When the holiday season kicks off, famous landmarks around the world light up to match the festive spirit. Beyond the decorations in our homes, these iconic structures create dazzling holiday experiences for everyone who sees them. Let’s explore how five famous landmarks embrace the season and celebrate with some of the most spectacular holiday light displays.
Eiffel Tower
Twinkling Lights in the City of Love
Location: Paris, France
When people think of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is often the first thing that comes to mind. But when the holiday season arrives, this iconic structure transforms into a glowing beacon of festive cheer. Whether it’s the hourly sparkle or the colorful holiday displays, the Eiffel Tower adds a little extra magic to the city during the most wonderful time of the year.
What Makes the Eiffel Tower Shine?
The Eiffel Tower sparkles year-round, but since 2000, the holidays have given the landmark even more charm. From dusk until 1 a.m., the tower bursts into life for five minutes at the top of every hour, thanks to the 20,000 sparkling bulbs installed across the structure. And when December rolls around, the lights change from their usual white sparkle to festive shades of red, green, and gold, spreading holiday cheer far and wide.
During some seasons, the tower also incorporates light shows and projections, showcasing themes that celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. These displays are synchronized with Parisian festivities and sometimes feature fireworks or other special effects, drawing large crowds to the Seine River banks to watch.
A Winter Wonderland Around the Eiffel Tower
Beyond the lights, the area around the Eiffel Tower transforms into a festive playground. Here are some of the highlights:
- Christmas Markets: Wander through pop-up holiday markets around the Champ de Mars. Here, you can enjoy French favorites like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and sweet crêpes. Stalls are filled with holiday-themed gifts, handmade decorations, and ornaments, making it the perfect place to pick up something festive.
- Ice Skating: One of the most exciting traditions is the temporary ice skating rink installed on the tower’s first level. With panoramic views of the city at 187 feet above ground, it offers a unique holiday experience. Skaters of all ages enjoy gliding across the ice while surrounded by twinkling lights and scenic views of Paris below.
- Romantic Views: There’s no denying that the holidays add to the romance of Paris. Seeing the Eiffel Tower’s glow reflected in the Seine River is a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with family, this picturesque view offers one of the most Instagram-worthy holiday photos you can capture.
Why the Eiffel Tower Holiday Lights Matter
Every year, these holiday displays reflect the festive spirit that fills Paris during December. Locals and tourists alike find joy in the seasonal magic the Eiffel Tower radiates. For visitors, it’s a unique way to experience Paris beyond its museums and restaurants, blending history, architecture, and the holiday spirit.
The lights also align with the Parisian tradition of community and celebration. Many Parisians gather outdoors despite the chilly weather, strolling the streets and enjoying the festive atmosphere together—a reminder of how the holiday season brings people closer.
Empire State Building
New York City’s Holiday Beacon
Location: New York City, USA
No city does Christmas quite like New York, and the Empire State Building stands at the center of it all. With dynamic LED displays and synchronized music shows, this Art Deco skyscraper becomes a symbol of holiday cheer for both locals and tourists.
Lighting Up the Skyline
The Empire State Building’s LED system is a marvel on its own, capable of displaying over 16 million colors. During December, it takes on Christmas hues—most often in green and red—but the lights change to reflect other celebrations like Hanukkah with blue and white themes. The building’s light shows are synchronized with radio stations, so you can tune in to hear songs like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” while the tower dances along with the beat.
These lighting displays not only highlight the building’s cultural relevance in New York but also symbolize the city’s diversity and unity during the holiday season.
Fun Holiday Activities at the Empire State Building
Beyond admiring the lights from afar, visitors can enjoy a number of holiday activities inside the building.
- Observation Decks: Head up to the 86th or 102nd floors for a view of New York City’s holiday decorations. From above, you’ll see Central Park glowing with fairy lights and Fifth Avenue storefronts lit up with elaborate displays.
- Holiday Decor in the Lobby: The building’s lobby gets a holiday makeover each December with Christmas trees, wreaths, and festive garlands. It’s an elegant space that reflects the building’s Art Deco design while adding a seasonal touch.
The Empire State Building’s Role in New York’s Festivities
For many, the Empire State Building’s holiday lights are more than just decorations—they’re a symbol of hope and joy. People from all five boroughs can spot the building from miles away, connecting New Yorkers through a shared festive experience. The holiday season is also a time when tourists from around the world flock to the city, making the Empire State Building one of the most popular attractions during December.
