Christmas Lights Around The World

Christmas is almost here which can only mean one thing – our streets are soon to be brightened as homes are decked out with flashing Santas, shimmering stars and a whole host of other multi-coloured festive lights! Whether you join in the fun or not, this tradition is one that can’t be avoided here in the UK. Did you know that it is also loved by our friends across the world? To prepare for the up-coming season of illuminations, we’ve pulled together some examples and facts about the most unusual and interesting Christmas lights from around the globe to spark off some glowing inspiration…

Greece- Traditionally, Greek homes will feature a ship rather than a tree as their festive focal point. In port cities, such as Thessaloniki, it is still common to see decorative lights fashioned into the shapes of ships dotted about.

Italy- Near the top of Monte Ingino in Verona, a Christmas tree standing at over 650 metres tall is decorated with more than 700 lights, which are turned on every year on 7 th December- the star at the top can be seen from nearly 50 kilometres away.

Japan- The Kobe Luminerie is arguably one of Japan’s oldest festive illuminations, originating in 1995 after the Great Hanshin Earthquake. The exhibit gets over three million visitors a year.

USA- New York City was home to the first electrically illuminated Christmas tree, displayed on December 22 nd in 1882 by friend of Thomas Edison and vice president of the Edison Electric Light Company, Edward Johnson.

Australia Canberra resident David Richards, also known as Christmas Lights Man, currently holds the Guinness World Record for largest display of lights on an artificial tree, totalling up an impressive 518,838 individual lights, including a 1.5 metre star containing no less than 12,000 bulbs.

Canada- In a survey, almost half of all Canadians asked reported that they used LED Christmas lights- up more than 10% since 2007.

Brazil- Rio de Janeiro presented the largest ever floating Christmas tree on the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in 2014. The tree was lit by 3.1 million lights. The lighting ceremony in brazil has become a tradition, and one the most popular public events.

England- Blackpool’s Illuminations are world-famous and the Blackpool Christmas Lights are just as impressive. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, both the Christmas Lights and Illuminations are turned on for maximum impact.