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Washington DC Joins Boston, New York City, Dortmund, Paris, Copenhagen, Kraków and Many Other Cities Around the World Kicking Off Christmas Festive Season with the Lighting of its Iconic X Mas Trees

Published on November 30, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Washington D.C. is joining a prestigious list of cities like Boston, New York City, Dortmund, Paris, Copenhagen, Kraków, and many others around the world, all kicking off the Christmas festive season with the grand lighting of their iconic Christmas trees.

This momentous event marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing together thousands of visitors and locals in a spectacular celebration of holiday cheer. As the iconic Christmas trees light up the streets, these cities are transforming into winter wonderlands, attracting tourists from all corners of the globe.

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Just like Washington D.C., Boston, New York City, and Dortmund, are all preparing for their Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, signaling the start of something truly magical. Don’t miss out on this grand festive spectacle as cities worldwide, from Paris to Copenhagen, prepare to dazzle us with their Christmas tree displays and magical celebrations. Read on to discover more about these breathtaking celebrations!

Christmas trees have become the epitome of holiday magic, standing tall and bright in cities around the globe. But in 2025, the world’s most iconic cities will be putting on a spectacular show like never before. From the United States to Germany, Australia, and beyond, you won’t believe the jaw-dropping displays that await. If you’re looking to experience the ultimate Christmas adventure, look no further. Here’s your ultimate guide to 50 global Christmas trees that will make your holiday season unforgettable.

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IndentCityCountryKey Christmas Tree Details and Highlights
1Washington, D.C.United StatesU.S. Capitol Christmas Tree (53ft tall, from Nevada), lighting ceremony on December 2, 2025.
2New York CityUnited StatesRockefeller Center Christmas Tree (75ft Norway Spruce, 50,000 LED lights, topped with a 900-lb Swarovski crystal star).
3BerlinGermanyGiant Christmas tree lighting in Brandenburg Gate area, massive holiday market.
4LondonUnited KingdomChristmas trees and lights in iconic areas like Regent Street, Covent Garden, and West End.
5ParisFranceFestive lights and tree displays around the Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Square, Eiffel Tower lights.
6CopenhagenDenmarkTivoli Gardens’ giant tree, city-wide light displays, and Christmas markets.
7ViennaAustriaRathausplatz Christmas Tree, multiple holiday markets and light installations around the city.
8StrasbourgFranceOne of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, iconic holiday tree in Place Kléber.
9MunichGermanyChristmas market at Marienplatz with a traditional Christmas tree in front of the town hall.
10AmsterdamNetherlandsFestive displays along city canals, iconic tree lighting at Dam Square, and a magical holiday market atmosphere.
11PragueCzech RepublicOld Town Square Christmas tree and holiday lights, one of the most famous Christmas market cities in Europe.
12MilanItalyIconic Christmas tree at the Duomo Square, city-wide holiday lights and decorations.
13NurembergGermanyFamous for its Christmas markets, Nuremberg’s main Christmas tree is a highlight in the market square.
14CologneGermanyCathedral Square Christmas Tree and renowned holiday market attracting millions annually.
15ZagrebCroatiaRenowned for its Christmas markets and central tree lighting in Ban Jelačić Square.
16KrakówPolandFamous market square tree and medieval town atmosphere with Christmas decorations.
17EdinburghUnited KingdomIconic Christmas Tree in Princes Street Gardens, accompanied by holiday lights and festive markets.
18BaselSwitzerlandChristmas tree displays around the city’s main squares, famous for its Christmas market.
19GubbioItalyMount Ingino Christmas Tree, the largest in the world, lighting up the hillside.
20São PauloBrazilMultiple Christmas tree installations throughout the city, with extravagant lighting displays.
21Portland, OregonUnited States42-foot Christmas tree at Krutch Park, lighting ceremony as part of Regal Celebration of Lights.
22ViennaAustriaSchönbrunn Palace market with a large Christmas tree and lights around the palace grounds.
23StrasbourgFranceLarge Christmas tree in Place Kléber, alongside one of the most famous Christmas markets.
24São PauloBrazilAvenida Paulista Christmas lights, famous for large-scale Christmas tree displays at key landmarks.
25MelbourneAustraliaCity-wide Christmas decorations and trees in Federation Square, with special events at major malls.
26Hervey BayAustraliaMain Christmas tree installation at the city centre, complemented by beach-front Christmas celebrations.
27MaryboroughAustraliaChristmas tree installations at Emmett Place and across town for the holiday season.
28SoloIndonesia17 beautifully decorated Christmas trees around the city, with giant lanterns and parades.
29Knoxville, TennesseeUnited StatesRegal Celebration of Lights at Krutch Park, featuring a 42-foot Christmas tree and festive activities.
30MilanItalyPiazza del Duomo features a stunning Christmas tree and city-wide festive lighting.
31FlorenceItalyChristmas tree at Piazza del Duomo with festive activities and markets around the city.
32MadridSpainGran Vía Christmas lights and trees, with multiple installations in the city’s historic centers.
33ChicagoUnited StatesChristmas tree at Millennium Park, with ice skating and holiday events.
34SydneyAustraliaChristmas lights and tree at Martin Place, city-wide festive events and decorations.
35TorontoCanadaChristmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square, part of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
36MoscowRussiaLarge-scale Christmas tree installations around Red Square, along with spectacular festive lights.
37CopenhagenDenmarkChristmas trees and lights at Tivoli Gardens, City Hall Square, and festive winter markets.
38BrisbaneAustraliaAnnual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at King George Square, with festive decorations and holiday events.
39HamburgGermanyChristmas market at historic town hall with grand Christmas tree and city lights.
40Los AngelesUnited StatesChristmas tree lighting at The Grove, with a festive atmosphere and celebrity events.
41ReykjavikIcelandReykjavik’s city-wide Christmas tree lighting and holiday festivities in the dark winter months.
42TallinnEstoniaCity Hall Square Christmas tree and Old Town Christmas market, complete with festive performances.
43MunichGermanyMarienplatz Christmas tree is a centerpiece, with snow-covered markets and holiday magic.
44ZurichSwitzerlandChristmas market at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, large festive tree and holiday lights.
45OsloNorwayOslo’s Christmas tree at the city center, light displays at Karl Johans Gate.
46DubaiUAEChristmas tree displays in luxury malls like The Dubai Mall, with extravagant holiday decorations.
47StockholmSwedenChristmas lights and tree installations at Kungsträdgården, complemented by holiday markets.
48BudapestHungaryCity’s famous Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square, featuring a massive tree and holiday performances.
49Cape TownSouth AfricaChristmas tree at the V&A Waterfront, festive lights and decorations across the city.
50Hong KongChinaChristmas tree at Times Square, with extravagant lights and shopping mall decorations.
Washington dc joins boston, new york city, dortmund, paris, copenhagen, kraków and many other cities around the world kicking off christmas festive season with the lighting of its iconic x mas trees

Unveiling the World’s Largest Christmas Tree – Washington D.C., USA

In Washington D.C., the Capitol Christmas Tree has been an iconic symbol for over 50 years. But for 2025, it promises to be more spectacular than ever. Towering at 53 feet tall, this year’s tree is coming straight from the Humboldt‑Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada, and it’s ready to steal the spotlight in the heart of the nation’s capital. On December 2nd, 2025, the lighting ceremony will captivate thousands of spectators, drawing attention from locals and tourists alike. There’s nothing more patriotic than celebrating Christmas in D.C., surrounded by a tree that’s an absolute masterpiece.

New York City – The Grand Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony You Can’t Miss!

Nothing says Christmas like New York City. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a holiday staple, and for 2025, it will be bigger and brighter than ever. This 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, will be decorated with 50,000 LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. Mark your calendars for the December 3rd lighting ceremony—this one promises to be the most magical New York City has ever seen. Tourists and locals flock to this famous site year after year, making it the number one spot for anyone craving Christmas spirit.

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Germany’s Dortmund: The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree – An Unbelievable Spectacle

Germany has long been synonymous with Christmas markets, and Dortmund is setting the bar even higher in 2025. Known for having the world’s tallest Christmas tree, Dortmund’s creation is made from a staggering 1,200 individual spruce trees. This massive tree stands as a beacon of holiday cheer in the heart of the city, and its lighting ceremony in November is a celebration like no other. The magic continues with Dortmund’s famous Christmas market, attracting millions of visitors every year. You won’t find a more awe-inspiring Christmas tree anywhere else in the world.

