Vatican Christmas Tree, Christmas tree in Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City
The Vatican Christmas Tree is a large decorated evergreen standing in Saint Peter's Square, adorned with LED lights and traditional ornaments during the holiday season. The tree becomes a focal point in the plaza, filling the space with festive decoration from early December.
The tradition began in 1982 when Pope John Paul II first brought this northern European custom to Saint Peter's Square. Since then, the decorated tree has become a yearly part of Vatican Christmas celebrations.
The tree comes from different European regions each year, creating a connection between the Vatican and local communities across the continent. This choice shows how the Catholic Church nurtures its ties with people in various countries.
The tree stands in Saint Peter's Square where you can view it day or night, though the LED lights are best seen after dark. The plaza is open to all visitors, but expect crowds during weekends and later in December.
Each year a new tree arrives from a different European region, so no two seasons are ever the same. This rotating selection allows different countries to have their forests represented in the heart of the Vatican.
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