Using the SCENE mode
As Christmas season approaches, more and more places are decorated with Christmas trees and beautiful lights. This special atmosphere comes just once a year so you want to keep those memories with great pictures. However, many people cannot seem to take good pictures that show the special atmosphere of the season. Try using the [SCENE] (SCN) modes to take great pictures of Christmas trees and decorative lights.

Select the [SCENE] mode according to the type of lights used
Setting the flash mode to flash off when using the Program Auto (P) mode or the  modes will result in slower shutter speeds. But if the decorative lights are not bright enough, the brighter spots will come out as simple dots in the picture. Using the [SCENE] mode's [NIGHT SCENE], slower shutter speeds are used so you can capture in the pictures the atmosphere of the real-life scene. If you use the [CANDLE] mode, higher ISO sensitivities are used and you can reduce camera blur. In addition, this mode will keep the warm colors of candles and incandescent lamps. You can obtain the same effect by changing each of the [WB] (White Balance)and [ISO] settings separately but the [SCENE] modes let you easily change everything at once.

Compare the difference of pictures taken using the Program Auto (P) and [SCENE] modes

Useful things to remember

You can try to bring out more of the special atmosphere by adjusting the exposure compensation towards the [+]. However in the  and Program Auto (P) modes the light metering range of the camera may be exceeded, resulting in no effect at all.
Since slower shutter speeds are used for night scenes, holding the camera in your hands to take the picture often results in camera blur. Stabilize the camera by using a tripod or other similar equipment.