Every year, the Vatican receives two incredible gifts coming from abroad for Christmas. European dioceses, consortia, and other organizations take turns to pay tribute to the Holy See gigantic fir and a real-size Nativity scene — each of them coming from a different place and telling a story of its own.
The tradition of putting up a Christmas tree on St. Peter’s Square started in 1982 at the request of the Polish Pope, John Paul II. It is believed that fir Christmas tree, which is an evergreen plant, represents the resilience of life in fighting against harsh weather.
Christmas tree and Nativity Scene at the Vatican, December 2022.
Christmas 2024: Gifts from Trentino and Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy)
In occasion of Christmas 2024, two Italian regions decided to give their gifts to the Vatican. This year's Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square will be a 29-m high spruce from the small mountain village of Ledro in Italy's northern Trentino region. The tree, will be illuminated on Saturday 7 December at 5.00 pm.
Vatican Christmas tree, December 2022.
At the same time the Vatican will inaugurate its Christmas crib, a gift from Grado in the province of Gorizia, in Italy's northern Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
The Nativity Scene, which will be installed under the Christmas tree in St Peter's Square, will be made entirely of wood.
The nativity scene of Grado is set in the vast living lagoon, dotted with over a hundred "mote" small islets scattered across it. The Nativity takes place inside a "casóne," the traditional reed house once inhabited by fishermen. The setting reflects the early years of the 20th century, when the lagoon was still home to many locals from Grado. The display will be enriched with detailed elements, including native vegetation and local birdlife, offering an authentic glimpse of that time.
The Christmas tree and Nativity set will remain on display until the end of the Christmas season, which coincides with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, on Sunday 12 January 2025.
St Peter's Square Christmas Tree - December 2021
Christmas 2024: Celebrating the start of the Jubilee year
Christmas 2024 will be a very special occasion, as it coincides with the beginning of the Vatican Jubilee, which will occur at the opening of St Peter's Basilica's Holy Door on the evening of December 24, 2024. This extraordinary convergence gives an even deeper sense of hope and renewal to the celebration of Christ’s birth. For those lucky enough to be in Rome for the occasion, this Christmas will be a pilgrimage of the heart, magnified by the special blessings offered throughout the Holy Year. It’s a time when faith, tradition, and the promise of divine mercy come together in a moment of profound significance.
Related articles: