Where to see the world's best Christmas lights

By Caitlin Morton and Anna Liesemeyer

December 12, 2017, 3:21:29 PM EST

(Photo/Village de Noël, Nice, France/Getty)

These aren't your average neighborhood Christmas decorations—think 80-foot trees, illuminated ice skating rinks, and LEDs so dazzling that they set actual world records.

From California to Copenhagen, here are 15 of our favorite places around the world to see holiday lights.

Winter Illuminations, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo's winter illuminations see districts around the city trying to outdo each other with their sensational displays. Travelers have certainly taken advantage of the jolly competition—the illuminations are so popular, that lights remain up in the city until February. You can't lose at any location, but we're particularly fond of Blue Cavern ("Ao no Dokutsu") in Shibuya, an electric version of blue grottos you'd find in the Mediterranean.

Luci d'Artista, Salerno, Italy

Photo/Alamy

Each year, the streets and squares of Salerno light up for Luci d'Artista, a festival of light installations and Christmas activities. This year's additions include an LED replication of the night sky, an illuminated zoo, and lemon tree-shaped lights serving as a tribute to the nearby Amalfi Coast. Also new this year? A 60-foot ferris wheel, which provides sweeping views of the displays from above.

Report a Typo

Continue Reading on CNTraveler.com >

Business

More Weather News

BREAKING: 6.7 magnitude earthquake hits Chile's coast

Weather News - January 19, 2019, 9:36:39 PM EST

Damage has been reported after a strong magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck near Coquimbo in central Chile, prompting a tsunami warning that was canceled a short time later, officials say.
Damage from possible tornado reported in Wetumpka, Alabama

Weather News - January 19, 2019, 8:41:17 PM EST

Severe thunderstorms rumbled across the Deep South on Saturday afternoon, with one storm producing a potential tornado that caused extensive damage in the town of Wetumpka, Alabama.
Midwestern US: Wind-swept snow, treacherous travel to focus from Ohio to Kentucky into Saturday night

Weather News - January 19, 2019, 4:26:38 PM EST

Despite rain starting the weekend across the Ohio Valley, plummeting temperatures will return snow, treacherous travel and frigid conditions through Saturday night.
Northeastern US motorists face risk of being stranded as blizzard to hit interior hard

Weather News - January 19, 2019, 4:40:26 PM EST

A storm with feet of snow, blizzard conditions, a significant build-up of ice, tree-breaking winds and plunging temperatures threatens to close roads, cause flight cancellations and disrupt daily activities over a large part of the northeastern United States this weekend.
Kansas City Chiefs superfan shares tips on how to stay warm during frigid NFL games

Weather News - January 19, 2019, 4:07:20 PM EST

Superfan Chris Stone has plenty of advice for how to prepare for a freezing cold game.
Brutal cold to endanger those left stranded, without power in wake of immobilizing northeastern US winter storm

Weather News - January 19, 2019, 8:41:29 PM EST

A polar plunge of brutal cold is following this weekend’s blockbuster winter storm, which can threaten lives and complicate travel and cleanup efforts.
Severe storms to march across southern US on Saturday

Weather News - January 19, 2019, 4:05:15 PM EST

While a winter storm churns to their north, residents of the southern United States are facing a severe weather danger on Saturday.
Reports: Snowstorm ramps up in Northeast after turning deadly in Midwest

Weather News - January 20, 2019, 12:02:19 AM EST

The snowstorm that caused nearly a thousand flights to be canceled at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is expected to bring difficult and dangerous travel to a large swath of the Northeast through at least Sunday.