Christmas lights have a way of weaving magic into the winter air. Beautifully lit displays can create a magical atmosphere and evoke a sense of nostalgia, even in the most bah humbug travellers. This year, embark on a journey to experience the most dazzling holiday decorations the world has to offer.
From the twinkling lights of European markets to the festive illuminations and sparkling trees in some of the world's luxury hotels, there's a winter wonderland waiting to be discovered. Here are 10 of the most dazzling holiday celebrations worth taking in.
Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh
Scotland's capital is always a good choice, but it is extra beautiful at Christmas time. Head to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to wander in a winter wonderland. Every season, it hosts Christmas at the Botanics, an event featuring a light trail that winds through the gardens, illuminating trees, shrubs and flowers in a kaleidoscope of colours. Some of the most popular attractions include the Tunnel of Light, a 20-metre long tunnel adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and the Inverleigh House projections, which illuminate the front of this historic house that dates back to 1744. Elsewhere, the capital is also getting in on the act with a light show at Edinburgh Castle, a traditional festive market and a fiery torchlight procession through the old town that kicks off the city's Hogmanay fun.
Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, Colorado
Plunge into a winter wonderland at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Centre in Aurora, Colorado. This rustic-chic resort has mountain views and Christmas vibes. Witness the icy version of the Polar Express, recreated in intricate stone cold detail with more than 6,000 hand-carved ice blocks. As you wander through this icy realm, encounter life-size sculptures, including dancing waiters and a three-metre sized Santa Claus. Thrillseekers can soar down slides made of ice, including one designed only for children. The display coincides with 20 years of the classic Warner Bros festive film and is definitely one for fans of the film to consider.
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
A luxury festive family escape is in store at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore. Impressive year-round, this winter, the hotel shines even brighter thanks to a sparkling Baccarat crystal Christmas tree. The chandelier-inspired tree is entirely unique and surrounded by a cluster of bright red gift boxes and oversized holly berries. Little ones can also get festive by unleashing their inner chef at the Mandarin Oriental's Junior Chef Masterclass, where they can get hands on cooking Christmas treats. Elsewhere, Singapore's Orchard Road dazzles with illuminations every season and Gardens by the Bay turns on the glow for its Christmas Wonderland fair.
Dresdner Striezelmarkt, Germany
Germany's oldest Christmas market can be found in Dresden, the capital of Saxony. With a history dating back to 1434, Dresdner Striezelmarkt takes place in the heart of the city's Altmarkt Square and offers a holiday experience worth visiting. Explore traditional wooden stalls, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, blown-glass decorations, and other unique trinkets. As you wander, enjoy the aroma of roasted almonds and traditional German sweets for a festive atmosphere that almost transports you back in time.
Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam
A world of elegance awaits at the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, where Cartier has transformed the five-star hotel into a holiday spectacle. The centrepiece of this event is a magnificent 4.5-metre Christmas tree, designed by the jewellery house and adorned with exquisite ornaments and shimmering lights. Festive dining experiences and personal Cartier shopping experience are also available for in-house guests.
Located in the heart of the vibrant Museum Quarter, the hotel is only steps away from the renowned upscale street of Amsterdam, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, which lights up beautifully every winter season and the seasonal festival of lights brings fairy lights and hundreds of illuminated art installations the city's streets every December.
Colmar Old Town, France
Escape to the enchanting world of Colmar Old Town in France, where a fairy-tale-like Christmas awaits. Every winter, this picturesque village transforms into a pretty wonderland with cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Wander through its Christmas markets, there's six different ones, each hosted in an architecturally special square. Head to Dominican Square for the most impressive lights, enhanced with the illumination of the 14th century stained glass windows of the Eglise des Dominicain. With m 180 stalls to browse, you can get lost in the magic of Christmas.
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Experience the magic of festive Scandinavia at Tivoli Gardens. Thrilling rides intertwined with decorations make it the ideal place for holiday cheer and amusement park fun. Every winter, this theme park in Copenhagen transforms into a magical Christmas spectacle, filled with funfair rides and festive decorations. In fact, the historic Tivoli Lucia candlelight procession was voted the new experience festive holidaymakers would most like to try in a study by EasyJet this year. There's also an open-air ice skating rink and no less than 1,000 decorated pine trees. As you wander through the illuminated gardens, you'll be captivated by the twinkling lights and the aroma of traditional Danish holiday treats such as honey cakes and brezels.
The Roosevelt, New Orleans
While New Orleans may not be renowned for its winter chill, the city certainly knows how to celebrate the holiday season. In particular, The Roosevelt, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, has earned itself a reputation for hosting one of the most breathtaking Christmas hotel light displays in the US. Each year, the hotel's block-long lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, ornaments and festive decorations. Life-size gingerbread houses, teddy bear picnics and candy cane themed drinks are also part of the fun. It's a must-see for anyone exploring New Orleans during the holiday season.
Claridge's, London
Claridge's London has been welcoming travellers through its Mayfair doors since 1850 and is one of the capital's most quintessential Christmas destinations. The Christmas tree at this luxury hotel is always a masterpiece, having previously been decorated by the likes of Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton. This year, the role fell to designer Paul Smith, who has adorned the hotel's towering tree with more than 100 whimsical birdhouses to create a colourful feast for the eyes. Elsewhere, there's festive menus, plus traditional wreaths and fairy lights galore lining the corridors of this Art Deco escape in the heart of the Big Smoke.
Winter City, Expo Dubai
Christmas has come to the desert at Winter City at Expo Dubai. A real festive atmosphere awaits via towering Christmas trees, enchanting carols by candlelight and a bustling North Pole Market offering unique gifts and festive treats. Lace up your skates to glide, or stumble, across the open-air ice rink, or embrace the cold as you play in the snow zone. Enjoy traditional fairground games, meet Santa Claus at his grotto, and savour winter-themed treats from various food trucks. As night falls, the site transforms into a dazzling spectacle of winter-themed illuminations accompanied by live music performances.
