From New York to Paris: US and European cities prepare for magical Christmas season with festive displays

As the holiday season approaches, American and European cities are becoming festive wonderlands, with streets and landmarks adorned with lights, ornaments, and a wide range of unique holiday experiences.

Christmas celebrations in New York City
New York City, famous for its grand Christmas celebrations, features the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree as the highlight of its holiday festivities. This towering Norway spruce, reaching heights between 23 and 27 meters, was installed in mid-November and will be illuminated during a public lighting ceremony on December 4.

A Swarovski star crown, shimmering with 3 million crystals, will sit atop it. The tree, adorned with five miles of fairy lights, will light up the city. Visitors come from all over to witness the tree and explore other festive attractions.
In Brooklyn, New York, the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour stands out, where residents compete to create the most elaborate and extravagant holiday displays. This neighborhood has gained fame for its dazzling decorations. The festive mood is further enriched by holiday markets like those at Bryant Park and Union Square, where visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and indulge in seasonal treats.
White House Ellipse in Washington, DC
In Washington, DC, the National Christmas Tree at the White House Ellipse is the focal point of the city’s holiday celebrations. The tree lighting ceremony, a beloved tradition, draws thousands each year. Nearby, ZooLights at the National Zoo offers a magical experience, while holiday markets showcase local crafts and food.
Nashville’s unique musical twist
Nashville adds a musical twist to Christmas festivities. The Gaylord Opryland Resort’s annual Country Christmas event features stunning ice sculptures and live performances. The city's rich musical heritage enhances the holiday spirit, making it a perfect destination for families. Visitors can also explore the Cheekwood Estate, with its gardens lit up by millions of lights and enjoy encounters with live reindeer.

The Christmas city of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known as "Christmas City," offers a charming experience steeped in history. Tour guides dressed in period costumes lead visitors through the historic district, and the Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German-style market, features handmade crafts and festive food. The city’s iconic mountaintop star lights up the skyline, symbolizing its holiday spirit.
Other American cities and their unique traditions
Minneapolis will host the “Holidazzle festival”, featuring interactive light displays and live music from December 18-22.
New Orleans celebrates with NOLA ChristmasFest, which includes ice skating and a gingerbread village.
Los Angeles dazzles with holiday lights on Rodeo Drive and festive events at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.


The European continent has become synonymous with enchanting Christmas markets, which transform historic mediaeval and baroque town squares into vibrant holiday destinations. These traditional markets feature illuminated stalls, ice-skating facilities and entertainment venues that draw visitors from across the globe. The seasonal vendors offer regional specialities including bratwurst, glühwein, grog, pierogi and plum brandy, creating an authentic winter atmosphere. Here's some of the cities with their unique celebrations:

Paris (France) braces for Christmas
Paris transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, offering a mix of culinary delights, age-old traditions, and enchanting sights. Streets are adorned with glittering lights, and markets brim with seasonal treats like pain d'épice (spiced honey bread) and foie gras, a beloved holiday gift. Chocolate shops and pâtisseries become even more alluring, showcasing holiday-themed confections.
French families embrace cherished customs like displaying santons—miniature figurines of villagers—alongside Nativity scenes. Christmas trees, adorned with lights, tinsel, and ornaments, take center stage, often hiding small surprises for children to discover on Christmas morning.
The highlight is the Réveillon de Noël, a lavish Christmas Eve feast that lasts for hours. Each region contributes its signature dishes, from raw oysters in Paris to roast goose or turkey. The celebration culminates with the iconic Bûche de Noël, a decadent Yule Log Cake that evokes France's historic traditions.
Additionally, Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower is adorned with fancy decorations and lighting.

Andorra Vella's Christmas spirit

Andorra offers a Christmas filled with tradition, adventure, and breathtaking alpine beauty.
Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. Visitors can explore festive markets in towns like Andorra la Vella and La Massana, featuring artisan crafts, delicious treats, and dazzling decorations. Unique traditions, like the gift-giving Tió de Nadal log and the hidden Caganer figurines, add a quirky charm to the season.

Highlights include Canillo's large-scale nativity scene, Escaldes-Engordany's living nativity, and festive meals with Catalan dishes like escudella and turrons. Skiing on Andorra's scenic slopes adds a sporty twist to the celebrations, while the Three Kings parade on January 6th extends the holiday magic.

Ax-Les-Thermes' breezy celebrations
Christmas in Ax-les-Thermes, a charming mountain town nestled in the French Pyrenees, known for its stunning rural views and festive ambiance, is an unforgettable experience amid cold, breezy weather and temperatures ranging from 28–43°F (-2–6°C).
As these places prepare for Christmas, they create vibrant atmospheres filled with joy and celebration. Each location presents distinctive taste of holiday traditions through light displays, festive markets, local traditions, showcasing its version of holiday cheer, bringing communities together and attracting visitors.