Paris: The City of Lights Gets Even More Magical This Christmas

Paris, the city of romance, takes its Christmas decorations to a whole new level every year. In 2025, the Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Square will shine brighter than ever with extravagant holiday lights and decorations. But it’s the Christmas tree installations across the city that will make you gasp in awe. Paris knows how to capture the magic of Christmas, and this year, it will truly outdo itself. Get ready to be swept off your feet by the dazzling sights of the Eiffel Tower’s light display, and the Christmas trees scattered around Le Marais and Trocadéro.

Boston’s Grand Holiday Display – A Gift for Your Senses

Boston is a city that embraces Christmas with both arms wide open. The Christmas tree at Boston Common, a massive 50-foot evergreen, will light up the city starting on December 4th, 2025, with a magical ceremony. The tree lighting ceremony will be accompanied by holiday carolers, a light show, and festive activities all around. The Copley Square tree lighting earlier in the season will also help kick off the celebrations. Boston’s Christmas spirit is infectious, and it’s hard to find a better place to be during the holiday season.

Copenhagen – A Winter Wonderland You Need to Experience

Copenhagen, Denmark, is the perfect place to soak up the Christmas spirit. For 2025, this Scandinavian city will transform into a true winter wonderland, with festive markets and breathtaking Christmas tree displays all around. The city is known for its Tivoli Gardens, where a giant Christmas tree stands tall and proud every year. The twinkling lights around the city centre will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, while the Christmas markets offer delicious treats and gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Solo, Indonesia: A Tropical Christmas Tree Experience Like No Other

Who said Christmas trees are only for cold climates? Solo, Indonesia, is embracing the holiday spirit with 17 beautifully decorated trees scattered throughout the city. For 2025, Solo’s Christmas display will be more extravagant than ever, with giant lanterns and parades lighting up the streets. The festive atmosphere in this city is infectious, drawing both locals and international visitors to experience the magic of a tropical Christmas.

Hervey Bay & Maryborough, Australia – A Christmas Tree Celebration Under the Sun

Christmas in Australia is unlike anywhere else, and Hervey Bay and Maryborough will showcase their unique holiday spirit with stunning tree displays in 2025. The city centre trees, paired with Christmas lights and festive markets, will make your holiday unforgettable. What makes this Australian Christmas special? It’s the chance to experience the joy of Christmas under the sun, with the beach and ocean as your backdrop. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable Aussie Christmas!

Kraków – A Medieval Christmas Experience You Won’t Forget

Step into a medieval wonderland in Kraków, Poland, where the Christmas tree is just the beginning. This city’s market square will be adorned with magical lights, and the main tree will surely leave you speechless. Kraków has long been a destination for those seeking to experience a traditional Christmas atmosphere. In 2025, the city will enchant you with its old-world charm, holiday spirit, and breathtaking decorations.

Knoxville, Tennessee – A Hidden Christmas Gem

While many people think of big cities for holiday travel, Knoxville, Tennessee, is quietly becoming a must-see destination for Christmas lovers. The Regal Celebration of Lights will kick off with the lighting of the 42-foot Christmas tree in Krutch Park. If you’re looking for a small-town feel with big holiday spirit, Knoxville’s Christmas tree display is an experience you won’t want to miss.

London’s West End – A Christmas Tree That Will Take Your Breath Away

London is a classic Christmas destination, and the West End transforms into a holiday wonderland every year. For 2025, the city will once again light up with Christmas trees at iconic locations such as Regent Street and Covent Garden. Whether you’re taking in the holiday window displays or enjoying a hot chocolate while admiring the giant trees, London’s Christmas vibe is truly special. Don’t miss the chance to experience this world-famous celebration.

Why These Christmas Trees Are Unmissable in 2025

From Washington D.C. to Copenhagen, New York City to Dortmund, these cities will be lighting up the holiday season with spectacular Christmas tree displays. As 2025 approaches, these destinations will put on their best show yet, making them a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re chasing giant trees, festive markets, or light displays, these cities promise to offer unforgettable holiday experiences. Pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate Christmas adventure of a lifetime.

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