Christmas Lights: Best Holiday Light Displays Around the World

Every year, the holiday season transforms cities across the globe into glowing spectacles of color and joy. From traditional Christmas tree ceremonies to massive light displays in the world, these destinations prove that holiday cheer shines brightest when millions of bulbs illuminate the night. Whether you’re searching for the best Christmas light displays or looking for dazzling holiday light displays that feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, these spots belong on your holiday travel list.

Medellín, Colombia – Alumbrados Navideños

Alumbrados and Colombian Holiday Tradition

In Medellín, the annual Alumbrados Navideños has become a beloved holiday tradition not just in Colombia, but across Latin America. Each December, the city comes alive with millions of glowing bulbs that stretch around the city, decorating bridges, parks, and plazas. The festive lights create a magical atmosphere, drawing travelers from across the globe who want to see the famous light displays around the world.

• Over 10 million lights sparkle across neighborhoods.
• Interactive light installations and glowing santa claus figures entertain families.
• The light and sound shows at the Medellín River Park are a highlight.

This vibrant event is considered one of the best holiday displays and showcases the festive spirit of the Colombian people.

New York, USA – Rockefeller Center and Dyker Heights

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony

No list of the best Christmas lights is complete without the Rockefeller Center in New York City. The towering Norway spruce has been a Christmas tradition for decades, and the annual lighting ceremony is broadcast to millions worldwide. Visitors can skate on the nearby ice rink, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the twinkling holiday lights.

• The Rockefeller tree is decorated with over millions of sparkling lights.
• Famous window displays on Fifth Avenue add even more holiday spirit.
• Visitors can admire one of the most famous Christmas icons in the U.S.

Dyker Heights – Brooklyn’s Holiday Wonderland

Head to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights, and you’ll see why it’s known for the best Christmas light displays in North America. Every block is lined with extravagant lights and decorations, from glowing reindeer to oversized Santa Claus figures. Many consider it one of the top holiday light displays around the country, with homes competing to dazzle visitors each year.

London, UK – Oxford Street and Regent Street

Oxford Street Holiday Displays

In London, Oxford Street is famous for its grand holiday displays and glowing twinkling lights suspended above the bustling shops. The decorations sparkle against the backdrop of the Christmas market stalls and create a festive vibe for holiday shoppers.

• Glittering light installations stretch for miles.
• Like Regent Street, Oxford Street offers one of Europe’s most spectacular Christmas views.
• Street performers and carolers add to the yuletide cheer.

London’s central shopping district becomes a winter wonderland, making it one of the 10 places you should not miss during Christmastime.

Hong Kong – A Skyline of Sparkle

Festive Light Displays in Asia

Hong Kong takes Christmas to a new level with light displays in the world unlike any other. Skyscrapers are draped in LED lights that change colors in sync with music, creating a massive light show across Victoria Harbour.

• Many light installations are interactive, inviting visitors to explore.
• The city features holiday light displays along shopping promenades and malls.
• The annual festival of light adds an artistic edge to the holiday season.

If you’re looking for a truly spectacular holiday destination, Hong Kong is one of the best places to visit for its fusion of modern holiday displays and traditional Christmas decorations.

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Amsterdam Light Festival

Festival of Light and Art Installations

The Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the city’s canals into glowing pathways of art each December. Artists from around the world contribute light installations, making the event both creative and festive.

• Boats glide under bridges lit by glowing artwork.
• Streets are lined with fairy lights and cozy cafés.
• The event emphasizes sustainable lights every year, using energy-efficient designs.

This festival of light is considered one of the most artistic Christmas light displays around the world, blending cultural charm with breathtaking illumination.

Copenhagen, Denmark – Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens’ Winter Wonderland

In the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens becomes a sparkling wonderland during the holidays. As one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, it mixes nostalgic charm with jaw-dropping light displays. Visitors can stroll through paths lined with glowing decorations, ride roller coasters under a canopy of lights, and enjoy warm seasonal treats.

• Millions of sparkling lights illuminate the gardens each night.
• A lighting ceremony kicks off the season with fanfare.
• The festive décor includes a towering Christmas tree and glowing ornaments.

The combination of an amusement park setting and timeless holiday traditions makes Tivoli one of the most spectacular Christmas destinations in Europe.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Floating Christmas Tree at Freitas Lagoon

World’s Largest Floating Christmas Tree

Rio de Janeiro might be known for its beaches and Carnival, but during December, it shines for an entirely different reason: the world’s largest floating Christmas tree at Freitas Lagoon. Rising more than 250 feet, this dazzling display reflects over the water, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect.

• The tree is decorated with Christmas lights that change color throughout the night.
• Firework shows often accompany the lighting events.
• The Christmas Eve celebration draws crowds for music, performances, and festive cheer.

For those who dream of combining summer warmth with holiday sparkle, Rio’s light display is a unique way to enjoy a magical winter wonderland vibe in the Southern Hemisphere.

Vancouver, Canada – VanDusen Botanical Garden

Garden of Lights and Festive Cheer

The VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver transforms into a glowing paradise each December. Known for its intricate light installations, the gardens turn into a holiday light displays around event that mixes nature with artistry.

• Over one million lights cover the sprawling botanical gardens.
• Pathways are decorated with themed sections, from a Nutcracker forest to glowing animal figures.
• A skating rink and ice rink nearby add to the festive fun.

It’s one of the most festive displays in Canada and proof that the city embraces both nature and seasonal sparkle.

Paris, France – Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées

Parisian Christmas Magic

Few sights capture the spirit of the holidays like Paris lit up for Christmas. The Eiffel Tower itself sparkles hourly, while the Champs-Élysées transforms into a glowing avenue of holiday lights. Paris also hosts Christmas markets filled with mulled wine, sweets, and crafts.

• Holiday window displays in department stores like Galeries Lafayette are a Parisian favorite.
• The Yuletide charm extends to small streets adorned with fairy lights.
• Local holiday events include choirs, markets, and live music.

This French capital is often cited by National Geographic as one of the best holiday displays across the globe, offering both culture and festive sparkle.

Amalfi Coast, Italy – Luci d’Artista

A Southern Italian Festival of Light

The Amalfi Coast hosts the famous Luci d’Artista, an annual festival of light that blends art, history, and holiday décor. Towns along the coast are decorated with elaborate light sculptures, creating a picturesque and festive atmosphere.

• Interactive light installations line the historic streets.
• Christmas decorations feature nativity scenes, stars, and glowing fountains.
• Many holiday treats and local foods are sold in stalls decorated for the season.

The Amalfi Coast may not offer snow, but its coastal villages glow with spectacular holiday charm that competes with the most famous Christmas cities in Europe.

Final Thoughts – Best Christmas Light Displays Around the World

From Medellín’s Alumbrados to the Rockefeller Center spruce, these light displays around the world prove that the holidays are about more than just traditions – they’re about gathering to celebrate under a canopy of light. Whether you’re admiring the national Christmas decorations in Washington, D.C., wandering through holiday markets, or marveling at light displays featuring fireworks and art, the world offers countless ways to feel the Christmas spirit.

For anyone searching for the best Christmas lights or planning trips to see Christmas lights around the world, these destinations promise twinkling nights, glowing streets, and memories filled with holiday cheer. Each stop on this list is a reminder that dazzling Christmas brilliance is one of the most joyful holiday traditions we share across the globe.