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pine leaves, holly, a bundle of cinnamon, and a pinecone on a wooden table
pine leaves, holly, a bundle of cinnamon, and a pinecone on a wooden table
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HCX Travel: Europe’s Best Christmas Lights

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Montana E. Gerry
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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Exeter chapter.

Twinkling lights are a beautiful reminder that Christmas is nearing. As the days grow colder and darker and we inch closer towards the shortest day of the year, the festive period brings with it a sparkling reminder that there’s something to look forward to! From canopies of shimmering stars to Christmas trees wrapped head to toe in fairy lights, you definitely won’t be kept in the dark this Christmas time!  

Most recently, an Australian family set the world record on Christmas lights after they covered their home with 502,165 of them. No mean feat. That said, we’re hoping they can afford a monstruous electricity bill.

But since Australia’s a little far away, this made us think…Where can you travel for the best Christmas light displays in Europe?

1) Vienna, Austria

If you want to experience a traditional Christmas, Austria is the place to be. Christmas time turns the capital city into a prime romantic hotspot of urban magic. Garlands of shimmering lights and illuminated chandeliers span the sky across the most famous shopping streets, not to mention the twinkling Christmas tree outside the huge City Hall. Not far from the City Hall is Rathaus Park, which turns into a spellbinding parkland of trees and pavilions shimmering with lights and snowflakes.

2) Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens in Denmark’s capital is a must-do, and you’ll agree when you see the four mile expanse of Christmas lights. The world’s second oldest amusement park glimmers with 2 million fairy lights come Christmas time – a sight certainly not to be missed! Float through the skies on the so-old-it’s-practically-vintage 1914 roller coaster under a sparkling sea of lights. With stunning gardens, a lake and a plethora of markets, Tivoli Gardens becomes a veritable fairytale, sharing the Christmas spirit until December 31.

3) Ljubljana, Slovenia

The city is famed for its extravagant Christmas lights and it’s no wonder! We’re talking illuminated bridges, and willow trees shimmering with frost. The theme this year is “universe” and the city’s artist who designed the lighting has dubbed it “The Beginning of Time”. The creation brings with it some new additions this year such as umbrella shaped lamps and fairy-shaped lanterns. 

4) Paris, France

Paris doesn’t have the nickname “City of Lights” for nothing – its sidewalks really do glow at this time of year. 200 trees along the Champs ElysĂ©es are covered in rings of light which change between purple, white, red and orange for a modern twist. But it doesn’t stop there – sparkling stalactites and beads make up the finishing touches! This year well-known model Laetitia Casta was there to officially switch on the Christmas lights on the famous avenue. And for the ultimate experience – head over to Disneyland Paris to see the iconic fairytale castle ablaze with lights.

5) Berlin, Germany

Germany really is the epicentre of all things Christmassy, so it is no surprise that the capital city knows exactly how to do Christmas lights. There are even special guided tours of all the stunning lights throughout the city for the real fans. If you fancy going to Berlin this Christmas, be sure to check out Alexanderplatz Market, Opera Palace, National Opera and the famous Brandenburg Gate and Charlottenburg Palace.

And finally –  ever seen a tram lit up in such extraordinary fashion? Step onto this glowing vehicle in Budapest, Hungary to experience the ultimate Christmas fantasy!

Photo credits: www.tripadvisor.com, www.photos.com, www.allmyfriendstravel.com, www.zimbio.com, www.eurotravelogue.com, www.skyscrapercity.com, www.g…, www.sloveniatimes.com, www.panoramio.com, www.ibtimes.com, www.iowtours.com, www.flickr.com, www.berlin-stadtfuehrung.de

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Montana is a fourth year English Literature and French student and Travel Editor for HCX. She recently spent her year abroad in Paris interning in journalism and marketing for the International Herald Tribune and Twenga respectively. Her year abroad highlights include running the Paris half marathon, attending H&M's A/W 2013 fashion show and watching the women's semi-finals at the French Open. Montana also keeps a blog where she updates her readers on everything from travel and cultural outings to food and French men. When she's not accidentally offending French people with her unsubtle sarcasm, Montana can be found singing along to musical soundtracks, eating too much cheese, quoting Mean Girls, putting on a half-convincing American accent or lusting after anything purple. She's also a keen skiier and occasionally enjoys waterskiing and scuba-diving too. Montana's dream is to travel the world one day so she is thrilled to be Travel Editor for HCX this year and can't wait to start up the new section!
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