How to install dancing christmas lights
How to Make Your Christmas Lights Sync to Music - Smart Garage | Home Automation
Christmas Light Sync to Music? How?
If you are reading this article, you must have googled the keyword, “Christmas light show.” You probably also found many videos of great Christmas light show that synchronize perfectly with various pop songs. If you want your own lights to flash to the tunes of your favorite music, then you must make a plan and get the right types of equipment for your light show set up. You need to spend a lot of time, lighting and tools to complete it to ensure the end result is awesome. Here are the 10 steps to your light show set up:
- Decide your light show scale
- Prepare your light show equipment
- Obtain a control system
- Acquire outside assistance
- Design your display
- Program your show
- Let them hear you
- Get powered up
- Publicize
- Maintain your display
1.
When planning a light show, one of the first steps is to determine how many channels your show requires and what lighting elements will be controlled by each channel. Decide how your lights show scale is important. You can either choose a specific highlight spot of your house or choose to light up your entire house. While you are planning the scale of your light show, you need to understand following set up concepts:
- Know your Channel number requirements.
- A channel is a unit of lights that can be controlled individually. The flash of a string of Christmas light is controlled by one channel.
- All the lights in a channel work as a single unit. Unfortunately, you can’t flash an individual light bulb. However, you can control the flashing speed and frequency to match your music categories.
- For an entire house set up, you may need up to 64 channels. Any bigger than that, you might need a professional to assist you.
- A medium-size house typically needs 32 channels to set up.
- A small scale like your garage, your front door, or your living room tree area, you can consider using our TapTap for simple (still professional) set up.
Once you decided the scale of your light show, now you will need to prepare for the equipment, specifically, the Christmas lights. The best time to purchase your Christmas light would be after Christmas, usually the price fall to 20-30% of the regular price. However, you can always check out online deals on Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, K-Mart for special sales. Your total list of equipment includes:
- Christmas Lights
- Light Control System
- Software System
- Sound System
LED Christmas Lights
In addition, we would also recommend you choosing LED Christmas lights for several benefits. Most people know that LED Christmas lights save a lot of electricity but there are many more reasons to consider making the switch.
Connect More Light Strings
You can typically connect 8 to 10 times more LED light strings together end to end while only using one plug outlet. Most traditional Christmas mini lights allow you to connect only 4 or 5 sets end to end, but with many LED mini light strings you can connect 40 to 50+ together depending on the light count. This makes decorating large Christmas displays far easier.
Cool to the Touch
LEDs produce next to no heat, which means they’re always cool to the touch and safe for children and animals to be around all season.
Visually Unparalleled
LED bulbs produce a brighter more vivid light than traditional incandescent bulbs. The light output is stunning and one of the most complimented aspects of LED lights in customer reviews!
Incredibly Long Life
Many LED light sets are rated to last tens of thousands of hours, which is well beyond a traditional set of incandescent mini lights that typically may last only a season or two.
Advanced Technology, Innovative Designs
LEDs are available in a kaleidoscope of colors and several varieties even feature unique light display capabilities such as being dimmable and color changing. The newest RGB LEDs are even capable of thousands of light color combinations!
LED lights are much easier to use for large Christmas displays, they are safer, they last longer, they produce more vivid color and use up to 90% less energy. Now you know why so many people have already made the switch.
3. Obtain a light show control system.
When it comes to a control system, you have 3 options based on your knowledge and budget:
- A fully built system
- A kit
- A DIY control system
I. A fully built light show system
A fully built system is a system that made and tested out of the box. It costs you about $20 – $25 per channel. A fully built system can be purchased from various online stores.
If you are the following type of person, you should go for this because it saves you a lot of time!
- Those do not want to do any electrical work.
- Those who have no idea of where to start.
II. A light show Kit
A light show kit is s starter kit that functions almost the same as the system. It costs from $15 or so per channel, but it’s pretty much the same thing as a fully built product. The only difference that I can think off is the enclosure, and it is very simple to place an electronics board in an enclosure.
- A great option if you’re looking to save money.
- You can pretty much purchase all the parts from the online store now, including the bare circuit board and the parts.
- Require minor work and customization.
III. A DIY Light Show control system (DIY KIT)
A DIY system costs roughly $5 per channel and up. The price depends on how much you actually do yourself.
