See the Vatican Christmas Tree in St. Peter's Square

The Ukraine has donated a 100-foot Christmas tree to be displayed in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City this holiday season. The gigantic spruce tree will be lifted into position on December 5th and lit during a ceremony on December 16th. It is expected to be decorated with more than 2,500 ornaments and numerous white and yellow lights.  Along with the Christmas tree, a life-size Nativity scene or presepio (creche in Italian) will grace the center of the square.

In 1982, Pope John Paul II started the tradition of erecting a tall Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square and it has now become an essential part of Christmas in Rome.

Learn more in our FREE 35-page Christmas in Italy ebook, filled with Christmas and New Year's traditions, Italy holiday travel tips and traditional Italian recipes.

Photo by ANSA