Spectacular Holiday Light Shows You Can’t Miss

The Chicago Botanical Garden knows that when it comes to partying for the holidays there’s no such thing as too many lights. In 2018, it introduced its show Lightscape. It will be bringing the show back with even more sparkle in 2019 as well. At the event, guests can walk along a mile-long path to view the incredible display set among the trees, walk through glittering tunnels, interact with the dangling lights, and more. Guests can also stay to roast a marshmallow or two when the event opens on November 22.

For nearly 50 years Toronto has been throwing one of the best holiday bashes around with its Cavalcade of Lights. The event features the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree, as well as performances by some of Canada’s top musical talent. The event culminates in a massive fireworks display and a skating party at Nathan Phillips Square. This year’s event takes place on November 30, so start planning your trip to Toronto now.

In 1995, Kobe, Japan experienced an unprecedented natural disaster when the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck. During the earthquake more than 6,000 lives were lost. However, their memories were not forgotten. Each December, Atlas Obscura explained, the community comes together to celebrate their lives and the holiday season with an event known as Luminarie, where thousands of eco-friendly light bulbs are lit up at once. The bulbs, donated by the Italian government following the disaster, are each hand-painted and unique. The event takes places around Motomachi Station on the JR Kobe Line, starting at the Former Foreign Settlement and extending to Higashi Yuenchi Park. The festivities will take place December 6 to December 15.

Vienna is already a well-established holiday destination thanks to its many idyllic Christmas markets. However, it’s stunning light displays should not be overlooked. While the displays tend to be understated and classic in style, they are all still just as delightful as their flashier counterparts. And Vienna’s light show still burns bright too. According to Visit Vienna, the city lights few million LEDs over the season. Though the exact dates of when the lights will be turned on remains a secret, visitors can expect them sometime after Thanksgiving. The lights should also be on between 4 pm and 10 pm at places like Michaelerplatz, where visitors can also stroll a mini Christmas market.

New York City’s 34th Street isn’t the only one around. In the Hampen section of Baltimore, travelers will find the other 34th Street, which comes with just as many magical touches as ya big city counterpart. For more than 69 years, Baltimore’s 34th Street has been hosting its own holiday bash, including its“Christmas Street” light display. During the month of December, the street comes to life with thousands of lights illuminating each and every home and shop. Come check out the display, which includes its famed hubcap Christmas trees, and stop in to buy a gift or two from the businesses along the way.

Medellin knows how to throw a great party, and that includes its holiday celebrations too. Each year, the city decorates its streets with larger-than-life ornaments, including 3D displays along the Medellin river, in popular neighborhoods, and cross local parks in a party known as El Alumbrado. The city’s holiday vibe is far from subdued, so visitors should be prepared for a festive atmosphere. Head down for the month of December and check out its more than 31 million sparkling lights that are turned on each and every night.

Salerno, a port city southeast of Naples, may be small, but its holiday light display may just be big enough to be seen from space. Each year the community comes together during the holidays for its Le Luci d’Artista event showcasing beautiful light installations along the town’s streets and public squares. The annual event attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy Christmas markets, the lighting of the town tree, and even a few carnival rides thrown in for good measure. Though this year’s launch date has yet to be announced you can likely expect the switch to be turned on some time in late November.

New Zealand’s light show is fairly new to the worldwide holiday light scene, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less spectacular. For the last several years, Christchurch has put on a twinkling light show that is now what they call a “full-blown synchronized sound and light extravaganza.” The team begins preparing the show sometime in August and includes nearly a half a million lights controlled by some 256 different channels. The light show sequence filters through every 48 hours, giving you plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the shimmering lights.