Global Christmas Trees That Dazzle and Delight
As the festive season approaches, cities worldwide unveil their spectacular Christmas trees, transforming public spaces into magical winter wonderlands. These towering creations become focal points for community celebrations, drawing excited crowds for annual lighting ceremonies and providing picturesque backdrops for cheerful carol singers throughout December.
Expert Picks: The Must-See Trees and Hidden Gems
Dee Momi, founder of luxury travel company Seven Access, exclusively shared her insights with the Daily Mail about which Christmas trees deliver true festive magic and which might not justify the hype. Her recommendations span from traditional firs to extraordinary light installations that redefine what a Christmas tree can be.
New York's Iconic Rockefeller Center Tree
The Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree undergoes a meticulous selection process each year, with head gardener Erik Pauze personally choosing the perfect Norway Spruce. This year's specimen hails from East Greenbush, New York, and will be revealed to the public on November 8.
The tree will be adorned with an impressive 50,000 multi-coloured lights and crowned with a magnificent Swarovski crystal star. The official lighting ceremony occurs on December 3, with the tree remaining illuminated until mid-January.
However, Dee Momi cautions visitors about the experience. 'The Rockefeller Center tree in New York is perhaps the one that's most famous but not always worth the hype - it's undeniably iconic, but the crowds are relentless, and access is limited to fleeting moments in a sea of people.' She suggests enjoying the tree from a distance while taking in the wonderful surrounding festivities.
For those planning a visit, hotels within a few miles of the Rockefeller Center start from approximately £780 for a seven-night stay for two adults between December 13 and 20, according to Expedia. Flights from London to New York begin at £648 per person based on Skyscanner data.
Washington DC's Capitol Hill Tradition
The US Capitol Christmas tree has graced the West Lawn since 1964, becoming a beloved American tradition. This year's tree, nicknamed 'Silver Belle', represents a historic first as it comes from Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The 53-foot red fir is currently journeying from Nevada to Washington DC ahead of its early December lighting ceremony.
Travellers can find week-long hotel stays near Capitol Hill from around £430 for the December 13-20 period, while flights from London to Washington start at £470 per person.
European Festive Marvels
Paris's Galeries Lafayette features an artificial tree that Dee Momi describes as 'pure festive theatre'. Located beneath the shopping centre's magnificent glass dome, this innovative tree changes its appearance annually. This year's design comes from illustrator Jeanne Detallante and will be displayed from November 12 to December 31.
Return flights from London to Paris can be secured from £102, with the journey taking approximately seventy minutes. Nearby hotels start at £490 for a week-long December stay.
London's Treasured Tradition
Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree marks its 78th appearance this year, continuing a tradition that began in 1947 when the City of Oslo first gifted a tree to London. This annual present symbolises Norway's gratitude for British support during the Second World War.
The tree, traditionally decorated with sparkling lights, will be illuminated on December 4 and remain on display until January 5, 2026, after which it will be responsibly recycled. Hotels near Trafalgar Square start from £607 for a seven-night stay.
Italy's Spectacular Light Installation
The Gubbio Christmas tree, which Dee Momi considers 'one of the most impressive', represents a completely different approach to festive decoration. Known as the world's largest Christmas tree made from lights, this magnificent creation has illuminated Ingino Mount since 1981.
The light installation, arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, is activated on December 7 and sparkles every evening from 5pm until January 11, 2026. Dee enthuses, 'It's a massive light installation stretching across Mount Ingino, so large it's visible for miles. It's a spectacular sight and completely unique in scale.'
Return flights from London to San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, located 18 miles from Gubbio, start at just £43. Hotels near the city centre begin at approximately £580 for a seven-night December stay.
Additional European Highlights
Vilnius Christmas tree stands proudly in the Lithuanian capital's Old Town, serving as the centrepiece of the Christmas market from November 29 to January 6, 2026. The market itself operates from November 29 to December 28, offering festive souvenirs and treats. Flights from London start at £114, with hotels available from £297 for a week-long stay.
Lisbon's artificial tree in Praça do Comércio reaches an impressive 98 feet tall and has been a festive fixture since 2004. The tree lighting on November 22 coincides with approximately 182 kilometres of enchanting light displays across the city. Dee Momi particularly praises this tree, noting, 'The setting by the Tagus River gives it a sense of space and calm that's hard to find in the larger capitals.'
Return flights from London cost around £75, with area hotels starting from £200 for a seven-night stay for two people.
Krakow's Christmas Market Centrepiece
Krakow's Christmas Market, typically running from late November through December, features a beautiful tree at its heart where visitors gather for festive celebrations. Return flights from London start at approximately £82, while hotels for the December 13-20 period begin at £242.
All prices referenced were correct as of November 3 for two adults travelling between December 13 and 20, 2025.