The lights represent the resilience and energy of New York—a city that thrives even during the busiest season of the year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong New Yorker, the Empire State Building’s holiday lights offer a reminder of what makes the city so special during the holidays.
Tokyo Tower
Japan’s Take on Festive Lights
Modified from photo by Kyle Hasegawa used under CC BY 2.0
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower brings a modern twist to holiday festivities. During the winter months, this iconic Japanese structure shines with colorful lights, blending technology and tradition in a way only Tokyo can.
A Festival of Lights
Tokyo Tower’s “Winter Fantasy” illumination event transforms the tower into a glowing masterpiece. Its warm lights create a cozy holiday vibe, while the colors shift throughout the night, often showcasing collaborations with popular anime characters or seasonal themes. With projection mapping, images are projected directly onto the tower, creating dynamic holiday visuals that seem to dance along with the city’s skyline.
Holiday Fun at the Tower
European-style Christmas markets pop up at the tower’s base, with plenty of opportunities to shop for unique gifts and sample international treats like mulled wine and sausages. The nearby parks and walkways are lined with thousands of LED lights, perfect for a romantic stroll or a fun family outing.
A Blend of Tradition and Technology
Tokyo Tower’s holiday displays reflect Japan’s love for both modern technology and traditional celebration. Whether you’re watching the tower’s lights change with the seasons or exploring the illuminated walkways nearby, the experience blends warmth, creativity, and innovation.
Rome Colosseum
Ancient Beauty with a Holiday Glow
Modified from photo by Rogersg used under CC BY-SA 2.0
Location: Rome, Italy
The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, offers a unique and serene holiday experience. While the structure itself stands as a testament to history, its subtle illumination during the festive season adds a touch of modern celebration to this ancient marvel.
Holiday Lighting Details
- Elegant Illuminations: The Colosseum is softly lit at night throughout the year, but during the holidays, the lighting is often enhanced to create a warmer, golden glow that highlights the grandeur of its arches and columns.
- Christmas Tree and Nativity Scenes: Nearby, at Piazza Venezia and other central locations, large Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments are erected. Elaborate nativity scenes (presepi) are displayed throughout the city, some of which are life-sized and artistically crafted.
Festive Activities
- Midnight Mass at the Vatican: While not at the Colosseum itself, Rome’s proximity to Vatican City means visitors can attend Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, a significant event attended by thousands, including the Pope.
- Holiday Markets: Roman squares host festive markets where locals and tourists can buy handmade gifts, enjoy traditional Italian sweets like panettone, and sip on warm beverages.
- Concerts and Performances: The holiday season in Rome features various concerts, from classical music in historic churches to open-air performances near famous landmarks.
Why It’s Special
The illumination of the Colosseum during the holidays creates a captivating blend of past and present. It allows visitors to experience the timeless beauty of Rome’s history while celebrating the joy and unity that the festive season brings.
Taj Mahal
A Diwali Delight in Agra
Modified from photo by Deivis used under CC BY-SA 2.0
Location: Agra, India
Although the Taj Mahal isn’t associated with Christmas, it plays a central role in Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Each year, the city of Agra becomes a sea of glowing lanterns, diyas, and colorful decorations, making it a must-see during the festival season.
Holiday Lighting Details
Diwali’s Glow
The Taj Mahal isn’t illuminated with lights to preserve its pristine marble, but the surrounding area bursts with color during Diwali. Homes, streets, and public spaces are adorned with twinkling lights and oil lamps, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Fireworks light up the sky above the Yamuna River, providing breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal in silhouette.
Celebrating Diwali in Agra
Visitors to Agra during Diwali can enjoy temple rituals, shop at bustling markets, and admire intricate rangoli designs made from colorful powders and flowers. Local sweets and snacks are part of the festivities, giving visitors a true taste of Indian culture.
A Symbol of Light and Love
Experiencing the Taj Mahal during Diwali offers a unique glimpse into the spirit of India. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance—values that resonate with visitors from all over the world.
Why It’s Special
Experiencing the Taj Mahal during Diwali offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s most famous monuments. The festive atmosphere enhances the sense of wonder, highlighting the country’s deep-rooted traditions of light overcoming darkness and knowledge triumphing over ignorance.
Spectacular Holiday Nights Around the World
These iconic buildings, each with their unique history and cultural significance, demonstrate how architecture and festive celebrations intertwine to create magical experiences. The holiday lights that adorn these structures are more than mere decorations; they are expressions of joy, unity, and the human spirit’s resilience.
Let the lights shine bright, illuminating our hearts with joy and reminding us of the shared celebrations that unite us all.