The 10 most iconic Christmas trees around the world

Christmas is almost here, and while most cities shine with thousands of lights, a few stand out for their breathtaking trees shimmering from a mile away. We have spotted the showstoppers for this season: from an otherworldly tree in Paris to a floating tree in Brazil, take a look at the 10 most iconic Christmas trees around the world:

Riga, Latvia

Riga is said to be the place where the first-ever Christmas tree was decorated. Whether or not that’s true, the legend has earned the Latvian capital a name for being one of the most iconic spots to watch the Christmas tree lighting.

President’s Park, Washington DC, USA

The United States marks the onset of Christmas with the President lighting the 48ft-tall National Christmas tree every year. Nearly, 2,500 electric bulbs in various colours decorate this marvel, which has been open to the public since 2 December. 

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

A different region in Europe donates a Christmas tree to the Vatican every year. This year’s tree is a majestic white fir tree from the mountain village of Rosello in Italy, which is home to some of the best-preserved white fir trees in the world. 

Rockefeller Centre, New York

There's nothing like Christmas in New York, and part of it is because of this mammoth tree in the heart of the city. The first lighting is a spectacular event in itself, and is watched by millions worldwide. While the tree is lit up every day during the festive season, the lights stay on for 24 hours straight on Christmas Day.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Every year, a magnificent themed tree is placed in the heart of Galeries Lafayette's central court. This year, the tree is said to be coming from Elato, a make-believe planet of Christmas trees created by Claire Castillon. It has been decorated with earthly objects, and the lights on the tree go out every 30 minutes to give way to a sound and light show in the area. 

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

The list is incomplete without the world's largest floating Christmas tree. The 85m-long artificial tree, supported on a platform floating over a lagoon, is illuminated with over three million lights. With musical shows and fireworks⁠, this Christmas celebration is truly one of its kind.

Madrid

Madrid's streets are twinkling with Christmas lights. Among them, one can spot skyscraping Christmas trees in different parts of the city such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza San Juan de la Cruz and Plaza de España and more. Is it just us or can you smell the whiff of roasted chestnuts filling the streets?

Bethlehem, Palestine

Right at the site where Christians believe Jesus was born, there's a grand celebration with annual Christmas tree lighting. Hundreds of people pack Bethlehem's main square and the crowd cheers on as the giant tree is illuminated.

La Paza, Bolivia

Everything's better when it is for a cause! Unconventionally beautiful, the Christmas tree at La Paza is made of industrial waste and junk. Topped with LED lights and CD pieces as leaves, this one makes heads turn.

Dortmund, Germany

One of the world’s largest Christmas trees towers over a market of over 300 traditional wooden stands selling toys, decorations and delicacies at Hansaplatz square. At a height of 147ft, this tree illuminates the night sky with over 48,000 lights!

Trafalgar Square, London

As a token of appreciation to Britain for its support during WWII, Norway has been gifting a large Norway spruce to London every year since 1947. This tree is then lit up in all its glory in traditional Norwegian style.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon boasts the tallest Christmas tree in all of Europe, which has reached over a record-breaking 250ft in the past years. This artificial tree is a lit-up affair, illuminated by thousands of colourful lights.