December, for most of us, will conjure up delightful images of Christmas in all its glitzy, tinsel-y glory.
And at the heart of this is usually a well-decorated Christmas tree or, at least, as those with young kids will attest, one that has been decorated haphazardly with equal shares of love and enthusiasm.
From the smallest of trees to the tallest of trees, there are any number of spectacular Christmas tree creations from around the world that you’d love to replicate in your own living room. So, in the spirit of the festive season, let’s take a Christmas tree tour around the world and discover what makes them so spectacular.
New York City, USA
Starting in New York, of course, where we have the iconic tree in Rockefeller Center which is arguably the most famous Christmas tree in the entire world. First established in 1931, the tree, traditionally, is a Norway spruce and like all things American it’s big – some 20-30 metres tall and festooned with over 50,000 sparkling LED lights of all colours. Such is the popularity of its tree-lighting ceremony it has been broadcast live on TV since 1997.
Krakow, Poland
Over to Europe and the tree in Krakow, Poland, looks straight off the front of a Christmas card. Set up alongside the large Wawel cathedral, its beautiful architecture and that of the city provide a charming backdrop for the tree and the festive markets set up around it every year that are one of the largest in Europe.
Dortmund, Germany
Over in nearby Germany, we have the world’s tallest Christmas tree situated in the city of Dortmund. Standing at around 46 metres tall, the tree weighs around 46 tonnes and boasts some 48,000 Christmas lights. Taking four weeks to erect, the tree stands tall over the 300 traditional stalls set up at the Christmas markets every year.
Strasbourg, France
Our trip through Europe continues in France where the 30-metre high 9-tonne Strasbourg tree rears up above the Place Kleber. Every year, the Christmas market in Strasbourg is an eagerly anticipated event, cherished by locals and tourists from around the world alike. Among the numerous attractions that this market offers, the Grand Christmas Tree standing tall in Kléber Square holds a particularly special place in the hearts of the people of Strasbourg.
Madrid, Spain
The tree in the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain, is celebrated every year with a magnificent light display centred around the artificial but equally impressive metal tree in the square of the Spanish capital. Spaniards gather and celebrate Christmas in Madrid with magical Christmas lights, Christmas markets, nativity plays and Christmas treats. And then there’s the Christmas shopping and the Christmas lottery.
London, United Kingdom
We could spend the rest of our time in Europe such is the wealth of Christmas trees on offer in nearly every major city from Milan and the Vatican to Riga and Vilnius, to name a few examples, but let’s end our European tour in London. The famous Christmas tree tradition in Trafalgar Square started back in 1947 when Norway sent a tree as an expression of gratitude for the support they received from the UK during World War II. This year’s tree was gently mocked on its arrival from Norway recently as the 30-metre tree was looking less than glamorous in its placement in the square. However, the tree’s own X (formerly Twitter) account assured everyone it would soon fluff up and shine in no time at all, putting its appearance down to the stress of travel. It seems even trees are on social media these days!
Sydney, Australia
Back on home shores, let’s not forget our very own Christmas tree in Sydney’s QVB building that looks delightful year after year. In 2023, the QVB Christmas tree shone a spotlight on the Australian native Wollemi Pine, one of the world’s oldest and rarest plants dating back to the dinosaur period! With less than 100 adult trees known to exist in the world, the Wollemi species are grown in the Wollemi National Park, north-west of Sydney.
Why not use some of these iconic trees from around the world as inspiration for your own tree this Christmas!
