It’s Christmas time! Well, almost… One of the best things about the festive season is the colourful light displays that illuminate cities all over the world. Wondering where to see the best twinkling Christmas lights? Expat Explore has found some of the most magical Christmas lights around the globe to really get you into the Christmas spirit!

Here are some of the prettiest Christmas lights around the world:

Rockefeller Center, New York City, USA 

Certainly one of the world’s most famous Christmas displays, Rockefeller Center in New York City wows locals and tourists alike every year. Its iconic (and massive) tree will be lit on 4 December 2024 and is sure to impress, just as it has for over 90 years! If visiting Rockefeller Center at Christmas time, you simply cannot miss a chance to skate on its iconic outdoor ice rink.

Related: Spend three nights in New York City when you join our Eastern USA & Canada Escape (incl. New York)!

Oxford Street, London, UK

London’s busiest shopping street becomes a winter wonderland during the festive season. With twinkling lights hanging above these historic streets and their surroundings, Christmas shopping becomes a dazzling delight. Like last year, 5,000 twinkling stars are lighting up Oxford Street! Excitingly, these lights are actually more sustainable than ever. They will be lit for a shorter period each day and are made out of recycled polymer which is 75% more efficient than standard light bulbs!

Related: Join our Great Britain Christmas tour and spend the most wonderful time of the year exploring the UK!

Amsterdam Light Festival, the Netherlands

From 28 November 2024 to 19 January 2025, Amsterdam’s canals are illuminated with elaborate light displays designed by local artists. It’s certainly one of the best things to see in Amsterdam during winter. Wander the Amsterdam streets or take a canal cruise to admire these unique and creative artworks! This year’s theme is “The World of Rituals” and will feature more than twenty new designs from local and international artists.

Related: Wish you could see the lights of Amsterdam on Christmas Day? Join our Europe Escape Christmas & New Year tour to make your festive dreams come true!

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

A visit to the historic Tivoli Gardens is a highlight of any trip to Denmark. However, during the festive season, this amusement park becomes a Nordic Christmas wonderland, making it even more of a must-visit destination! Along with a cosy Christmas market, snow-covered pine trees and, of course, Santa Claus and his reindeer, Tivoli Gardens is illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights. The gardens also offer a programme of festive performances such as The Nutcracker. 

Related: Experience the magic of Denmark during the festive season on our Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics Christmas & New Year tour!

Freedom Square, Tbilisi, Georgia

As Georgia is a Christian Orthodox country, their Christmas falls slightly later on 7 January. However, the festive season begins in mid-December when impressive lights and beautifully-decorated trees are set up. Notably, Freedom Square in the centre of Tbilisi adorns a particularly elaborate display. Visitors can also look forward to live performances, traditional Christmas markets and outdoor ice skating!

Related: Experience the beauty of the Caucasus when you join our Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia tour!

Winter Illuminations, Tokyo, Japan

With its many hot springs, world-class winter sports and Winter Illumination events, Japan is certainly one of the best places to visit in winter! Tokyo, Japan’s buzzing capital city, is the best place to see Christmas lights. All over the city, you’ll find a variety of light displays. From the LED Christmas tree-lined promenades and avenues to themed light exhibitions, walking around Tokyo as it’s illuminated throughout winter is an unmissable experience!

Related: Discover more of Japan’s top festivals to experience!

Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France

With a nickname like the “City of Lights”, it’s not surprising that Paris really steps it up a notch around Christmas time! Every year, the Christmas tree in Galeries Lafayette, a 19th century Art Nouveau department store, astounds with its grand scale and detailed decor. This is the ideal place to do your Christmas shopping while soaking up the festive spirit!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its love of celebrations and festivities. Christmas is no different in this vibrant Brazilian city. In fact, Rio is home to the world’s largest floating Christmas tree! This astounding tree weighs a whopping 542 tons and stands at 278 feet. Hundreds of thousands of people gather to see the lighting of the tree, which has become one of the city’s largest tourist events. 

Related: Want to visit Brazil and more South American destinations? Explore our range of South America tours!

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Have you planned your Christmas holiday yet? Have a look at our Christmas and New Year tours and get ready to visit Christmas markets, see magical twinkling lights, stunning Christmas trees and much more!