The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, bringing with it a flurry of illuminations, twinkling Christmas trees, mesmerising shop displays and more. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Secret Escapes to take a look at some of the most extraordinary displays around the world.
NEW YORK CITY, USA
Famed among New Yorkers and seasonal visitors alike, New York showcases some of the most magical light displays in the world. No trip to the Big Apple at Christmas is complete without taking in the window displays of Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Tiffany and Saks Fifth Avenue. The backdrop of much-loved Christmas classics like Home Alone and Elf, the Rockefeller Christmas tree with its enchanting ice rink and Bryant Park’s Winter Village display is on many a festive bucket list around the world.
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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
For seasonal celebrations and light displays with more manageable crowds, look no further than the European town of Brussels in Belgium. With its charming narrow cobbled streets and traditional town squares, Brussels becomes the quintessentially festive destination of dreams when the winter months come around. Picturesque wooden cabins line the streets at this time of year, providing authentic festive offerings in the central square and The Grand Place – which is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, bejewelled with twinkling lights and illuminations.
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BERLIN, GERMANY
Not to be overshadowed by its European neighbours, the city of Berlin doesn’t fail to impress when it comes to celebrating the festive season in style. Each year bright displays of twinkling lights are featured across the city; with the biggest taking over Berlin’s most famous landmarks including the Opera Palace and Brandenburg Gate. The extravagant displays of the season are such an attraction that visitors with an eye for photography can sign up to guided walking tours allowing them to capture the seasonal magic and inundate their Instagram feeds.
Look out for a discounted Christmassy European escape in Germany at https://www.secretescapes.com/search/search?query=Germany
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Every November, Vienna kicks off the festive season by opening the enchanting ‘Winter Walk of Lights’ festival in Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Bright displays transform the woods into a spectacular half mile walk of lights. The dazzling winter wonderland contains over 500,000 dancing LED lights and welcomes in visitors with an array of seasonal treats along the way.
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