Christmas is here and so are the festivities, and what is more symbolic than the Christmas tree. Embellished in bright baubles, frosted lights and topped with a glowing fairy or star, festive firs have come to represent the magic of Christmas time.
World over cities, states, towns and countries try and better their last years’ Christmas tree and its decorations; and while many shine with thousands of lights, a few stand out and can be seen shimmering from a mile away.
So let’s travel the world and see some of the most iconic Christmas trees; from the largest to the tallest and the best decorated, here are 10 most iconic Christmas trees that have become famous for their grandeur and unique characteristics.
1.The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York, US: The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York is a yearly tradition that dates back to 1932, when it offered an atmosphere of hope during the Great Depression.
2. Trafalgar Square, London, UK: The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, London has been an annual gift from Norway since 1947, donated to thank the UK for its support during WW2. The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree as it is widely called, is prominently displayed in Trafalgar from the beginning of December until 6 January. This year, a 20m-high Norwegian spruce about 70 years old and was chosen as the “queen of the forest” from woodlands around Oslo.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City: A different region in Europe donates a Christmas tree to the Vatican every year. This year, the 28-meter tall spruce comes from the area of Macra, in the Piedmont region of Italy. The tree was inaugurated with a lighting ceremony on December 9.
4. Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France: Galeries Lafayette, in Paris, makes a spectacular show of their yearly Christmas tree. Sitting beneath a dazzling art-nouveau dome, the tree is decorated following a different theme every year.
5. Cathedral Square, Vilnius, Lithuania : Many might not know about the Christmas tree in Vilnius, Lithuania, but for years it has been recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. The tree is actually more of an art installation, interpreting the spirit of each year in its form.
6. Puerta del sol square, Madrid, Spain: Madrid’s majestic tree in Puerta Del Sol square isn’t a natural one, but it’s just as beautiful! Standing at an impressive 35-meters tall, the conic-shaped metal construction is designed with a digitalised interpretation of a traditional pine tree.
7. Riga, Latvia: Riga is said to be the place where the first-ever Christmas tree was decorated. Whether or not that’s true, the legend has earned the Latvian capital a name for being one of the best spots to enjoy Christmas tree lighting.
8. Christmasland Tree, New Taipei City, Taiwan: This is probably the most outrageous Christmas tree display of all. New Taipei City in Taiwan hosts an annual Christmasland event every year with incredible art installations, projections and dazzling lights. Located in Citizen Square is the region’s tallest Christmas tree. Interestingly, Taiwan doesn’t officially celebrate Christmas, as it is not a national holiday.
9. Dortmund, Germany: One of the World’s largest Christmas trees towers over a market of over 300 traditional wooden stands selling toys, decorations and delicacies at Hansaplatz square. At a height of 147ft, this tree illuminates the night sky with over 48,000 lights!
10. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Last but not least, the floating Christmas tree of Rio de Janeiro is the world’s largest of its kind.
