Christmas memories can be made up of several things: chilly weather, fabulous Christmas parties, carols playing on the radio, nicely wrapped presents, and Christmas lights. Christmas light decorations have become such a large part of the holiday tradition that the yuletide season seems to be incomplete without them. In some places, however, the lights have gone beyond being a mere thing of tradition – great Christmas light displays have also been known to amaze and inspire. In some places, the best Christmas light shows are nothing but spectacular, breathtaking, and well worth a visit.

1. Disney World, Florida, USA

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A favorite destination whatever time of the year, Disney World has established itself as a prime vacation getaway with its numerous must-see sights, shops, and recreation spots. Dubbed as “the happiest place on earth,” Disney World may just be in the running for the brightest place in the planet come Christmas time. During the holiday season, the myriad lights that illuminate the site add to Disney World’s magical appeal. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is also a must-see Christmas tradition with its animated display of brilliant lights dancing to well-loved holiday tunes.

2. Forum des Halles, Paris, France

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Orchard Road is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment hubs in the small island state of Singapore. Culling its name from the pepper, nutmeg and fruit orchards that once populated the area, it has transformed into an upscale commercial space, comparable to the most stylish retail centers in the region. It has been recently ranked as one of the most beautiful avenues in the world. Around Christmas, Orchard Road transforms into a glitzy space alive with stunning lights and night-long holiday revelries.

5. Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

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The beautiful city of Medellín, the capital of the Department of Antioquia in Colombia, is quickly becoming one of South America’s most prominent cities. During Christmas the metropolis hosts the Los Alumbrados de Medellín (Medellín City lights), where 18 million LED lights animate the whole city, turning it into a magnificent jewel of a place. The most impressive spot in the metropolis centers around the Rio Medellín (Medellín River) and at the Puente de Guayaquil (Guayaquil Bridge). For a truly magnificent view, climb to the top of Cerro Nutibara.

6. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

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The city of London is nothing but enchanting during the Christmas season, boasting one of the best Christmas light displays in the world. Oxford Street in particular, a major London thoroughfare and one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe, becomes a breathtaking sight filled with twinkling lights. Traditionally the lights are switched on by a lineup of popular guests, illuminating the high end London street. The Christmas light tradition dates back to 1959, and to this day remains a sight to behold.

8. Rathausplatz Square, Vienna, Austria

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Charming in every way, beautiful Christmas decorations transform Vienna into a dramatic, opulent city. Shops are decorated with silk ribbons and tree branches while the road leading to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is adorned with glistening chandeliers. Quaint markets abound in the city, set up in narrow streets that make the experience of walking around the shops a bit more intimate. Lastly, a visit to the Weiner Christkindlmarkt at the Rathausplatz Square and its surrounding Gothic-style buildings will be a delight to both sight and smell as shops selling roasted chestnuts, waffles, ham, and other culinary delights abound.

9. Newport Beach, CA, USA

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Newport Beach’s Christmas Boat parade features spectacularly decorated yachts, canoes, and kayaks while Christmas music is played all around the area, inviting a warm Christmas feel. The dazzling appeal of this boat parade has attracted almost a million viewers per year, as the views along the waterfront in Bilboa and Newport are truly spectacular. The Ring of Lights concert has also been a main attraction, wherein bayside homes are artfully decorated with animated lights, adding to the boat parade’s magical holiday celebration.

10. Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, Japan

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