What’s more enjoyable than being surrounded by dazzling Christmas lights during the winter months?

Although many Christmas markets and events are not happening this year due to the second COVID-19 lockdown throughout Europe, don’t worry, not every city has gone all Bah Humbug this year – spectacular illuminations will still be lighting up the cities to brighten up the mood and keep us in that magnificent Christmas spirit. Due to there being a lot less crowds travelling around to see the lights, take advantage of this and be sure to capture the iconic light trails that fill your city!

London - Regent & Oxford Street

Each year, London’s famous shopping hub, Regent Street & Oxford Street, puts up the largest light installations in the capital. Definitely one of the most iconic Christmas illuminations in Europe, The Spirit of Christmas was inspired by Regent Street’s Christmas lights in 1954, and is returning again this year for another fantastic festive season. Although the streets may not be soaring with vast crowds and tourists like usual, you’ll still be able to marvel at the twinkling flying angels that look over the capital and take advantage of the smaller crowds to capture the perfect photo!

Please note: Face masks and social distancing are required in all public places to ensure safety.

Prague - Old Town Square

Renowned for its wooden stalls, handmade Christmas gifts, tasty traditional Czech biscuits and more, the Christmas markets in Old Town Square nestled within the centre of Prague is one of the best places to visit during the festive season. Not to mention, the city places great emphasis on ecology and strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible – making all refreshment and sales materials 100% Bio/compostable.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this beautiful Christmas destination event has been cancelled this year (subject to change in December). Not to worry, they will still be putting up the 22-metre high, beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the Old Town square, as well as a fantastic array of light installations for the locals and those who manage to travel to Prague to marvel at throughout this festive season.

Please note: Face masks and social distancing are required in all public places to ensure safety.

Vienna - City Hall Square

From November until Christmas, Vienna’s enchanting City Hall Square transforms into a magical festive atmosphere. With one of Europe’s well-known Christmas markets, Vienna Magic of Advent, filling the square with seasonal gifts, warming drinks, tasty delicacies as well as fun and crafty Christmas workshops suitable for all, this year Vienna will still be getting into the Christmas celebration by decorating the square in front of the Schönbrunn Palace.

If there’s one thing we love about Vienna’s Christmas lights, it's the glitzy crystals and giant chandeliers bringing an imperial ballroom atmosphere to the busy walkways throughout the center. The trees surrounding the City Hall park will be festively decorated, so be sure to indulge in the sea of twinkling lights. Not to mention, you can still marvel at their fantastic Christmas tree.

Romantic and completely magnificent, there’s no better place to marvel at spectacular Christmas lights than in Vienna.

Please note: Face masks and social distancing are required in all public places to ensure safety.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire - UK

Possibly one of the most incredible places to celebrate the Christmas spirit, Blenheim Palace will still be going ahead this year with their iconic light displays for all to enjoy. Nestled within the United Kingdom’s charming Oxfordshire, the renowned Illuminated Light Trail will be more spectacular than ever this 2020, with their new and completely magical installations including Blue Neuron and Heart of Stars.

From scattered shards of light trails across the lawns, to a scented fire garden adorning the Water Terrace, wrap up warm and be sure to wander through the awe-inspiring light displays in Blenheim Palace with members of your household to indulge in the true Christmas spirit. Colour-changing neon tunnels, lakeside reflections and soft fairy-light glows sprawl around the surrounding trees, known as the Will-o-the-Wisps. Although 2020 has been a pretty difficult year for all of us, be prepared to have your spirits lifted with these bright lights for winter nights!

For more information and tickets, please click here.

Please note: Face masks are compulsory indoors and where 2m social distancing is not possible, QR codes will be displayed at multiple locations throughout the trail for the NHS Test & Trace system, all tickets are completely contactless and all food and drink will be available for takeaway only.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Thanks to the magical amusement park and the magnificent Tivoli gardens rumoured to be the inspiration for Disneyland, Copenhagen truly comes to life during the most wonderful time of the year (Christmas, of course). This annual extravaganza has everything from over 500,000 fairy lights gracing the surrounding gardens and fairground rides, to restaurants and a traditional Pixie Band to keep the Christmas spirits high. If you already live in Copenhagen or are lucky enough to travel to this magical city this winter, be sure not to miss this incredible celebration held in the iconic Tivoli Gardens. It truly is a winter experience like no other!

This Christmas event is scheduled to take place until January 3rd 2021, and has a number of new safety measures in place to ensure public safety.

Please note: Face masks and social distancing are required in all public places to ensure safety. Face masks are also mandatory on some rides as well in all restaurants and cafes.

Basel, Switzerland

If there’s one place that knows how to celebrate Christmas, it’s Switzerland. Most Swiss towns turn into a complete winter wonderland throughout the festive season, so the iconic Basel Christmas Market will still be going ahead this year!

From a fantastic array of wooden huts filled with Christmas gifts, traditional spices, locally-made decorations and candles, and tasty delicacies, the magnificent twinkling lights that fill the Munsterplatz & Barfüsserplatz will keep your Christmas spirits high. Wander through over 80 rustic wooden chalets, capture a photo under the spectacular Christmas tree decorated with ornaments by the renowned decorate Johann Wanner, and marvel at the magical lights highlighting the Big Wheel.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be fewer stalls this year. However, those still looking to seek inspiration for Christmas gifts will be able to browse through local traders and artisans’ goods, indulging in the true Christmas spirit. Here in Basel, there’s something for every generation to enjoy!

Please note: Face masks and social distancing are required in all public places to ensure safety.