The European Christmas Tree Tradition That's As Breathtaking As It Is Wildly Dangerous

Christmas trees have been a holiday tradition in Europe for hundreds of years. For most of that time, humans had little idea what electricity was or how to harness it. No problem! Affluent families could erect a spruce in their home, attach little candles to the branches, and light them up with matches or a burning stick. See that quivering flame! Watch the coil of smoke shimmy up to the ceiling! This ceremony was so delightful — as long as you didn't accidentally spread the flames to boughs or curtains and burn your house down...

Even today, many European households prefer traditional wax candles to electric lights, and both churches and private homes may use an assortment of lighters to ignite the upper wicks. This practice is often associated with Switzerland, where a smattering of traditional families clip special candleholders and strategically space them out, and it's also particularly popular in Denmark, where real candles are considered an essential ingredient to any Christmas. Like Saint Nicholas, who takes on many forms in different folklores, Christmas rituals vary by European nation. While many of us would prefer the non-flammable plastic bulbs that glow harmlessly all night, real candles add a primal beauty to the Christmas tree (also known as a Tannenbaum, Juletræ, árbol de Navidad, and many other names). Small wonder so many of the world's most magical Christmas towns are in Europe.

Let's be real, though: Candles are expensive, and you can't burn them continuously from dusk till dawn. The lighting usually takes place around a special moment, like Christmas Eve or group caroling. Seasoned families will know how to arrange candles and respond to a flare-up, while newbies anxiously look on. Even the use of real trees — period — can be a contentious issue, given the fire hazard and perceived environmental impact (though it's worth noting that fake Christmas trees often have a worse environmental impact than real ones). Christmas lights come in wildly diverse and creative forms, but most people around the world will agree that the candle's heyday is long past.

If you are traveling through Europe in December, though, keep an eye out for these remarkable displays. The practice is at least normal enough for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to participate (pictured above), and you might very well stumble into actual flickering flames (though not literally, we hope). While you're there, pick up some last-minute gifts in these incredible European Christmas markets.