There is nothing quite like strolling through a nicely decorated city during the Christmas time – it take so to a magical place, a bit of different world this time of the year and some of the cities take this task very seriously. The highlight of the decoration is usually the beautiful Christmas tree – whether it is a classic rich pine or an art installation, people can’t wait each year to see what the decorators have come up with and how the imagination worked its charm. Whether you’d be able to visit these places, or just admire them from afar, they will definitely bring some of the Christmas magic to you – enjoy some of the most famous and most beautiful Christmas trees.
1. Rockfeller Centre, New York
One of the most famous Christmas trees is definitely the one in front of the Rockefeller Centre in New York. Gorgeous as it always is, its beauty was additionally popularised in the many Christmas movies and TV series. Traditionally, the lights of the tree are turned on in the ceremony which takes place right after the Thanksgiving. This year, the tree is covered in 50 000 light bulbs and is just as magnificent as ever. To see it, the social distancing need to be respected of course.
2. Paris, Galeries Lafayette
Each year, the big department stores compete in decorating their windows and interiors to attract the many customers in search for the perfect Christmas gift. The Galeries Lafayette, with their over a decade long themed Christmas decorations, are definitely one of the most beautiful ones. Designed by a Belgian artist Tom Schamp, the theme of this year’s decoration is ‘travel’ – at least the imaginary one this year and hopefully bringing us luck for the next year. A beautiful bird’s view of the tree you can get if you walk along the glass walk – and for a moment, you will be on a magical journey as well.
3. Berlin, Brandenburger Tor
There is nothing quite like a winter in Berlin – the harsh cold weather is however softened with a warm Christmas atmosphere all around the city. With the many Christmas trees in different centres and corners, one of the most beautiful ones is certainly the white and silver decorated one in front of the Brandenburger Tor, making the view at the gate even more impressive.
4. The Red Square, Moscow
One of the most magical places around Christmastime is definitely Moscow’s Red Square. Besides being beautifully decorated and illuminated each year, it also has impressive setting – right in from of the Kremlin and with colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral next to it. Decorated in a specific Russian style, the tree is a big part of the Christmas magic in Moscow.
7. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the Christmas capital of Europe. And, while the decoration of the Christmas tree usually marks the opening of the incredibly popular Christmas market that attracts thousands of people each year, this year the many stalls are unfortunately missing but the Christmas tree is nevertheless gorgeous.
8. Vilnius
The Christmas tree in Vilnius is kind of a big deal – and this year it is absolutely stunning as well as very well fit for the year we just went through. Outside a 24 m tall contemporary installation decorated with fragrant branches, silver decorations and mirrors and almost 4 km of couloir-changing Christmas lights, the inside keeps a beautiful traditional Christmas tree reminding us that, though nothing seems the same, the Christmas spirit remains.
9. Sydney, Martin Place
There is not much we need to add to this picture of the Christmas tree at Martin Place in Sydney – it is so gorgeous that we can’t look away! The mesmerising decorations of the red, green, silver and white, really bring out the Christmas spirit even in the Australian summer time.
10. Brussels, Grand Place
In the centre of Europe, at Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, the golden building facades of the square make the perfect festive setting for the beautiful Christmas tree. And while the play of lights around the tree and the buildings is missing this year, the effect is still especially beautiful – the red decorations stand out against the gold of the square, making it a perfect fit for the Christmas mood.
