Decorative Christmas lights and lighting ceremonies are an essential tradition of Christmas festivities across the world. While lighting up of Christmas tree tradition dates back to the 17th century when candles were used to decorate the trees, in the wake of technology, famous spots and houses in cities around the world are decorated with lights, adding to the festive fervor.

More so, these festive lights during Christmas attract tourists to a number of places.

As the holiday season begins with Christmas celebrations, here’s a slideshow presenting some of the most beautiful pictures of holiday lights from around the world.

The White House, Washington
The Oval Office and Rose Garden of the White House in Washington are seen decorated with holiday lights, Dec. 6, 2011. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
Vatican City
A 30-metre-high Christmas tree, which came from the forests of west Ukraine, is officially lit during a ceremony in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 16, 2011. REUTERS/Tony Gentile
London
The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is seen after its lights were switched on in central London, Dec. 1, 2011. REUTERS/Olivia Harris
Monaco
A general view of Monaco palace which is decorated with Christmas lights in Monaco Dec. 5, 2011. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Church of the Nativity
A general view of Manger Square, outside the Church of the Nativity, the site revered as the birthplace of Jesus, is seen during the annual lighting ceremony of a Christmas tree in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Dec. 15, 2011. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman
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Croatia
Lit up trees are seen at a country house estate in the village of Grabovnica near Cazma, central Croatia Dec. 6, 2011. The seven-hectare estate owned by the Salaj family is lit with 1.2 million Christmas lights and turns into a winter wonderland every December, attracting thousands of visitors. REUTERS/Nikola Solic
Athens, Greece
A general view of the central Syntagma square after a Christmas lighting ceremony in Athens Dec. 9, 2011. REUTERS/Yiorgos Karahalis
Lithuania
People walk past a lit Christmas tree at the Cathedral square in Vilnius, Lithuania, Dec. 6, 2011. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Slovenia
The town hall, seen through a corridor, is illuminated with Christmas lights in Ljubljana's old city in Slovenia, Dec. 7, 2011. REUTERS/Srdjan Zivulovic
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