Europe’s Most Unique Christmas Trees of 2023: From Cake Trees to Catapults
Europe’s Most Unique Christmas Trees of 2023: From Cake Trees to Catapults
This year, many countries decided to postpone the unveiling of their main Christmas trees until mid-December. However, this didn’t stop us from compiling our traditional list of the most unusual and breathtakingly beautiful Christmas trees in Europe. After all, the main Christmas tree is an essential symbol of the holidays. Spoiler alert: 2023 has some truly spectacular sights to offer! The diversity in shapes, sizes, lights, and concepts is genuinely impressive! But, as always, there were a few mishaps…
Poland, Warsaw: Simple and Tasteful
It seems that Warsaw was the first city to delight its citizens with Christmas spirit this year. The capital’s Christmas tree began its installation as early as the beginning of November.
However, unlike its predecessors, Poland’s main Christmas tree in 2023 looks noticeably more simple and restrained.
Next to it, a light installation in the form of a balloon seller and a Warsaw hurdy-gurdy was placed, with its illumination starting on the first of December.
Lithuania, Vilnius: A Cake Tree
Vilnius never fails to surprise. This year, last year’s surrealist art object was replaced with an actual cake! The uniquely shaped tree is adorned with 700 candles, a nod to the city’s 700th anniversary in 2023. This is the reason behind the design choice.
The solemn lighting of the Christmas tree took place on Saturday, November 26th, on Cathedral Square.
Italy, Gubbio: The World’s Largest Christmas Tree
The undisputed size champion in 2023, as in any other year, is the tree in the Italian commune of Gubbio.
However, calling it a “tree” is a bit of a misnomer. In reality, it’s more of a display located on Mount Ingino, illuminated by millions of lights.
This structure has been recreated here since 1981 and can be seen from a distance of almost 50 kilometers! Since 1991, this art object has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest Christmas tree.
Netherlands, Amsterdam: Four Kilometers of Energy-Saving Lights
As per tradition, a Christmas tree has been set up on the main square in Amsterdam. It stands 20 meters tall and is decorated with four kilometers of bright lights.
But it’s not just its beauty that’s impressive; its eco-friendliness is too: the garlands are made of energy-saving LED lamps. This decoration truly looks magical!
Germany, Berlin: Lit for Four Hours a Day
The theme of energy saving is also prevalent in Germany. The country’s authorities have announced that this year, the main Christmas tree will be lit for only four hours a day.
The tree is adorned with nearly five thousand LED bulbs, significantly reducing light costs. This is due to the challenging economic situation. But don’t be disheartened – it still looks just as magnificent!
United Kingdom, London: The Catapulted Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree in London has sparked quite a bit of controversy. Since 1947, Norway has been gifting the UK a tree as a token of gratitude for their help during World War II. Judging by the photos, a lush, perfect beauty left Oslo, but it arrived in London in a completely different state.
It was installed on Trafalgar Square in early November, but the locals were, to put it mildly, not thrilled. The tree looked rather sad, and it was quickly dubbed pitiful online. Some users even joked that the tree was delivered by a catapult.
Such jokes and dissatisfaction with the tree are not new. For the past few years, Londoners have expressed their discontent with the Norwegians’ gifts annually.
But once the tree stood upright, the branches returned to their places, and it started to look quite good. And when the lights were turned on, it became truly beautiful.
Belgium, Brussels: A Tree as Part of the Winter Wonders Festival
The main square in Brussels looks enchanting. It’s as if millions of tiny stars are scattered across the tree in the city center, complemented by the rich red lights on the surrounding buildings. Here, the tree is part of the large Winter Wonders light festival, which takes place every year.
The tree reaches 20 meters in height and, unlike the one in London, looks lush and festive. It seems that Belgium is the perfect place to experience a winter fairy tale.
For more information on sustainable Christmas trees, visit Guinness World Records.
