In Pics: 12 Most Spectacular Christmas Trees From Around the World

Whatever their shape or size, the message is the same: Merry Christmas!

A Christmas tree is erected at the center of a Paris department store. (Photo: AP)

The humble Christmas tree has a rich history, from evergreen trees used to symbolise eternal life in ancient Egypt to tree worship among pagan Europeans. The modern version has its origins in Germany, where the song “O Tannenbaum” is still a festive favourite. Today the traditional tree with lights and decorations appears in cities including Washington, Moscow and Beirut. Alternative constructions range from recycled rubbish in Mexico City to old window frames in Rakvere, Estonia. Whatever the shape or size, the message is the same: Merry Christmas!

A Christmas tree stands in the Park Simon Bolivar in Bogota, Colombia. (Photo: Reuters)

Every year, cities around the world seek to create a unique design for their Christmas trees to impress both tourists and locals.

A couple standing next to a Christmas tree made out of plastic bins and plastic hampers outside the Museum of History in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo: Reuters)

Holiday lights shine on the 83rd Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, at Rockefeller Center in the Manhattan borough of New York, United States. (Photo: Reuters)

Christmas trees frame the Monte Carlo Casino as part of holiday season decorations in Monaco. (Photo: Reuters)

Christmas tree in front of Malaysia’s landmark building, Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: PTI)

An illuminated Christmas tree is pictured in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. (Photo: Reuters)

A Christmas tree stands in Juan Pablo II square in Managua, Nicaragua (Photo: Reuters)

A Christmas tree is seen at a roundabout in Victoria Island district in Lagos, Nigeria. (Photo: Reuters)

A Christmas tree made of 121 old wooden-framed, coloured windows, constructed by local carpentry students is seen in Rakvere, Estonia. (Photo: Reuters)

A Christmas tree stands in front of the Palacio Nacional in Zocalo Square, downtown Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo: Reuters)

Over 100 JAKKS BIG-FIGS Stormtrooper action figures are seen in front of a Christmas tree as a part of an installation at The Americana at Brand for the opening of Star Wars. (Photo: AP)