A system consists of a controller, which communicates with your computer, and solid-state relays (SSRs), which actually switch the lights. SSRs can be bought or made yourself.
- Budget saver
- Requires lots of time on hardware
- Total customization
- For those who enjoy the engineering process!
4. Get the right Light Show Software.
The light show software breaks the song into segments, allowing you to program each channel of light to either fade, twinkle or turn on and off in each section. Most of us are not software programmers; therefore, getting software for your light show system is essential. There are a few venders that provide excellent services, and some software can be free when you purchase the whole package. Here are some of the current software options you should consider!
Free source:
- Vixen is a free, open-source software for Christmas lighting. If you’re just starting out, and are not looking into detail perfection, then Vixen may be a good starting option for you.
- xLights is a popular Christmas sequencing program for the “DIY” community. It is open source like Vixen. xLights has a strong passionate community behind it, and you can see that the developers are constantly improving the functions of the software. The only downside that xLights requires some learning curve. For those who want to be professional in the light show community, xLights is the best and most often updated program for now.
- Light-O-Rama provides is a paid program. To me personally, it is a bit expensive for “once-a-year” use. To me, the set up is a bit complex and difficult too.
Note, if you are a tech-wizard who wish to program the whole thing yourself, you might not be able to have the option for pre-built products, as most of the brand products are closed-source and hard to be compatable with the others.
Quick reminder! Making a total DIY system is fun, but for beginners, it’s a lot of electronic troubles.
If you are building a small scale fun light show. You should check out TapTap, a 6 channel christmas light controller. It even has a built in AI that builds the light show for you. And it can synchronize with Asante GV- The smart garage door opener!
5. Design your display, Light Styles & Decorating Ideas
Design the actual outside portion of your display. Common elements to include the following types of lights & locations:
- Mini lights or net lights display – windows, bushes & walls
- Icicle lights or c-series display – roof and ceiling design
- Mini Trees / Tomato cages display – animated tree display
- A Mega Tree display – large animated tree display
- Wireframes display – 2D or 3D in shape, animated display
- Blow molds display – yard corner display
- C9 Christmas Lights Display – outdoor, sideway display
Mini lights or net lights display
Mini lights or net lights usually go on landscaping, such as bushes, windows and a large area of walls.
Icicle lights or c-series lights display.
Icicle lights or c-series lights usually go on the roof and ceiling area.
Mini Trees / Tomato cages display.
Mini Trees / Tomato cages wrapped in lights of one or multiple colors. Arranged in a line or a triangle, they are very useful in an animated display.
A Mega Tree display
A Mega Tree usually consists of a large pole with lights extending from the top to a large ring around the base. Again, it is very useful in animation.
Wireframes display
Wireframes Christmas displays are metal frames with lights attached. It can be either 2D or 3D in shape.
Blow molds display
Blow molds are plastic lighted sculptures of deer, Santas, etc. They are usually placed throughout the yard.
C9 Christmas Lights Display
C9 Lights are bulbous, colorful lights that usually go on the yard perimeter.
6. Program your show
Program your light show is time-consuming! This process includes your music of choice, which node should sync with which light string, and how long should your display be.
The traditional programing can take up to a few months. The more your channels are, the more complicated your show is.
Taptap II includes a built-in AI that can help you generate a sync song automatically. The AI itself will save you lots of time in managing your display.
7. Speaker Options
Okay, now let’s talk about the speaker of choices. If you have a large scale light display, you will need to make sure that your speakers are good enough for the area to hear, but you also need to be mindful of your neighbors. Speakers playing the same music over and over again will sometimes drive the neighbors crazy.
If you noticed that your neighbor might not be too happy about the light show music, you will need to broadcast over an FM frequency.
There are many outdoor speakers, make sure the speaker you use is dusk resist and water resist. Once the speaker is set, Respectfully inform your neighbors of your plan to create a light show display.
Stick to a single showing at the top of the hour, once or twice a night. Once your neighbor knows your display schedule, you should be okay with the light display. My trick is to include their favorite songs into your display list and make it a group project.
8. Promote your light show work
Finally, your light show is ready. If this is your first time putting the light show together, you would need someone to spread your work and build a good reputation for you. Here are some steps we recommend you from easy to professional:
- The easiest is always, putting a sign in your yard. Stating your light show playtime, FM frequency, etc.
- Let your friends, neighbors, and work buddies know about your display time
- Put your show online through social media, facebook, Instagram, etc. Make sure you put your light show location, broadcasting time and keyword search into the video titles (SEO)
- Build a website, do SEO. Make it a family tradition.
- Go into competitions.
Such as “The Great Christmas Light Fight”
Again, inform your neighbors that you are publicizing your display. They’ll be much more accommodating if they know your plan to attract attention from around the neighborhood.
Finally, Enjoy your work and holidays!!
Additional Tips
- Try to manage your time. Setting up a light show is time-consuming. To manage things effectively, try to research all kinds of information online and manage the time well. Check each light strings before you set up the display as well.
- Be careful with the electronics. Make sure you research the information regards to electronic works. You may watch some YouTube tutorials for a step by step guide.
- Check out the free forums. If you plan to make it a big show, try to join the community and check out other peoples design and ideas.
- Talk to neighbors, police, and your homeowner’s association about possible issues with traffic flow, noise, etc.
It is much easier to prevent problems than to correct them. However, make sure they understand that there might be problems, not that there will be problems. People need to know what to expect, but don’t stress things so that they shut you down before you even start up your display! - FPGAs make fantastic custom control devices, which can hook between an RS232 connection on a PC and a relay board for the lights. An entry-level Spartan 3e Xilinx demo board is around $150.
- Safety is always the number one rule. If your neighborhood has a lot of pets and kids, make sure your set is kids and pet-friendly to avoid any injuries.
How Do I Get Started With Cool, Musical Christmas Lights on My House? – Learn Christmas Lighting
Have you ever driven by one of those houses that does the Christmas lights to music and thought “I wish I could do that!“?
You and me both!
On the outside, it seems like making a music-coordinated, color changing light display would be difficult…maybe even near impossible, and certainly only for the geekiest folks in the world.
The truth is, not only is creating a great, dynamic Christmas light display possible, it’s not more complicated than you can handle, and it doesn’t have to be expensive!
Not only that, but it doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor! This is a great hobby where you can include your spouse, kids, and friends in both the setup and sequencing of your lights.
In this article, I want to share with you how I learned to create my first display, and show you what tools you need and a basic idea of how it works together.
Sound good? Let’s dive in!
Ordinary Christmas lights work by simply lighting up a strand of lights when power is applied.
It’s likely you put some of these lights up on a tree or on the outside of your house or at least seen it in your neighborhood. Maybe you put up a lot of standard lights, and you’re ready to kick it up a notch!
You may also have seen that house down the street or in the other neighborhood where these type of lights that turn on and off as a whole strand, are synchronized to music.
Pretty cool!
Traditional lights, paired with a controller box and some software, can make a pretty neat show.
But what you may also have seen is the next generation of Christmas lights – pixels!
These lights, which are not as expensive as they look, are able to be individually turned on and off and change color on command.
This ability makes them far more exciting than a full string of traditional lights cycling on and off!
They’re then controller by sequencing software that runs on a regular computer.
While the sequencer/computer for both types of Christmas lights may be the same type of computer, the way that they’re controlled between the computer and the actual lights themselves is quite different.
Why am I going into all this?After all, I said I was going to tell you what you need to get started making a great Christmas light display.
The reason why I’ve gone into all this is that it’s important to have a basic understanding of how pixel lights vary from traditional Christmas lights.
While they may look similar when they’re on a house and all on in a single color or white, they’re actually quite different.
I’m going to focus on pixel lights here because they give you the most bang for your buck.
The fact is, the ability to individually control each light, and then run videos and effects across them is immensely powerful and impactful. You get at least 10x the functionality, for only about 2x the price!
So, what do you need to get started?
Pixels
The first thing you need are some lights…or pixels!
The definition of a pixel is:
Pixels are individually color-changeable lights, which are all wired together. They are different from regular Christmas lights because each light can change on its own.
Now, these pixels can take many forms, but the most common is called a pixel node, as seen in the picture to the right.
These pixel nodes are driven by a protocol like WS2811, or a similar type of serial data.
Understanding this is not super important, as long as you verify that your controller and your pixels both speak the same language!
Chances are, if you buy your controllers and lights from a Christmas lighting vendor, they will be compatible.
What other types of pixels are there? Well, there are lots, and you can learn more about all of the common types here!
Controller and Power Supplies
Once you have your pixels, they need to be driven by what’s called a pixel controller.
A pixel controller takes the information that comes from a computer or professional lighting controller and turns it into a type of signal that the pixels can listen to.
Once the data leaves the pixel controller, power is then “injected” and fed to the pixels themselves with the data. This power is fed via low-voltage power supplies, usually 5v or 12v.
The great thing about pixels is that they are self-addressing – no buttons or menu’s to press on the pixels themselves! The order that you plug the pixels in determines what their order is in the computer.
Pixels also are helpful because they amplify their signal as they pass it along. This means that you can run some very long strings of pixels off of a single controller output, only needing to re-inject power, but not data, as necessary!
Learn more about Christmas lighting controllers here!
Computer/Mini Computer
Last, in a simple system, you then need some sort of computer to control the lights.
Most people are going to be programming using a computer program called xLights, or Vixen.
These are the two most popular and also free sequencing programs for Christmas lights. Want help deciding which program to use – this article will help!
The computer will be connected via a very simple network (as simple as just a network cable!) to your pixel controller, which will then be connected to your pixels along with power.
When you give the pixels an animation or another command from the computer, they’ll do as you say.
These commands can be as simple as turning on in a single color, or as complex as a video!
Once you program your lights, you can run your show on the computer or via a mini-computer called a Raspberry Pi or Beaglebone running the “FPP” software, or just a regular PC.
This is somewhat of a simplified explanation, and there are more things that you’ll find that you’ll need as you go along. But, these are the basics.
So, if you’re just getting started, take a breather – because I know that was a lot of information!
Top 10 Christmas Laser Projectors (2019) with Reviews
- #10. Starry Night Laser Shower Christmas Lights (Red/Green Dancing Lights)
- #9. Valentine light, DRILLPRO Waterproof red and green laser light
- # 8. Star Laser Light Projection Christmas Lights Moving Laser
- # 7. Christmas Laser Light, [Latest Version] Ucharge Snowflake LED
- #6. Holigoo Red & Green Lotus
- #5.
Magic laser projector - #3. Elec3 outdoor waterproof Christmas RGB laser light star projector
- #2. Christmas laser lights Halloween outdoor projector
- # 1. Projector lamps 12 patterns for garden gobos
- finally
Christmas is the season of love and holidays. This is the time of year when the streets light up with joy and merriment, and every corner of the street tells you that Christmas is in the air.
The essence of this is the symbolism of the light that was brought into this world by the birth of Jesus Christ. Indeed, even at the time of the birth of Christ, the Three Wise Men (or Kings), also known as Magi, followed the star that led them to the barn where the son of God was born. The lights you have placed on your Christmas tree symbolize this light that has been shining for over two millennia.
The tradition of lighting houses at Christmas started in Germany in the 19th century. Subsequently, when several German Christians migrated to the United States, they brought this tradition with them to the New World.
By the early 20th century, Christmas lights had become widespread in the United States. Even today, Christmas celebrations in places like New York City's Times Square are lit up around the world as a symbol of fun and merriment. Christmas has become associated with the best outdoor laser lights in the world.
Fairy lights were widely used as Christmas decorations. But what do you do when you just need that little boost to impress your neighbors and guests? Christmas laser spotlights are just the answer for you!
Using only minimal power, these LED laser projectors give your home a whole new glow. Your home will be the focus of your entire neighborhood and the spirit of Christmas will be visible throughout your entire street. What's more, most of the best outdoor laser projectors don't cost too much: you can find them for as little as $23.
How do you choose the best Christmas laser projectors? Sure, you'll find them at your local Walmart, but can you be sure of their quality? How can you ensure that you buy the best Christmas laser projector that is best for your needs?
Don't worry We've done a lot of research to make it easier for you .
Here is a list of the top 10 Christmas outdoor laser projectors you can buy this holiday season:
# 10. Starry Night Laser Shower Christmas Lights (Red/Green Dancing Lights)
Price : $22.99
have to worry about occasional snow or rain during holidays. These lights are child's play to install and come with a power adapter. The best part about it is the multiple possible color combinations.
This is : red and green traffic, static red and green, green traffic, static green, red traffic, static red, all combinations.
Watch Star Shower Laser Projector Overview# 9. Valentine's Light, DRILLPRO Waterproof red and green laser light
light outside. This way you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn them off during the day. Plus, these lights are FDA approved and provide a healthy glow around your home without affecting your eyes or skin from glare.
Best of all, they come with a one-year warranty so you can collect them and use them again for your next festival.
# 8. Starlight Laser Projection Moving Laser Christmas Lights
Price of : $59.99
The price of these laser lights might be a bit higher, but the features on them justify it. These waterproof luminaires are equipped with a built-in sensor that turns off depending on the light intensity. In addition, you can also set a timer to turn on/off the light at a specific hour.
In addition, the lights come with a wireless remote control that allows you to control them wherever you are in the house.
# 7. Christmas Laser Beam, [Latest Version] Ucharge Snowflake LED
With 10 slides and 3 modes (including snowflakes), these waterproof lights provide the coolest possible Christmas decoration.
# 6.
Holigoo Red & Green Lotus Price of : $42.99
These instant "plug and play" Christmas lights save you the holiday decorations. What's more, the wireless remote control ensures that you can control them from anywhere in your home. These lights feature a multi-color display with moving and still images and are a must for this Christmas.
#5. Magic Laser Projector
Price of : $39.99
Cover span 2100 sq. ft. at 25 feet away, these lights promise to light up your entire home with a myriad of colors. The lights come with 3 modes of motion, flashing and stationery to meet your specific needs. With a 2.0mW output power, these energy-saving lamps promise to significantly reduce energy bills during the holiday season. 900. standalone or combined modes depending on your preferences. The RF remote control packaged with these lamps works in spite of walls or other obstacles: this means that you can control these lamps without leaving the room.
# 3. Elec3 Outdoor Waterproof Christmas RGB Laser Light Star Projector
Price of : $114.99
These lights ensure your home is covered in a star shower in the color of your choice for every night. Including red, green and blue triggers, you can install them in fixed or twin mode depending on the look that best suits your home. A powerful RF remote control ensures you can control these lights from anywhere in your home.
# 2. Christmas laser laser lasers Halloween Open projector
Price : $ 114.99
, being 3900 feet, these fires are visible from the house and guarantee that your house will be annoy valued by neighbors. With an automatic timer and energy saving feature, you can literally set these lights, program them and forget about it. Just sit back and enjoy the show.
# 1. Lamps for a projector 12 patterns for the GOO GOO
Price : 53.
99 $
developed both for the internal walls and exterior, these lamps have 12 different designed lamps. designs for you to experiment with. Slides include snowflake, clover, high heel, heart shape, dove, skeleton, maple leaf, birthday cake, Santa, Christmas trees, butterflies, stars. Use these lights to create the perfect holiday atmosphere and dazzle everyone with different slide images projected onto your home.
finally
Choose from the top 10 Christmas laser projectors and bring new magic to your holiday season this year.
These lights are an affordable way to add more charm to your Christmas parties without going through lengthy installation or DIY packages.
I hope you have an absolutely Merry Christmas!
But what do you do when you just need that little boost to impress your neighbors and guests?How do you choose the best Christmas laser projectors?
Sure, you'll find them at your local Walmart, but can you be sure of their quality?
How can you ensure that you buy the best Christmas laser projector that best suits your needs?
12 Christmas Holidays for Singles, Couples and Families
Ready for a city Christmas getaway that sounds rock and roll? From spinning on big wheels in Helsinki to hunting for the northern lights in Iceland, we have it all.
So if you're looking for a weekend at the Christmas market, an inexpensive Christmas getaway in the city, or even family-friendly Christmas trips that will give you memories that last into the next snow season, look no further.
The city's best Christmas break for solo travelers and singles
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1. Copenhagen Copenhagen shines brightly at Christmas.
Put on your skates and head out on a date at the locals' favorite Frederiksberg Runddel ice rink. Treat yourself to a julefrost, and if you're wondering what to do at Christmas, why not grab a smurrebred at the Christmas markets? See the colorful houses in one of the most amazing There is a weekend at the Christmas market ! Chat with strangers and drink hot glögg by the fire in Nyhavn at night too. Copenhagen is one of the coziest Christmas cities imaginable!
