Neighbourhoods and cities across the world vie for the best illuminations. We are the winners in this contest, as we get to see some really stunning lighting and 3D projections throughout December!
From ancient times, since we looked to the brightness of the sun, moon, and stars or discovered fire, it was light that not only dispelled darkness but also gave a sense of comfort and joy. Over centuries, lighting has acquired an auspicious and celebratory sheen too. From diyas at Diwali to traditional Chinese festive lanterns to the floating rice-paper lanterns of the Yee Peng festival in northern Thailand, lights light up the spirit and uplift the soul. Christmas has long been a festival of lights too.
In many parts of the world, Christmas illuminations are already up. Streets are transformed, buildings are dressed to impress, and entire cities are in celebration mode. Here are some where you are guaranteed to be dazzled by the innovation and brilliance…
Lighting it up in London
5,000 dangling stars have been raining at Oxford Street since November 2 (London’s first district to switch on its Christmas charm). Carnaby Street’s ‘Expect the Unexpected’ theme has been showcasing the best from 14 of the last 25 years of themes. A multitude of lights and a 60-feet tall Christmas tree are rocking the area around Covent Garden. At Bond Street, where all the top jewellers ply their trade, the peacock lights from the last seven years have been replaced by ones that resemble tiaras and necklaces as well as the crown jewels. Perhaps a ‘hat-tip’ to King Charles III’s coronation?
New York’s Christmas spirit
The beautifully lit 82-feet tall Norway spruce with a 3D Swarovski star that weighs more than 400 kgs adorns the plaza outside New York City’s Rockefeller Center. Iconic stores such as Macy’s, Cartier, and Saks Fifth Avenue and venues such as Radio City Music Hall have their own extravagant Christmas lights and events. But get out of Manhattan to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see some absolutely bewitching illuminations by wealthy homeowners. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, with literally a million lights is well worth a visit. The Winter Lantern festival, Bronx Zoo, and Chelsea Market are a few other spots to spot some bright Christmas lights in NYC.
Stockholm in your stocking?
Over 40 streets and squares in Stockholm City are decorated with one million LED lights. The designs evoke Swedish Christmas traditions in a modern style through moose, cones, deer, spruces, reindeer, angels, and a giant mistletoe. There’s even a Walk of Lights light map that you can download onto your phone here and follow throughout the city!
Singapore pulls out all the stops
The carnival-themed illuminations on Orchard Road in Singapore are dubbed ‘Christmas on a Great Street’ and boast everything from faux snowfall to a Christmas Village. At Ion Orchard, the gigantic Dior star atop the tree is the star, whereas elsewhere you can spot Ralph Lauren bears. The same lights will turn pink and remain on until past Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
At Gardens By The Bay, the Spalliera, a massive 21-metres tall crown made up of 103,000 light bulbs has been handcrafted by Italian artisans at St Nick’s Square. The stuning Supertrees, already a lavishly lit attraction on regular days, gets a Christmas bonus and a Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. The light spell continues with rides on magical carriages and walks through fields of candy canes and past whimsical windmills.
Christmas magic in Melbourne
Even in the Southern hemisphere, where it’s technically summer now, the jollification of everything is complete at this time of the year. I remember being wowed by the stunning projections on the seemingly gift-wrapped Melbourne’s Town Hall and Flinders Street and the humongous Christmas tree at Fed Square when I visited a few years ago. Peeking into the festive Myers shop windows on Bourke Street is a tradition I enjoyed too. This year, they’re Disney themed!
Plus, around town, you can catch the graceful golden reindeer towering above viewers at Victoria Harbour, singing reindeer and a Christmas Koala at the Town Hall, cascading stars at Bourke Street mall, and even a full-fledged illuminated Santa sleigh floating through the city centre down the Yarra River led by Christmas light dolphins!
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