Why do so many cities invest heavily in their Christmas trees?

Major Christmas trees act as civic landmarks that generate tourism, seasonal cheer, and media attention during the holidays. Cities renew long-standing traditions in central squares, where decorated trees turn public space into a shared living room. A signature installation becomes a visible sign of pride, partnership, and storytelling. Visitors and locals alike find reasons to gather, shop, post photos, and return each year, giving the city a recurring spotlight on the global stage.

When is the best time to visit these famous Christmas trees?

The best moment to visit is usually from late November through early December, when crowds are manageable and the first twinkling lights still feel fresh. Many displays stay lit through New Year, so you can celebrate winter getaways without peak congestion. Try to arrive before workday rushes or after dinner time to enjoy a calmer view of each decorated plaza and to find good vantage points for photos, skating rinks, or nearby cafés.

Are any of these Christmas tree ceremonies free to attend?

Many headline tree ceremonies are free, especially those hosted in major public squares, but some premium viewing zones or concerts may require tickets. Always search the city’s official tourism websites and event pages to find details on access rules, security checks, and whether viewing areas are included in larger festivals. Even when paid tiers exist, you can usually enjoy the decorated surroundings, music, and markets from nearby streets without buying a package.

What makes a Christmas tree “iconic”?

A Christmas tree becomes iconic when more than its height is memorable. Think of a four story grand tree rising above a plaza shaped by local history, sometimes even tied to World War commemorations or gifts, as with trees sent from Oslo to partner cities. Layer in distinctive ornaments, evolving traditions, music, and ways people celebrate beneath it. When its silhouette is instantly recognized in photos, it earns true landmark status.

Which Christmas tree is the tallest or biggest in the world?

The tallest or biggest displays often use engineering tricks, like framing multiple firs into one decorated structure, as Dortmund does. Record-breaking trees tend to appear in cities with deep winter tourism strategies, strong sponsorships, and reliable infrastructure. While exact rankings can shift each year, Dortmund’s massive construction regularly tops lists. When planning a visit, check recent city announcements, footage, and live cams so you know what scale to expect that season.

Do these famous Christmas trees also highlight other winter celebrations?

Many cities now pair their main Christmas tree with inclusive programming that acknowledges other winter observances, such as Hanukkah or other cultural winter festivals. You might see separate installations, musical performances, or storytelling events highlighting diverse communities who share the same cold evenings. This approach turns the central square into a welcoming meeting point, where visitors experience different traditions during the holidays and feel that multiple narratives and family memories comfortably coexist around the same season.

Are cities making their iconic Christmas tree displays more sustainable?

Iconic public trees typically grow more sustainable every year. Municipalities invest in energy-efficient LEDs, reusable frameworks, and locally sourced materials instead of single-use décor. Designers favor modular structures that can be stored and reimagined rather than discarded, while community groups donate or repurpose older ornaments. Some cities also run recycling drives and charity campaigns around the tree, using its visibility as inspiration for environmental projects and social initiatives long after the last switch is flipped.

Explore Some of the Most Beautiful Christmas Trees Worldwide

Christmas is almost here, and while most cities are illuminated with thousands of lights, a few stand out for their breathtaking trees visible from a mile away. We've found the season's showstoppers: from an otherworldly tree in Paris to a floating tree in Brazil, here are some of the most iconic Christmas trees from around the world!

Stunning Christmas Trees Around the World That Are Worth Seeing

So evergreen, amazingly tall, and sparkly! These are all exclamations worthy of the world's most beautiful Christmas trees. The decades-long Christmas tree lighting ceremony in almost every town in the world draws in millions of people. Here are some of the most beautiful Christmas trees around the world.

1. Rockefeller Center, New York City, USA

When it comes to Christmas decorations, you just can’t beat New York City. Perhaps the most famous Christmas tree in the world, the Norway spruce at Rockefeller Center, typically stands 70-100 feet tall. The tree in the middle of the Rockefeller Complex reaches for the sky with a majestic presence.

Rockefeller Center pink Christmas tree by brittanyeliza.photo — *The 2025 Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Photo by @brittanyeliza.photo.*

And, well, there's nothing like Christmas in New York City. The first lighting took place on December 3rd, 2025, and was a spectacular event in its own right, watched by millions around the world. If you're in the city and have the chance to see this tree all lit up, you should without a doubt GO!