Insider tip:
Check out Tivoli, the Danish theme park that has been captivating visitors for nearly 200 years! Find modern and medieval masterpieces at the National Gallery of Denmark, or spend a day learning about life in the sea and how to protect one of the planet's most valuable natural resources at Denmark's National Aquarium, Den Blå Planet.
See more things to do in Copenhagen.
2. Edinburgh Edinburgh is full of festive fun and activities during the winter season.
The sound of bagpipes mingles with Jingle Bells on the cobbled streets of Edinburgh on Christmas Day, making Christmas holidays with bagpipes unforgettable. See the nativity scene in St. Andrew Square Gardens. Shop at the Christmas Markets at Princess Street Gardens and George Street (there will be no shortage of gifts to buy during the Christmas Market weekend) or wear a fake beard at the annual fair. The Edinburgh Santa Claus Run, which this year takes place on Saturday 04 December 2022.
Insider tip:
Combine your Edinburgh experience and save money at the same time by combining must-do activities like The Real Mary King's Close and the Scotch whiskey experience – you might need a drink when you hear about the city's storied past ! Indulge your ears with bagpipes around Edinburgh Castle or enjoy the royal splendor of Holyroodhouse Palace.
See more things to do in Edinburgh .
3. Helsinki Every year in Helsinki there is a white Christmas.
Christmas is a great time to indulge in Helsinki and experience the luxury of a white Christmas getaway in the city - hopefully from start to snowy Finland! Wondering what to do on Christmas? Admire the Christmas lights on Aleksanterinkatu, the official Christmas street. Try traditional glögi or go ice skating in the Ice Park on the Railway Station Square.
Insider tip:
Take in the scenery and sights of Helsinki from 40 meters above the Helsinki SkyWheel. Spend some time with Santa's reindeer at the Nuuksio Reindeer Park or enjoy the endless roller coaster and games at Linnanmäki Amusement Park, Helsinki's most popular amusement park.
See More things to do in Helsinki .
4. Ubud, Bali Looking for a warm Christmas break in the city? Flight to Bali.
It's hot and not at all traditional for Christmas, but if you're going solo for the holiday season, fall in love with yourself in Bali's spiritual city, Ubud. As the epicenter of yogic wellness and health, this is one of the most zen Christmas city breaks you can afford. Savor Indonesian treats instead of turkey and head to the Gili Lombok Islands for the best getaway from a sunny island.
Insider tip:
Elsewhere in Bali, why not take a new profile picture in one of Bali's most beautiful destinations with a romantic sunset dinner cruise from Denpasar, complete with buffet dinner? Pamper yourself! Or be at one with nature and its most unimaginable places with a private tour of the Monkey Forest, Mount Batur and Goa Gaja. Don't miss a shot of the famous T-Rex shaped peninsula with the Nusa Penida Island Tour.
See more things to do in Bali .
The best Christmas holidays in the city for couples
5.
Iceland, and Reykjavik in particular, is one of the best places to go for two at Christmas, and one of the city's best Christmas getaways. Get the full Northern Lights experience in Reykjavik on a Northern Lights Cruise, or the work of Northern Lights photographers and watch them dance on the big screen at the Aurora Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik. For something unique this Christmas, put on your masks, defy the cold, and find 13 hidden Santa Claus holograms hiding on buildings and in windows on a romantic stroll through downtown Reykjavik.
Insider Tip:
See Iceland's biggest glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls in all their winter glory on a tour of South Iceland. Snuggle up on a Northern Lights Cruise, take an immersive virtual journey through Iceland's most dramatic landscapes on FlyOver Iceland, or see what the whales are doing at Christmas on a whale watching tour.
While Iceland isn't a particularly cheap Christmas getaway in the city, its winter wonderland means it's definitely going to be something you'll remember forever. In addition, you can save money by booking combined passes for several attractions at the same time!
See more things to do in Iceland .
6. London Known for its Christmas lights and shops, London is the best place to spend your Christmas holidays.
London is a great place for couples and there is always room for an eventful Christmas getaway. Somerset House has one of the most beautiful ice rinks in the city, and from lively Christmas markets to double decker bus rides to museums, holiday theater performances and more, there's a new way to say "I love you" around every corner. London's diversity probably makes it one of the best in the country. Christmas market weekend .
