Christmas star lanterns, Germany Dec. 20, 2025

As Christmas draws near, star lanterns begin to appear everywhere—twinkling from balconies, shining in shop windows and lighting up market stalls. Their shimmer cuts through the long winter nights, filling streets and homes with joy, colour and a sense of togetherness. But behind these festive decorations lies a story as captivating as their glow.

© artas/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Reflecting on Christmas
Dec. 20, 2023Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
Dec. 20, 2024Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Sep. 7, 2025Gdańsk on the banks of the Motława river, Poland
Where history comes alive
Sep. 3, 2025Grizzly bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States
A day for giving
May 20, 2025World Bee Day
Reddy for winter
Dec. 16, 2024Salzburg, Austria
Colours of spring
All hail the mighty mangrove!
Where is this scenic view?
A delightfully ornate Easter display
Do pandas enjoy winter?
A beautiful labyrinth
Let there be lights!
Feb. 24, 2025Giant cuttlefish, Whyalla, South Australia, Australia
Mar. 15, 2026Pacific Rim Whale Festival
One on land, a million in space
Where is this majestic museum?
Jul. 5, 2025Tour de France
The beauty that lies below
Sep. 19, 2025Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, USA-Canada border
Oct. 7, 2023Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA
Dec. 5, 2024Tufa formation on Mono Lake, California, United States
Sep. 1, 2024River Thames, London, England
May 3, 2024The Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
Jan. 12, 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
Feb. 28, 2025Bighorn sheep in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, United States
Aug. 13, 2025Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, United States
Aug. 27, 2023Jeju Island, South Korea
May 6, 2024The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England