Sometimes, international travel can help you see your destination in a whole new light.

And sometimes, especially during the holiday season, you can see it in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights — holiday lights all staged to make cityscapes, gardens, and other attractions appear more radiant than ever.

German families traditionally lit candles to shed light on their decorations during the 17^th century. This was just the spark for the elaborate lights we see today, as it wasn’t too long after Thomas Edison invented the light bulb that holiday lights were wrapped around trees and hung from rooftops. And now the bright idea has spread around the world, giving travelers illuminating attractions to add to their itineraries.

But enough of the history lesson; it’s time for a geography pop quiz. Where are the best spots to stop and stare at impressive holiday lights displays? Let’s take a quick tour to shine a spotlight on all the destinations you should consider.¹

Copenhagen, Denmark

It’s commonplace in America for theme parks to receive a seasonal makeover that includes getting decked out in holiday lights. But Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is not like the amusement parks were accustomed to. For starters, it was constructed in 1843. It’s also flush with flora, inviting visitors into an old-world fantasyland. Tivoli leans into its heritage, creating a nostalgic winter wonderland each year where you can gawk at the light show from the seat of a roller coaster built in 1914.²

If that’s not your pace, hop aboard the train for a twilight ride through the park, making sure to check out Tivoli’s lit-up Moorish Palace, Japanese Pagoda, and Tivoli Lake. Did we mention the fireworks, holiday market, or apple dumplings?³ In a season that loves lists, Tivoli Gardens truly does check all the boxes.

And here’s another box on your holiday travel list that Copenhagen checks: skating. Ice rinks abound in the Danish Capital, but few pack a picturesque backdrop like Frederiksberg Runddel, a pop-up rink located by the entrance to the famous gardens that bear the same name. It’s free and open 24/7.⁴

Medellin, Colombia

It’s known as the City of Eternal Spring, but the Colombian city of Medellin’s most famous season may just be winter. That’s because beginning Dec. 7 each year, Medellin flips the switch on an over-the-top festival of lights known as Alumbrados.

Centered around the Medellin River, Parque Norte amusement park, and Parques del Río, the celebration features more than 27 million LED lights, a multi-media show complete with 3-D figures, and super-sized ornaments.²

If any of your travel mates are seeking that one-of-a-kind experiential gift, then Columbia has plenty of options, from private hikes at La Chorrera and El Chiflon waterfalls to highly immersive coffee farm tours during which you can eat breakfast with local farmers and learn organic methods for preparing your morning cup of joe back home.¹

Hong Kong

Many say it rivals New York City’s streetscapes and skyline come holiday season. We’re talking about Hong Kong, with decked out storefronts and holiday markets that draw visitors from around the world. But that’s just the warm-up act for something much more magical: the Symphony of Lights.

Every night at 8 p.m. local time, holiday lights hung from 40-plus skyscrapers gathered around Victoria Harbor dance and prance in choreographed bliss.²

Also be on the lookout for a massive Swarovski crystal tree. And don’t cut your trip short; the grand finale takes place on the Lunar New Year, where more decorations and fireworks come out to play.¹

Tbilisi, Georgia

You can’t miss it. The towering tree presiding over Tbilisi’s Freedom Square is actually its Liberty Monument adorned with countless holiday lights. They cascade down the faux tree in dramatic fashion, creating an illuminated, multi-layer cloak that leaves spectators in awe.

The monument, which depicts Saint George slaying a dragon, is a truly distinctive holiday setup that stays up through New Year’s. In addition, the surrounding area is lit up as almost if to guide visitors to its central attraction.^{2, 5}

While you’re in the Georgia Capital, also consider antiquing at the Dry Bridge Flea Market, tasting clay-pot-aged wine, and soaking at a bathhouse in the city’s Abanotubani district.

As you plan and plot your next holiday trip, be sure to gift yourself something that can’t fit in a box: peace of mind. A travel insurance plan from Allianz Global Assistance can go a long way toward making that happen. On one hand, you might think, ‘what could go wrong while admiring some holiday lights?’ But on the other, you are in a strange land in the dark in a crowded area. Honestly, travel insurance is there for all those missteps and mishaps that we can’t predict. Take a moment to find the plan that’s the right fit for your itinerary and budget.

Let’s end on this note: the best thing about holiday lights is that there are no language barriers to get in the way of enjoying them. So, as you think through your next holiday adventure, know that some destinations will shine brighter than the rest.

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