It’s a magical, enchanting, heartwarming time of year – the holiday season. 

There are tons of magical light displays around the world for you to enjoy with friends, family, and strangers now and throughout the year. Looking for magical displays of inspiration? Look no further. 

Here are 10 magical light displays around the world. 

Diwali in India

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, usually celebrated for about five days between the middle of October and the middle of November.

Diwali has been connected to many Hindu gods and goddesses including Sita, Rama, Vishnu, Krishna, and the most commonly associated: Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity.

In preparation for Diwali, participants clean their homes and decorate. Once the celebration starts, the participants dress their best and illuminate both the inside and outside of their homes with diyas (oil lamps or candles), offer puja or worship to the goddess, light fireworks, and partake in family feasts. 

The word Diwali, comes from a Sanskrit term, dīpāvali, meaning “row or series of lights.” The combined term is derived from the Sanskrit words dīpa, “lamp, light, lantern, candle, that which glows, shines, illuminates or knowledge” and āvali, “a row, range, continuous line, series”.

With fireworks and lanterns illuminating homes and workplaces, it’s no wonder this celebration is called the festival of lights!

Lantern Festival in China 

The Lantern Festival or the Spring Lantern Festival is a Chinese festival that celebrates the final day of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.

It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar. During this incredible display of lights all over, children carry paper lanterns and solve riddles on the lanterns. 

In ancient times, the lanterns of participants were fairly simple. It was only the noblemen and the emperor who had large, detailed, ornate lanterns.

One thing is for sure, today, there are thousands of colorful, creative lanterns flown by everyone who celebrates. The most common lanterns we see around the world are red lanterns. 

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark

Jump into the Christmas spirit with thousands of bright, twinkling lights on display at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

Check out these twinkling lights, cute wooden houses decorated with pine branches and snow-covered trees. Try a fun holiday treat or have some hot chocolate. 

Rockefeller Center in New York, USA 

There truly is nothing like Christmas in New York City.

With so many things to see and do, you’ll be wandering and walking for hours. One stop you cannot miss and we mean CANNOT MISS – the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

This year the tree will be lit on December 4th, and on Christmas day, the tree stays lit for 24 hours. The giant Norway Spruce stands super tall above all and lights up the city! 

Psst! Don’t forget to stop in Bryant Park for the Winter Village – it’s a perfect spot to grab holiday gifts. 

Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, Philippines 

The Ayala Triangle Gardens lights show in Makati is a sight for sore eyes.

The tradition began in 2009 in the heart of the bustling Makati business district. For two months, the gardens transform every night with colorful lights, lasers, and festive music – incorporating Filipino elements.

This annual festival displays a light and sound show with a new theme each year and each year is just as dazzling as the last.

Little Candles Day in Colombia

Little Candles Day is celebrated on December 7 on the eve of the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated as a holiday in Colombia.

It is the unofficial start to the Christmas season and a huge display of light, lanterns, and candles. Candles and lanterns are lit and put on display in as many places as possible – every windowsill, table, and counter.

34th Street in Baltimore, Maryland, USA

34th Street in Baltimore City is so memorable to residents and visitors who live there that it’s been given the name “Miracle on 34th Street.”

This completely residential street became so popular because of two people who simply love Christmas lights and decorating for the holidays.

Soon enough, they had a crowd and began decorating to the nines each year. Tons of cars and visitors come to the street to enjoy the “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Canyon Road Farolito Walk in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA 

This annual celebration features lighting a little different than the norm – paper bag lanterns!

Farolitos are paper bags filled with sand and topped with a votive candle. On Christmas Eve, visitors can enjoy a walk down streets and adobe buildings lined with farolitos. We hear this is a popular event, so if you plan on going, get there early! 

Amsterdam Light Festival in The Netherlands 

The Amsterdam Light Festival kicks off the holiday season with lots of… well… light!

This year’s theme is DISRUPT! and the festival will feature artists and their artwork from all over the world. The cool part is you can view these light installations via boat on Amsterdam’s canals or by walking. 

Now that you’ve seen our list, which displays are you ready to visit? Did we miss any? Leave us a comment below!