2. Covent Garden, London, UK

Although Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree is one of the most well-known in London, Covent Garden is also a very popular tourist destination, with a majestic Christmas tree worth seeing. And there's more. It features artificial snowfall to enhance the festive atmosphere. This year, the 18-meter Christmas tree will be illuminated by 30,000 LEDs, and the Market Building will be adorned with brand-new decorations in the form of giant bells. The Winter Warmer Festival promises mulled wine and Christmas pop-ups, so make your way to Covent Garden this holiday season – just be prepared for crowds.

Covent Garden Christmas tree — *Covent Garden in all its festive glory*
*Photo: @onealdwychhotel*

Complementing the festive spirit, the Market Building features giant bell decorations, and artificial snowfall creates a magical experience for visitors. Covent Garden's seasonal attractions, including its iconic sleigh and shopping and dining options, make it a must-visit destination for the holidays.

3. Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France

What would Christmas be like if there were no Christmas tree? Since 1976, it has been a tradition at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann to have a stunningly decorated Christmas tree every year. Every winter, the Coupole welcomes its majestic Christmas tree, which will make both young and old dream. Winter has returned, bringing with it the festive holiday season of 2025. This year's theme is 'Le plus beau des cadeaux', which means 'The Most Beautiful of Gifts'.

Lafayette gallery Christmas tree — *This year's tree at Lafayette*
*Photo: @limitlessecrets*

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann already entered the holiday season in November 2025, with a 25-meter-high tree featuring 16 sparkling stars, 2,500 meters of garlands, and 20,000 points of light – a true technical and creative achievement. The tree for the 131st Christmas of Galeries Lafayette is adorned with lights to make hearts race and eyes shine.

4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Tree – Milan, Italy

Located within the luxurious shopping arcade, this tree is often sponsored by top-tier brands such as Swarovski. The decorations are elegant and opulent, reflecting Milan’s reputation as a fashion capital.

5. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy

Vatican City is a beautiful place in and of itself, but when you add one of the world's best Christmas trees, the beauty multiplies. This magnificent 30-meter (98-foot) White Fir tree hails from the mountain village of Rosello. The ornaments on the tree are made by young people at the La Quadrifoglio psychiatric rehabilitation facility, elderly patients from the Sant'Antonio care center in Borrello, Italy, and schoolchildren from Pizzoferrato, Quadri, and Villa Santa Maria.

Vatican City Christmas Tree lit up — St. Peter's Basilica Christmas tree
Photo: @smarttripeurope

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Have you ever seen a floating Christmas tree or a tropical Christmas? If you answered no, you should travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's capital, to see the lighting of the floating Christmas tree in the beautiful Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, between Ipanema and the Botanical Gardens, which kicks off the December festivities. Since 1996, the floating Christmas tree has served as a symbol of hope and light for the city, breaking the world record for the largest floating Christmas tree, standing 278 feet tall with over 3 million lights.

Rio de Janeiros floating Christmas Tree — *Photo: Pinterest*

7. Dortmund, Germany

The world's tallest Christmas tree is in Dortmund, Germany. At around 46 meters (150 feet) tall every year, it is enormous, considered the King Kong of Christmas trees. The tree weighs approximately 40,000 kg, takes four weeks to construct, and is covered with 48,000 LED lights. This tree towers over a collection of 300 traditional wooden stands selling toys, decorations, and delicacies! Must visit if you're in Germany for Christmas this year.

Dortmund Germany Christmas tree — *The world's biggest Christmas tree*

*Photo: @nicoles_travelventure*

8. Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania

While Lithuania may not be a popular holiday destination for many, it is well known for its Christmas trees during the holiday season. Because of its dazzling light displays, it has been named one of the world's most beautiful. Instead of inviting the masses to a magical Christmas town as in the past, it has been designed to be safely admired from afar. While the installation's exterior is modern, the interior features a traditional tree, ensuring that the Christmas spirit never changes.

Lithuania Vilnius Christmas Tree — *The amazing Vilnius Christmas tree in 2023*
*Photo: @inga__donaldson*

9. Puerta Del Sol, Madrid, Spain

Recently lit on November 28th, 2025, it was a huge spectacle for Madrid. Thousands were there to see it finally light up as they chanted the final '3,2,1'...The majestic tree in Madrid's Puerta Del Sol square is not natural, but it is breathtaking. The 35-meter-tall (114-foot) conic-shaped metal construction is designed with digitalized interpretations of traditional pine trees and is illuminated by textures and colors.

