Christmas light switch-ons can be big events, with crowds of people turning out to see the dark streets get illuminated with stunning lights and decorations. Some cities pull out all the stops and hire big entertainment to make the night extra exciting and special. If you’d like to attend a Christmas light switch-on in Europe this year, check out three of the best.
London, UK
London takes Christmas (and Christmas shopping) very seriously, and every year thousands of tourists flock to big department stores such as Harrods to soak up the festive atmosphere and get some shopping done. To make the most of the Christmas lights, head to Regent Street on the 8th of November, which is when crowds will gather to see them get turned on.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With its pretty canals, stunning architecture, and beautiful city parks, Amsterdam is a magical place to get into the spirit of Christmas. It’s possible to do a walking tour of the lights around the canals (the lights look particularly gorgeous reflected in the water) or snuggle up in a cozy bar with a view of the lights outside.
Berlin, Germany
Many Christmas traditions hark from Germany, including Christmas trees, stollen, and mulled wine. So it makes sense that Germany’s capital does Christmas lights very well. Whilst you will find plenty of traditional lights in the city, it also specializes in displaying amusing, whimsical, and original lights.
