Watch outrageous Christmas light displays illuminate towns around the world
From the Pope turning on a 750m tree in Italy to the Californian town that has coordinated its lighting to music - people really do go all out for Christmas
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There’s only 15 days to go until the big day and from Italy to America to London’s Trafalgar Square, Christmas lights have been switched on around the world.
In Italy, Pope Francis proved just how modern he is, when he used a tablet to light Gubbio’s Christmas lights on the Italian town’s 750 metre tree – reportedly the largest in the world.
In a video released yesterday, the Pope wished viewers a “Very holy and Happy Christmas”, and added: “A Christmas without light isn’t Christmas. We need light in our soul, in our hearts. We need to forgive others and ensure that there are no enemies because this brings shadows.”
Meanwhile, Californian resident of Yucaipa also celebrated the run-up to the holiday season by coordinating an entire street’s lighting.
An aerial video uploaded by local Jeff Maxey filmed his street as each house’s decorations moved in synch with a Mariah Carey song. It’s apparently the fourth year residents have banded together to create a special display.
On the other side of America, crowds gathered in New York City turned out to see the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Lights, consisting of 45,000 individual bulbs, get switched on.
In Florida one home’s lights have been labelled the “ultimate Christmas display”, carefully coordinated to sparkle.
Perhaps for a different age-group, a family – presumably with young children – themed their Christmas lights to the popular Disney film Frozen’s most famous song: ‘Let It Go’.
No doubt their neighbours are delighted to hear that blare out every evening.
And finally, but by no means least, crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square earlier this week to see the giant Christmas tree in the centre of London get its lights turned on.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments