These Festive Cities Around the World Have the Tallest Christmas Trees Every Holiday Season
These cities have the largest Christmas tree displays
If you're a fan of festive cheer and larger-than-life holiday decorations, there's nothing more magical than standing in awe of a towering Christmas tree. Some cities around the world take their Christmas spirit to new heights—literally—with massive Christmas trees that draw tourists from all over. These cities take holiday festivities to a whole new level with their awe-inspiring Christmas trees.
Image: Freepik
Whether you're skating under the lights in New York, taking in a floating tree in Rio, or exploring German Christmas markets, these destinations are guaranteed to add some serious holiday magic to your travels. Here are the cities with the biggest Christmas trees and why you should add them to your holiday travel plans.
1. New York City, USA: Rockefeller Center’s Iconic Christmas Tree
When it comes to Christmas trees, New York City's Rockefeller Center is a global icon. Each year, the massive tree—standing up to 100 feet tall—is adorned with tens of thousands of lights, drawing visitors from all corners of the world. The tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season, and there’s nothing like seeing it lit against the backdrop of Manhattan’s skyline.
Image: New York, New York
Visiting during the holidays means ice skating under the tree, sipping hot cocoa while wandering the decorated streets, and soaking in the festive ambiance of one of the most famous holiday destinations in the world.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Floating Christmas Tree on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
For a truly unique Christmas experience, head to Rio de Janeiro to see the world’s largest floating Christmas tree. This towering spectacle, which can reach over 270 feet, is set on a platform in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and illuminated with millions of lights. The tree is so tall that it holds a Guinness World Record!
Image: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (Freepik)
Along with the tree, Rio de Janeiro offers warm weather and vibrant holiday celebrations with a Brazilian twist. Combine beach days with Christmas lights, and you'll have an unforgettable holiday season in one of the world’s most stunning coastal cities.
3. Dortmund, Germany: The Tallest Christmas Tree in Europe
In the heart of Germany’s famous Christmas markets, Dortmund boasts the tallest Christmas tree in Europe, standing at over 145 feet tall. What makes this tree unique is that it’s not a single tree, but rather a structure built from over 1,700 individual trees. Decorated with lights, ornaments, and a glowing star at the top, the tree is the centerpiece of the city’s festive market.
Image: Dortmund, Germany
Germany is known for its traditional Christmas markets, where you can enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread, and artisanal gifts. Visiting Dortmund’s market during the holidays offers a quintessential European Christmas experience.
