The worlds most Amazing Christmas Lights

10 Beautifully Decorated Cities.

If there is a display of Christmas light near you then then take the children to see them.

Enjoy the beauty of Christmas Lights with your family at night.

New York City, New York,

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a beloved holiday tradition celebrated annually at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The tree is put up in mid-November and officially lit during a public ceremony on the Wednesday evening after Thanksgiving. Since 1997, this event has been broadcast live on NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” captivating millions of viewers around the world. The ceremony includes live performances and concludes with the lighting of the tree by New York City’s current Mayor, the CEO and president of Tishman Speyer, along with special guests. This iconic attraction draws approximately 125 million visitors every year.

Experience Hanukkah celebrations in front of the Plaza Hotel at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, featuring the world’s largest menorah. This impressive 32-foot-tall, two-ton steel structure, coated in gold, stands as a symbol of the holiday. Each evening during Hanukkah, a special lighting ceremony takes place.

When: From Thanksgiving until the week after New Year’s.

Fun Fact: The Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree shines brightly with 30,000 multi-coloured LED lights spread across five miles of wire.

Paris, France

What: Known as the “City of Light,” Paris truly shines during the holidays. The Champs-Élysées transforms each evening, glowing with hundreds of thousands of fairy lights adorning the trees from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. This iconic avenue also hosts the Marché de Noel, a charming Christmas market filled with artisan crafts, delicious food, and festive vendors. For dazzling holiday window displays, head to Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. Don’t forget to visit the plaza in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, where a stunning Christmas tree sparkles with lights and ornaments.

When: The Champs-Élysées lights illuminate the avenue from late November to early January, creating a magical atmosphere. The Champs-Élysées Christmas market typically runs from Thanksgiving through the first weeks of January, offering festive delights and holiday cheer.

Medellin, Colombia

The Christmas lights in Medellín, locally known as “El Alumbrado” or officially “Alumbrados EPM,” are a cherished seasonal tradition in Colombia. Millions of dazzling lights, accompanied by light shows and cultural events, illuminate the city in a festive celebration.

Since the 1990s, the main displays have been centred around the Medellín River and La Playa Avenue, but the event has grown to include over 100 locations citywide. Sponsored and designed by Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), the city’s public utilities company, this spectacular event typically runs from early December to early January, attracting visitors from across the globe.

When: Early December through mid-January

Fun Fact: Medellín’s Christmas lights are considered one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in the world and have been featured in international travel lists.

Singapore

What: Since 1984, Singapore has embraced Christmas in the tropics with its annual Christmas Light-Up along the bustling Orchard Road. This iconic shopping district comes alive with glittering lights strung above the streets, majestic Christmas trees, and beautifully decorated buildings competing for the title of “Best Dressed Building.” Visitors can enjoy the festive ambiance from open-top buses, offering the perfect vantage point to admire the dazzling holiday displays.

During the festive season, Celebrate Christmas in Singapore (CCIS) brings Orchard Road to life with a week of music, captivating performances, and beautifully decorated floats, highlighting the holiday’s spiritual essence. The Christmas Light-Up also extends to Marina Bay, showcasing its own unique theme each year.

When: The Christmas Light-Up runs from mid-November to early January, while CCIS festivities take place from mid-December to Christmas Eve.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

This year marks the 42nd Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, a breathtaking celebration with 3.5 million lights and over 75 stunning displays. Transforming Niagara Falls into a magical winter wonderland, the festival stretches across the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and other popular spots. Running from November 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this expanded spectacle invites visitors to immerse themselves in a dazzling winter experience, making Niagara Falls a must-visit seasonal destination.

When: Early November through late January

Fun Fact: Niagara Falls was illuminated for the first time in 1860 using approximately 200 Bengal lights, a type of light once used for signalling ships.

Newport Beach, California

 Nights of 1000 Lights at Sherman Library and Gardens! 

Celebrate the holidays in Newport Beach, California, with its iconic Christmas Boat Parade, a cherished tradition that transforms the harbor into a dazzling spectacle of lights. This annual event features elaborately decorated yachts, sailboats, and kayaks, each adorned with festive lights, music, and holiday cheer. Alongside the parade, the stunning “Ring of Lights” competition showcases beautifully decorated waterfront homes, making the entire harbor sparkle.

When: The Christmas Boat Parade usually takes place over five nights in mid-December, offering an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages.

Christmas in Vienna

Experience the magic of Christmas in Vienna, where the streets glow with festive lights, and the air is filled with the scents of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Shake the snow from your boots, put a log on the fire, and join me as we explore the sights, sounds, tastes, and traditions of a winter trip to this enchanting city.

Most museums, palaces, and attractions in Vienna remain open throughout the Christmas season, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s rich culture. Highlights include festive markets at Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces, stunning holiday-themed concerts at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the enchanting Rathausplatz Ice World for skating enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy iconic art collections at the Kunsthistorisches Museum or admire Vienna’s twinkling Christmas lights on guided tours. With its blend of history, music, and seasonal charm, Vienna offers unforgettable experiences during the festive period.

When: The end of November through Christmas

Madrid, Spain

What:

Though more elegant and subdued than in other parts of the world, Madrid’s holiday lights are just as spectacular, especially along the city’s main boulevards like Gran Via and Paseo del Prado. The city’s largest holiday market takes place at Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s iconic square. Established in 1860 and featuring over 100 stalls, the market is the perfect spot to find traditional holiday items, including Christmas trees and nativity figures.

When:

Throughout December, with lights extending into the first week of January.

Fun Fact:

The Belén, or nativity scene, is one of Madrid’s most treasured holiday traditions. These beautifully crafted displays can be found in plazas, in front of homes, churches, and museums, adding a touch of charm to the festive atmosphere.

Gramado, Brazil: A Magical Christmas Wonderland

Each holiday season since 1986, the picturesque mountain town of Gramado in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul transforms into a dazzling Christmas Wonderland with its two-month-long Natal Luz (Christmas of Light) celebration. This enchanting event offers over a dozen reoccurring shows and activities, making it one of the most captivating holiday destinations in the world.

Must-See Highlights:

• Grand Christmas Parade: Watch an evening spectacle of skating angels, snow queens, and Santa Claus as they light up Avenida das Hortênsias with festive cheer.
• Nativitaten: Experience a breathtaking outdoor holiday opera at Lake Joaquina Rita Bier, complete with dancing fountains, dramatic performances, and fireworks.
• Christmas Tree Light Show: Enjoy a mesmerizing display of music and lights that bring the spirit of the season to life.

From puppet theaters to awe-inspiring performances, Gramado’s Natal Luz offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the festive charm of this Brazilian Christmas wonderland!

When: Early November through mid-January

Melbourne, Australia: Christmas Lights and Festive Cheer

What:
Even with summer temperatures, Melbourne embraces the holiday spirit with Santas in full winter attire and inflatable snowmen dotting the city. For the ultimate light displays, head to the suburb of Ivanhoe, which hosts the renowned Christmas Lights on the Boulevard celebration. Taking place the week before Christmas, this nine-day event attracts up to 20,000 visitors nightly.

Expect to be enchanted by festive displays featuring candy cane walkways, flying reindeer, and dazzling kangaroo lights that uniquely capture the Australian holiday vibe. Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations are a delightful blend of tradition and local charm, perfect for the season!

When: Early November through December.

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