Christmas displays from around the world

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Let's start off with London's famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree. Did you know that it's actually a gift from the people of Norway? The tradition began in 1947 as a thank you from the country for Britain's support during World War II. The tree is decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion, with vertical strings of energy-efficient lights.
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The reason that trees such as spruce, pine or fir are traditionally used is because they are evergreen. This means they remain bright green throughout the year - even during the winter - like this one in Prague in the Czech Republic. It's located in the famous Old Town Square in the centre of the capital.
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It's not only outside where spectacular Christmas trees can be found. This giant tree is located inside one of Paris' most famous department stores, Galeries Lafayette. It features 20,000 lights, and every 30 minutes a special sound and light show begins!
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The Vatican's Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square is accompanied by a traditional Nativity Scene and features life-sized hand-carved figures. Behind it is St Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, holds a special service at midnight on Christmas Eve, to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ.
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There's certainly plenty of festive cheer at the White House in Washington DC, where US President Joe Biden lives and works. This year's display include 83 Christmas trees! Nearly 3,000 metres of ribbon, more than 28,000 ornaments and around 165,000 lights were used to decorate the trees, garlands and wreaths in the building.
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It's not just Christmas trees that cities turn to for their festive decorations. Here in Taiwan, they've put up a very colourful and flowery light installation. Christmas is not an official holiday in Taiwan, but many young Taiwanese celebrate it by having Christmas dinner or giving gifts to their friends.
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Countries in the southern hemisphere celebrate Christmas in the summer. As a result, many cities decide to opt for alternative trees so that they won't wilt in the warm weather. This year's tree in Brazil's largest city of São Paulo, has a steel structure which measures 18.5 metres in diameter and weighs a whopping 17 tonnes.
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How about something a little different. Could this be the world's most expensive 'tree' this year? This one, on display in the German city of Munich, consists of more than 2,000 gold coins. Based on the current price of gold, the tree - which stands at almost three meters in height - has a current value of around £4.4 million!
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We couldn't put together a list without including one of the world's most iconic Christmas trees! This one stands outside New York's Rockefeller Center. It's a tradition that began in 1931, when workers there decided to put their money together to buy a Christmas tree. The dazzling display features more than 50,000 multicoloured lights and the star at the top contains 3 MILLION sparkling Swarovski crystals across 70 triangular spikes.
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At first glance, these decorations might not seem extraordinary - but what if I told you that they are located at the British Antarctic Survey's research station on the continent of Antarctica! Despite being more than 10,000 miles away from home, many of the staff get into the festive spirit with decorations, secret Santa and even a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

20 December 2024

With not long now until Christmas Day, many towns and cities across the globe are putting up spectacular decorations ahead of the big day.

There are plenty of amazing Christmas trees on show - everything from huge, sparkly traditional ones to more unusual trees with a modern twist.

And it's not only festive firs that are on display, there are also plenty of lights and colour too.

Let's take a closer look at how places around the world are getting into the Christmas spirit.

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