In for a jet-setting holiday season? These iconic trees are big, bold, and worth a visit!
All over the world, cities big and small are spreading the holiday spirit with their best Christmas trees and decorations, drawing hundreds of visitors every year.
If you’re still wondering where to spend the holidays this year, or even in the future, put these festive places at the top of your list!
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Rockefeller Center, New York City, USA
One of the most popular Christmas trees in the world is the one in Rockefeller Center in New York City. According to Forbes, the tree is worth about $70,000 and topped with a Swarovski star.
Usually a Norway spruce that’s 21 to 30 meters tall, the Rockefeller tree is also decked out with more than 700 lights. The lighting of the Christmas tree has been a tradition since the 1930s and since 1997, it has been broadcast live on NBC every year.
This year, singer Kelly Clarkson hosted the event which featured performances by Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Hudson, the Radio City Rockettes, and more. The tree will remain on display until mid-January.
Trafalgar Square, London, UK
Since 1947, the city of Oslo has given the people of London a Christmas tree as a token of gratitude for British support to Norway during the Second World War. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the annual gift.
Now located in Trafalgar Square, the 77th tree is approximately 60 years old, 20 meters high, weighs about 1200 kilos, and grew near Grefsenkleiva, in Oslo’s Forest.
This year, the tree was transported from Oslo to Brevik using an electric truck to help reduce its carbon footprint. Decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion with vertical strings of lights, the city has also used energy-efficient light bulbs in an effort to make the tradition more sustainable.
The tree will be in Trafalgar Square until January 5, 2025, the twelfth night of Christmas, before being recycled.
Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France
The Christmas tree at the upmarket department store Galeries Lafayette has been a tradition since 1976. This year’s tree measures 25 meters tall and features 16 sparkling stars, 2,500 meters of garlands, and 20,000 programmable lights.
Crowning the Christmas tree is fibre-optic firework effect lighting, directly inspired by designer Kevin Germanier’s dazzling dresses.
Marking the store’s 130th anniversary, they have also designed Christmas window displays adorned with recycled materials and bright lights, symbolizing Paris.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
Inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious shopping arcade, is an opulent Christmas tree sponsored by Dior.
Towering over 14 meters high, the stunning centerpiece features over 1,900 intricate decorations, golden flowers, and Dior’s iconic star motif. The Galleria’s dome is also illuminated by shimmering chains of light.
Reflecting Milan’s reputation as a fashion capital, the tree has also been sponsored by other top-tier brands such as Swarovski and Gucci in the past.
Banner image via Instagram @rockefellercenter.