Madrids Christmas tree lit up — *Madrid's 2025 Christmas tree lit up*

*Photo: @saltaconmigo*

10. Riga, Latvia

In 1510, the first written record of a decorated Christmas tree dates to Riga, Latvia. Men of the local merchant’s guild decorated a tree with artificial roses, danced around it in the marketplace, and then set fire to it. The rose was used for many years and is considered to be a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

Riga Latvia has one of the most beautiful Christmas trees — *Photo: @radissonbludaugava*

11. Prague - Old Town Square, Czech Republic

Set in one of Europe’s most magical medieval squares, Prague’s Christmas Tree rises beside Gothic towers, baroque facades, and twinkling market stalls. Tourism boards consistently rank it among the top three most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe, and for good reason: its warm golden lighting, towering presence, and whimsical backgrounds create a fairytale atmosphere. When the tree illuminates the square, it feels as though the city transforms into a living snow globe.

Pragues Christmas tree lit up — *The Christmas tree in Old Square Town*
*Photo: @jasm_everywhere*

12. Strasbourg – Place Kléber, France

Strasbourg, proudly known as the 'Capital of Christmas', hosts one of the continent’s most iconic holiday trees. Towering up to 30 meters tall, the tree at Place Kléber is a monumental symbol of the city’s centuries-old Christmas traditions. Dressed with thousands of lights and handcrafted ornaments, it rises above one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets – a glowing centerpiece that captures the heart of Alsace’s festive spirit.

Place Kléber Christmas tree. Video by: @byxandrine

13. The National Christmas Tree – Washington, D.C., USA

Standing on the Ellipse near the White House, the National Christmas Tree is a historic and globally recognized holiday emblem. Each year, it’s illuminated during a star-studded ceremony attended by the U.S. President - an event broadcast across the country. Surrounded by 50 smaller trees, one for each state and territory, the display becomes a luminous symbol of unity, tradition, and American holiday cheer.

*The National Christmas tree in Washington*

*Photo: @caroljeanphotography*

14. Four Seasons Hotel – Sydney

Award-winning international Event Planner and Designer Nadia Duran designs an eye-catching Christmas tree at Sydney's Four Seasons Hotel. The structure rises with clean lines, polished detailing, and a festive glow that complements the hotel's modern, light-filled lobby. Every part is strategically placed to give the tree a peaceful, luxurious presence without overwhelming the space.

Nadia's approach combines seasonal warmth with the sophistication expected of one of Sydney's premier hotels. The ornaments, colors, and size all work together to elevate the ambiance and give guests a sense of festive warmth the instant they walk in.

The Christmas tree by Nadia Duran displayed at the Four Seasons hotel in Sydney

15. Kaunas, Lithuania

In Kaunas, Lithuania, designer Kristina Rimiene led a collaborative effort to bring down a natural tree and transform it into her largest Christmas installation ever. With the help of a dedicated team, the tree was carefully harvested, transported, and positioned to become the centerpiece of a festive public space.

Once secured in place, Kristina and her team decorated the tree with precision. She selected each ornament, organized lighting patterns. She coordinated the overall visual scheme so that the tree would shine not only as a holiday decoration but as a cohesive design statement. The result: a majestic Christmas tree that sees the authenticity of a natural fir with the refined touch of professional décor.

What a work of art! Video by: @evaldasvirketis

16. Carlton Hotel – Cannes, France

Under Djordje Varda's creative supervision, the Carlton Cannes transforms into a winter wonderland. At the heart of its festive decor stands a giant Christmas tree—a sculptural, immersive artwork that anchors the hotel's 'garden enchanté'. A full white and golden artwork, Varda’s design works like a botanical stage: the tree is surrounded by luxurious décor, subtle lighting, and carefully coordinated decorations that draw on both nature and high-end hospitality sensibilities.

With the Christmas cheer in its full glory, it's worth looking at some of the most iconic Christmas trees and lights around the world, or at least visiting them once in your lifetime! Which one are you seeing this year? Here's also a complete guide to the best Christmas markets around the world.