As December approaches, the world becomes a wonderland of festive lights. In every corner of the planet, people celebrate the holiday season with stunning light displays that display creativity, culture, and often significant engineering achievements. From dazzling light shows to historical displays, here are some of the world's best Christmas light displays that you must experience.
Toronto's Distillery District - Canada
The Distillery District in Toronto becomes a magical winter wonderland come Christmastime. Over 100,000 twinkling lights strung overhead in a canopy, transforming the outdoor pedestrian-only streets and squares into an illuminated holiday fairy tale. You can enjoy a hot chocolate, shop for gifts, and take in the stunning light display.
The Tivoli Gardens - Denmark
The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen turns into a fairy tale come Christmas with over four miles of garlands, 100 Christmas trees, and over 1,000,000 bulbs blinking in sync to classic tunes. You can get on carnival rides, enjoy delicious food, and witness a made-for-Instagram winter wonderland.
Christmas in Medellin - Colombia
Medellin's annual El Alumbrado display is an absolute spectacle to behold. As one of the largest light displays in South America, it features over 30 million LED lights and nearly 700 kilometers of wiring. The lights are carefully arranged in well-designed displays, telling stories, and featuring mythical characters that recall Colombian traditions and folklore.
Christmas in Sydney - Australia
The Harbor Bridge and Opera House in Sydney light up in December every year. The display is like no other, featuring projected indigenous artwork on to the Opera House's sails and a massive Christmas tree on the harbor. You can also take part in Christmas carol concerts and shops at the many stalls that spring up around the harbor.
The Christmas Spectacular - New York
The Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular is a family favorite in New York City. The light-heavy show offers plenty of traditional holiday cheer, with towering Christmas trees, falling snow, and hundreds of dancers in sparkling costumes doing the iconic 'Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.'
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