Where to see the world's best Christmas lights

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

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.

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