Dreaming of a Green Christmas - How LEDs will be Lighting the Festive Season
Posted by Amit Soni on 26th Nov 2012
Christmas just wouldn't be the same without the lights. All over the world, city's are embracing energy-efficient LED Lights in an effort to create bigger, brighter and more sustainable Christmas lighting displays.
In New York, the Rockefeller Centre has been using LED Lights since 2007. On November 28th millions of television viewers will tune-in for the famous Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The tree's 30,000 multi-coloured LEDs are powered by solar panels located on the roof of Rockefeller Plaza. In an effort to go even 'greener', this year's tree will be sourced from nearby New Jersey, thereby cutting down on travel costs and carbon emissions.
With a name like the City of Lights, you'd expect Paris to shine at Christmas. And it certainly doesn't dissapoint. From the tip of the Eiffel Tower to its tree-lined avenues, Paris transforms into a veritable winter wonderland.
If you're lucky enough to be spending the festive season in Paris, be sure to include a stroll along the Champs-Elysees on your to-do list. Spectacularly lit with millions of LEDs and powered by solar energy, the world's most famous avenue attracts more than half a million visitors over the Christmas period.
In Toronto, the Christmas season officially commences with the annual Cavalcade of Lights featuring music, skating, dancing and, naturally, a shed-load of lights.
Now in its 46th year, the Cavalcade was established in 1967 to showcase the city’s newly constructed City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square. Running from late November until early January, the Square and giant Christmas tree are illuminated by more than 300,000 energy efficient LED Lights that shine from dusk until 11pm.
A little closer to home, London will continue its tradition of themed festive illuminations. This year Regent Street will pay tribute to the London 2012 games, Marmite is sponsoring the Oxford Street Lights and the Rolling Stones have taken care of Carnaby Street.
What better way to appreciate London's Christmas lights than snuggled up on an open bus sightseeing tour at nighttime. Take in all the classic sights, including The Tower of London, Harrods and Piccadilly Circus, all dressed up in their Christmas best!
Wherever you end up this festive season, you can be certain that LEDs will be bringing joy and wonder to adults and children alike.
