Every other year the city I live in (Lille) comes up with some great theme and decorates like you wouldn't believe. Two years ago it was an enormous upside down forest. This year the theme was India. There was a GIGANTIC parade/festival thing that kicked it off a couple months ago. These lifesize elephant statues were put along the road between my house and the train station. 14 total I think. With that and the Christmas ferris wheel and decorations...my goodness it's been festive.

P.S. It all came down yesterday and I thought it would be a little sad but there's a lot more space on the streets and it's good to have the real Lille back ;o)