature breathtaking winter light displays that include millions of LED lights creating beautiful, sparkling scenes. The Shibuya area has a mix of festive shopping lights and illumination events, while the Tokyo Skytree adds a modern twist with its sparkling Christmas lights.
4. Paris, France
- Where to Go: Champs-Élysées, Galeries Lafayette, Place Vendôme
- Why It’s Special: Paris is known for its romantic and elegant holiday decorations. The lights along the Champs-Élysées are stunning, with trees lining the street illuminated in golden tones. Galeries Lafayette has a grand Christmas tree inside the store and is known for its enchanting windows, while Place Vendôme hosts a more refined and luxurious display. Paris in winter is already magical, and the Christmas lights only add to the charm.
5. Vienna, Austria
- Where to Go: Rathausplatz, Graben, Schönbrunn Palace
- Why It’s Special: Vienna is a city steeped in tradition, and its Christmas lights reflect its classic beauty. The city's main squares, including Rathausplatz and Graben, are adorned with festive lights that turn the historic buildings into a winter wonderland. The lights around Schönbrunn Palace create a romantic and royal atmosphere. Vienna also offers Christmas markets that are illuminated in magical ways, adding to the city's old-world holiday charm.
6. Madrid, Spain
- Where to Go: Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and Plaza Mayor
- Why It’s Special: Madrid transforms into a holiday wonderland, with the city's streets and plazas dazzling with Christmas lights. Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and Plaza Mayor host some of the best displays in Spain. Madrid is known for its elaborate light installations, and the Christmas lights stretch across the city in a captivating way. There are also magical light displays in the parks and public squares.
7. Sydney, Australia
- Where to Go: Martin Place, Pitt Street Mall, and The Royal Botanic Garden
- Why It’s Special: Although it’s summer in Australia during Christmas, Sydney still pulls out all the stops with festive lights. The Sydney Christmas Lights are set up in the heart of the city at places like Martin Place and Pitt Street Mall. The Royal Botanic Garden’s Vivid Sydney event features a stunning display of light sculptures and installations, making it one of the most unique and immersive light shows in the world.
8. Reykjavík, Iceland
- Where to Go: Ingólfstorg Square, Laugavegur Street, and Hallgrímskirkja
- Why It’s Special: Reykjavík, with its snowy landscape, becomes a stunning winter paradise at Christmas. The city lights up with an array of dazzling decorations, from the large Christmas tree in Ingólfstorg Square to the charming lights along Laugavegur Street. Hallgrímskirkja, one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, is beautifully illuminated, making it a perfect holiday photo spot.
9. Berlin, Germany
- Where to Go: Unter den Linden, Brandenburg Gate, and Berlin Cathedral
- Why It’s Special: Germany is known for its festive Christmas markets, and Berlin’s displays are some of the most dazzling. The iconic Unter den Linden street is lined with elegant lights, while Brandenburg Gate is the centerpiece of Berlin's holiday decorations. The Berlin Cathedral also lights up beautifully, and the Christmas markets are filled with traditional festive lights and decorations.
10. Zurich, Switzerland
- Where to Go: Bahnhofstrasse, Lindenhof, and Zurich Old Town
- Why It’s Special: Zurich is a beautiful winter destination with a festive atmosphere created by its Christmas lights. Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, is illuminated with thousands of lights, and the city’s Old Town becomes a charming and cozy holiday scene. The Christmas markets in Zurich are beautifully lit, and the Zurich Lake area is also adorned with twinkling lights.
11. Lviv, Ukraine
- Where to Go: Rynok Square, Svobody Avenue, and High Castle Hill
- Why It’s Special: Lviv, known for its picturesque cobblestone streets and historic charm, lights up with beautiful Christmas decorations. The main square, Rynok Square, hosts a gorgeous Christmas tree, and Svobody Avenue is adorned with elaborate holiday lights. High Castle Hill offers a panoramic view of the city, with thousands of twinkling lights stretching across the skyline.
12. Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
- Where to Go: Santa Fe Plaza, Canyon Road
- Why It’s Special: Santa Fe offers a unique take on Christmas lights with a blend of Native American and Hispanic traditions. The historic Santa Fe Plaza is lit with thousands of luminarias (small paper lanterns), and Canyon Road features a beautiful display of holiday lights in its art galleries and adobe buildings. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a distinct Southwestern flavor.
13. Québec City, Canada
- Where to Go: Old Quebec, Terrasse Dufferin, Place d’Youville
- Why It’s Special: Québec City’s Old Town becomes a picturesque Christmas village with festive lights and decorations throughout. The Terrasse Dufferin offers beautiful views of the city, where you can enjoy the lights and even a festive ice-skating rink. The Place d’Youville area hosts Christmas markets and stunning light installations that make for a magical holiday experience.
14. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
- Where to Go: The Great Smoky Mountains, Downtown Gatlinburg
- Why It’s Special: Gatlinburg, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, boasts a picturesque Christmas light display that stretches through the downtown area and the Great Smoky Mountains. The festive lights shine along the parkway, and you can enjoy the lights in scenic mountain settings, with a backdrop of snow-covered trees and mountain views.
15. Bordeaux, France
- Where to Go: Place de la Bourse, Rue Sainte-Catherine, and Place Gambetta
- Why It’s Special: Bordeaux, the wine capital of France, shines during the Christmas season with festive lights throughout the city. Place de la Bourse’s reflective water mirror and stunning light display are particularly enchanting, while Rue Sainte-Catherine and Place Gambetta host magical holiday lights and decorations.
Honorable Mentions:
- Montreal, Canada: The city hosts a variety of light displays, including those in Old Montreal and at the Montreal Botanical Gardens.
- Salzburg, Austria: Known for its medieval architecture and Christmas markets, Salzburg is a festive destination during the holiday season.
These locations around the world provide unforgettable Christmas light displays that will fill you with the holiday spirit. Whether you're looking for traditional decorations, artistic installations, or stunning natural backdrops, these destinations are sure to dazzle you.