Christmas trees around the world compete in dazzling splendor, with Paris unveiling the largest crystal tree

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Li Xinyi

 

As Christmas approaches, the most iconic symbol of the season—Christmas trees—are making their grand appearances. Trees in various cities and malls are competing in extravagance and brilliance, with luxury brands even sponsoring their designs. Paris has now unveiled its largest local Christmas tree, created by Galeries Lafayette to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its dome, in collaboration with Swarovski to produce a tree adorned with crystals that sparkle brilliantly from within. In Taichung, Taiwan, the first-ever six-pointed star snowflake Christmas tree designed by luxury brand Montblanc has also appeared, featuring a shining white hexagonal star decorating a massive 15-meter-tall green Christmas tree, located at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi’s European-style Plaza.

Every year, Galeries Lafayette in Paris designs a theme for Christmas, and this year the focus is on the Christmas tree. Standing 21 meters tall and 9 meters in diameter, the tree is decorated with 120 round diamonds and surrounded by 5,000 Swarovski crystals, making it the largest Christmas tree ever built by Swarovski in Europe. This radiant tree has been shining its festive glow since November 6 at Galeries Lafayette and will remain on display until January 8, 2013. In addition to the tree, Disney has also helped decorate Galeries Lafayette’s Christmas windows, adding to the joyful holiday atmosphere.

Taichung has also debuted a fashionable Christmas tree starting today. This Montblanc six-pointed star snowflake Christmas tree features a red circular base exuding a cheerful vibe, highlighting the brand’s iconic white glowing hexagonal star, and is built around a roughly five-story-high, 15-meter-tall green Christmas tree. Large red and white snowflake patterns, along with countless small gift boxes tied with delicate ribbons, adorn the realistic-looking pine tree branches. The Montblanc six-pointed star snowflake Christmas tree will be on display until January 6, 2013.

Hong Kong’s annual Winterfest, which kicks off at the end of each year, brings not only dazzling Christmas lights and a romantic holiday atmosphere but also major discounts at malls and special Christmas offers at restaurants. This year’s Winterfest runs from November 23 to January 1, 2013. The biggest highlight this year is the 18-meter-tall (approximately six-story-high) giant Christmas tree sponsored by Tiffany & Co., located in Central’s Queen’s Building, along with 24 fairytale-style merry-go-rounds. The square also features activities such as the “Christmas House,” “Love Bridge,” “Creative Pavilion,” and “Candy House,” with the exclusive Tiffany Blue Box® adding a uniquely enchanting Christmas ambiance to the area.