Christmas Tree Lights Around the World: Holiday Memories from DC to Europe to Australia

Revised August 19, 2026

Christmas lights around the world transform cities into magical destinations each December. From London’s glittering angels to Málaga’s illuminated streets, I’ve always been drawn to cities that sparkle during the holidays.

My fascination with Christmas lights began long before I started traveling. Growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, one of my family’s favorite traditions was piling into the station wagon and driving into Washington, DC to admire the mansions decorated for Christmas.

Looking back, I can’t imagine how hard it was for my parents to keep us distracted. I know there were traditions that helped shape the season. For example, we lit a candle each night on the Advent wreath. We also delayed buying our Christmas tree until closer to December 25. I loved to toss the tinsel on the tree branches. I probably wore as much tinsel as the tree!

But one of my favorite traditions was driving out to see the outdoor lights in neighborhoods in Washington, DC. I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, so my dad drove us over the District line to see the spectacular mansions decorated with Christmas lights on Foxhall Drive near Georgetown.

Nearly five decades later, I can still picture myself with my nose pressed against the car window, staring at an illuminated Santa Claus and his reindeer prancing across a lawn near Georgetown.

Those childhood drives sparked a lifelong love of holiday illuminations. Now I seek them out when I travel. Here are eight memorable places to experience Christmas lights around the world, including Washington, DC; Dublin; London; Strasbourg; Málaga; and Perth.

Dublin

Dublin City Council programmed its Dublin Winter Lights from mid-November to January 1, 2023. The organizers proclaimed it an ever-expanding and exciting festival program.

In addition to the return of popular locations such as Merrion Square Park, the Custom House, and O’Connell Street monuments, there were new installations in Smithfield Square, Dublin Docklands, Bridgefoot Street Park, The Spire, and the River Liffey. Dublin Winter Lights turns an already magical city into a winter wonderland for the holidays. And it is free.

This is a citywide event catering to all ages. Families wrapped up the kids to ramble through the dark parks. And most tourists could have walked for miles along the Quay to admire the illuminated buildings lining the River Livvy as well as the Millennium Bridge

London

London seems to embrace Christmas on every corner. Beyond Regent Street, Oxford Street twinkles overhead with thousands of festive lights. Covent Garden dazzles visitors with its towering Christmas tree, giant bells, baubles, and sparkling decorations.

London truly sparkles at Christmas.

Carnaby Street offers something different, with colorful displays suspended above its shops. After dark, central London feels like an enormous outdoor Christmas celebration.

Washington, DC

Tourists and DC residents gather each December to admire the National Christmas Tree near the White House. Smaller trees representing every state and territory surround the towering centerpiece. The tree carries deeper meaning.

Throughout history, the National Christmas Tree has sometimes reflected the nation’s mood. After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the country entered a period of mourning. President Lyndon B. Johnson lit the tree on December 22, offering a message of hope and national healing.

“Today we come to the end of a season of great national sorrow, and to the beginning of the season of great, eternal joy. We mourn our great President, John F. Kennedy, but he would have us go on.”

President Lyndon Johnson

President Jimmy Carter changed the tradition during the Iran hostage crisis. In 1979, he kept the National Christmas Tree mostly dark while the American hostages remained captive. His daughter Amy lit one small tree to honor the hostages.

I am also enamored with the Christmas trees at the Canadian Embassy, the U.S. Capitol, and CityCenter. Reindeer reign at giant illuminations that protect the holiday gifts. The CityCenter Holiday Tree is the largest in the city.

St. Augustine, Florida

Nights of Lights turns St. Augustine, Florida—the “Ancient City”—into a sparkling diamond on the sea during the Christmas holidays. Celebrated for three decades, this holiday tradition ranks among the world’s Top 10 holiday light displays by National Geographic.

The city’s tourism bureau created the Nights of Lights Celebration in 1999 to provide additional reasons to visit the United States’ oldest city during the holidays.

Starting in November and running through January, Nights of Lights turns up the voltage from the ground to the rooftops. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the city. It’s free of charge.

“This brilliant display of lights sets the stage for a number of other holiday events and happenings that take place throughout January.”

Richard Goldman, CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches VCB

St. Augustine operators offer nighttime tours to see the citywide light displays by bus, boat, yacht, and even golf cart. Another fun option is to climb the 200+ steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Built in 1874, the lighthouse is 165 feet tall. Below, St. Augustine’s historic neighborhoods, such as St. George Street, shimmer.

Strasbourg, France

Originally christened the “Christkindelsmärik” (market of the Infant Jesus), it is France’s oldest Christmas Market. Strasbourg runs 12 different themed outdoor markets from late November until December 31.

Established in 1570, Christkindelsmärik attracts over 2 million visitors each year. Strasbourg has twice been voted Europe’s best Christmas Market among 15 different towns, despite serious competition from Aachen, Germany, and Vienna, Austria.

Nights are the magical time when Santa’s elves come out to play. At Place Gutenberg (the center of medieval Strasbourg), I walked under the red-and-green illuminated sign proclaiming Strasbourg as Capitale de Noel. I marveled at the illuminated angels hanging in the air, their celestial horns lighting my path.

Malaga, Spain

Malaga Christmas lights shine bright everywhere. Feliz Navidad is on the lips of every resident. In Malaga, a Mediterranean Christmas celebration is as likely to include a boot stuffed with a toy as it is to include stockings jammed full of gifts.

The Phoenicians founded the ancient port city in the 8th century. Today, Malaga is decorated with lights and illuminated decorations. Christmas Eve is the big celebration day for families who gather for an elaborate meal.

In Malaga, the Christmas lights change over the kiosks in the Christmas market as well as the large avenues. The city also sponsors a Christmas market by the port. These open-air markets feature artisans selling handmade jewelry, clothing, pottery, and Christmas items.

Perth

I have not visited Perth during the Christmas holidays. But I have a dear friend who emailed these lovely photos after she read my article about St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. I couldn’t resist sharing these spectacular Aussie light displays.

“The City of Perth’s annual Christmas Lights Trail covers 4km of Perth city including Cathedral Square.”

These are some Christmas photos that Jan took the other night after a dinner in the city. One is of St. George’s Cathedral. Jan said, “They have the most beautiful light projections on the facade. Opposite is our City Council offices-a very contemporary building which has its own light show with lots of lit-up kangaroos on the lawns at the front.”

Final Thoughts

Exploring Christmas lights around the world reveals how differently cities celebrate the holiday season. Each destination adds its own traditions, architecture, and personality to the festivities.

Every city shines differently.

Holiday illuminations also encourage travelers to explore cities after dark. Familiar streets and landmarks can look completely different beneath thousands of twinkling lights.

If you travel during December, make time for an evening walk. You may discover that a city’s Christmas lights become one of your favorite travel memories.