Insider tip:
Experience the holiday magic at Kew Gardens this Christmas.
One of the largest botanical gardens in the world offers a romantic extravaganza after dark with over a million Christmas lights. Snuggle up to the London Eye, or take a look at the jewels in the Tower of London together.
See for more things to do in London and check out our blog on how to spend the best Christmas in London.
7. New York New York is a Christmas vacation dream.
The Big Apple, also known as New York, is one of the best places for couples to visit for Christmas. Do you want to shop? Christmas holidays in the city are not much better for shopping than New York! Shop at the chic stores on 5th Avenue. Watch the Rockettes raise a storm at Radio City Music Hall and don't forget the romantic horse and carriage ride through Central Park!
Insider tip:
Quick jump to Met and Guggenheim for some art and culture. See America's symbol of freedom at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Or rise above everything on the romantic Empire State Building mission. The Christmas lights of Manhattan look amazing from above!
See more things to do in New York .
8. Paris Romantic Christmas in the city.
Climb up in Paris - the architecture here is one of the most romantic in all of Europe. Start your romance with the city of love at Christmas. As for Christmas city tours, when markets are out, the Eiffel Tower twinkles more than ever and the Seine simply calls for a romantic river cruise.
Insider Tip:
There's nothing better than saying those three little words at the top of the Eiffel Tower at Christmas (get rings ready for your suggestions!). Pretend to be kids at Disneyland Paris or take a Christmas cruise on the Seine. Do you feel love tonight? As a bonus, with regular flights and trains to Paris from all over Europe, this could turn out to be one of the best cheap Christmas holidays on the continent.
See more things to do in Paris .
The best Christmas holidays in town for families
9. Tallinn A picturesque and delightful holiday destination for the weekend.
The New Year tree on Tallinn Town Hall Square has been set up every year since 1441, making it the first Christmas tree to be put on public display in Europe! This is the best Christmas trip to town for storybook beauty. Explore the fabulous medieval city center, visit reimagined Soviet-era factories and taste local delicacies - black bread and gingerbread are a must!
Insider tip:
Buy a Tallinn Card ticket and the entire capital of Estonia is in your hands. With priority admission to Tallinn TV Tower, Tallinn Zoo and Estonian Open Air Museum, this is the best way to see the best parts of the city! Don't miss the views from the Tallinn TV Tower, or the story of the excellent Tallinn Ferris Wheel.
See more things to do in Tallinn .
10. Cancun Mexico Winter sunshine is always an option in Cancun.
If you want sunshine, look no further than Cancun, one of the best family holiday destinations for Christmas. It has white sandy beaches, jungle zipline adventures and zero chance of snowfall, but if you want a real Christmas dinner, try La Dolce Vita. Cancun itself isn't particularly big, but for holiday sunshine, it's a pretty decent cheap Christmas getaway in the city (especially if you're spending euros). There is a lot to do on this wonderful Christmas trip for the whole family, and you will want to come back again and again.
Insider Tip:
Wow your senses with over 50 cool experiences in the air, land and water at Xenses, Xcaret's new playground for thrill-seekers. Snorkel around life-sized sculptures in the ocean, or why not have the whole family cool off with some Christmas fun splashing around Aquaworld Cancun and the floating obstacle course, Aquabounce?
See more things to do in Cancun .
11. Amsterdam Amsterdam remains a popular destination for the Christmas holidays.
Think cozy cruises with alcoholic drinks while sipping hot spiced wine. Ice skating surrounded by giant museums and canals twinkling with Christmas lights. From markets to bustling squares to Santa Claus, Amsterdam is a charming fairy tale destination for a family holiday at Christmas. For a Christmas souvenir in the city, how about Edam cheese or wooden shoes?
Insider tip:
For the 10th time, the Amsterdam Light Festival 2021 will give Amsterdam this winter some extra magic. From December 01 to January 22, 2023, you can take a canal cruise and see the Amsterdam Light from the Water Festival. Get hands-on experience at the NEMO Science Museum, or find out what animals are up to for Christmas at the Royal Zoo ARTIS. Try local delicacies, donuts at Christmas markets and catch Christmas carols in the Vondelkerk.
See for more things to do in Amsterdam and check out our blog for the best things to do in Amsterdam at Christmas.
