Christmas is just around the corner, and cities all over the globe are trying their best to have the most beautiful decorations. From twinkling lights to cozy Christmas markets, the festive vibes are everywhere. But let’s face it: Christmas trees steal the show. The lighting ceremonies held in major cities are iconic symbols of the season, bringing people together with their charm and magic.
Cities worldwide, from Europe to the Americas, transform into enchanting winter wonderlands. Each adds its own unique twist. In this blog, we’re taking you on a tour of the best Christmas trees in cities like New York, Paris, Warsaw, Lisbon, and Yerevan. The latter looks absolutely stunning this season. Get ready for some holiday vibes!
New York Christmas Tree
Let’s admit it’s one of the most famous Christmas trees. First of all, this is due to many Hollywood movies that feature the Rockefeller Center’s festive atmosphere in winter. This year, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4th, 2024, marked the official start of the season in grand style, with millions tuning in for the live broadcast.
The tradition dates back to 1931 when workers first placed a small tree on the construction site during the Great Depression. Since then, it has grown into a dazzling show featuring a towering Norway spruce, often handpicked for its size and symmetry. Moreover, each year the selection of trees makes headlines. Media outlets usually trace the origins of the Christmas Tree. This year it was next to a family house in Massachusetts. Thousands come to Midtown Manhattan every year to admire the decorations and feel the Christmas vibe.
Traditional Tree at Galeries Lafayette in Paris
The Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette in Paris is not your typical outdoor centerpiece. Instead, this stunning indoor tree is the showstopper. Everyone will agree that this concept perfectly fits for a city synonymous with fashion and flair. Unlike other cities where trees light up squares, Paris keeps it stylish under the dome of this iconic department store. Maybe that’s why it’s always in the spotlight, it’s as chic as the city itself.
The Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree has been a Parisian tradition since 1976. This year’s tree celebrates the store’s 130th Christmas, blending its heritage with modern flair. Inspired by 1950s displays, it features 20,000 lights and a fiber-optic fireworks display.
Lisbon
Many guides of the best Christmas trees in 2025 include Lisbon. This year, the grand illumination took place on November 23rd at Terreiro do Paço, accompanied by a light show and a concert featuring Aurea, a celebrated Portuguese singer.
The tradition of Christmas trees in Portugal dates back to the 19th century, introduced by King Consort D. Fernando II. He was German and brought the tradition of decorating Christmas trees to Portugal.
Milan
Another fashion capital, Milan opens this holiday season with iconic Christmas trees lighting up the city. Milan’s festive charm is unmatched from traditional tree to luxurious branded displays. The central one was lit At Piazza del Duomo. It’s a 27.5-meter fir with Olympic decorations and mascots, symbolizing the city’s upcoming games.
Meanwhile, the Dior Parfums tree in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II radiates golden luxury, drawing inspiration from Versailles. Other stunning trees include LEGO’s playful Brick Tree at Piazza Cordusio, Sephora’s interactive tree at Piazza San Babila, and Victoria’s Secret tree at Galleria del Corso.
Strasbourg – the Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg isn’t just about lighting up a Christmas tree; the entire city transforms into a magical city living up to its title as the “Capital of Christmas.”
Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the oldest in France and one of the most historic in Europe. In other cities decorations are focused on central squares. Meanwhile, Strasbourg’s streets, facades, and balconies are filled with lights and ornaments, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
The 30-meter Christmas tree at Place Kléber is the central. Visitors wander through 300 chalets spread across the city, offering traditional Alsatian treats like bredle biscuits, mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts. The market reflects Strasbourg’s deep-rooted Christmas traditions, from the 16th-century Christkindelsmärik to the creation of glass ornaments.
Sydney – Christmas in summer
Christmas in Australia is a unique experience, with festive cheer lighting up the city under the warmth of summer. It’s unusual yet delightful to see a massive Christmas tree surrounded by people in summer outfits.
The tallest tree in New South Wales, located at Martin Place, dazzles with over 110,000 LED lights, a 3.4-meter color-changing star, and 330 glossy baubles.
Adding an Aussie twist, its 800 branches are decorated with 15,000 flowers representing native blooms like waratah, bottlebrush, and kangaroo paw.
Yerevan Christmas Mood
Yerevan’s Christmas tree at Republic Square might not be the tallest or the grandest, but its charm lies in the festive magic it brings to the city. Of course, we could not but mention Yerevan in our list since it’s close to our hearts.
This year’s tree lighting ceremony on December 8 was a spectacular event, captivating locals and tourists. The opening show featured music, lights, and a joyful atmosphere that left everyone in awe.
Beyond the tree, Yerevan’s decorations have received glowing praise on social media, including from tourists. By the way, the central square is not the only decorated place, as streets and parks create a magic setting as well. Christmas markets and several ice rinks, the central being near the Opera House, offer cozy, cheerful spots to celebrate the season.