Christmas lights dazzle cities around the world

Christmas lights brought some welcome cheer to cities around the world, including Berlin, London, Tokyo, Milan and Budapest.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of Milan's Duomo cathedral to watch as 80,000 LED lights wrapped around the city's Christmas tree were switched on.

London's shopping districts celebrate with themes including illuminated angels and butterflies, while more modern lights are seen outside Wembley Stadium and on London's cultural hub, the South Bank.

At Berlin's landmark, the Brandenburg Gate, a huge Christmas tree quietly lights up the Pariser Platz while over on Alexanderplatz revellers can ride a ferris wheel, ice skate or drink mulled wine.