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Contents
Vatican Christmas Tree & Lighting Ceremony 2024 - Everything You Need to Know
Vatican TicketsChristmas Tree
Christmas Tree 2023
The Vatican Christmas tree, unveiled on 9 December 2023, is a fine 91 feet tall White Spruce tree. It comes from the Italian Alps region close to the French border. The White Spruce Tree that will adorn the Vatican this year will be decorated, not with traditional ornaments, but with white edelweiss flowers, found in the Alps region and higher altitudes.
Repurposing of the Christmas tree
After the Vatican's Christmas festivities, the felled fir tree won't go to waste. Instead, it will be repurposed into toys for children in need through Caritas, ensuring the tree's legacy brings joy beyond the holiday season.
Past Christmas Trees at Vatican
Over the past 40 years, the Vatican has seen many kinds of trees from different parts of Europe. Take a look at where the past Christmas Trees at Vatican have come from.
YEAR
SPECIES
HEIGHT
PLACE OF ORIGIN
2023
White spruce
28 meters (91 ft)
Alps mountains, Italy
2022
White Fir
30 meters (98 ft.)
Rosello, Italy
2021
Picea abies
28 meters (92 ft.)
Andalo, Italy
2020
Spruce
30 meters (98 ft.)
Kočevje, Slovenia
2019
Spruce
26 meters (85 ft.)
Veneto, Italy
2018
Spruce
23 meters (75 ft.)
Pordenone, Italy
2017
Spruce
21 meters (69 ft.)
Gołdap, Poland
2016
Spruce
25 meters (82 ft.)
Trento, Italy
2015
Spruce
25 meters (82 ft.)
Ehenfeld bei Hirschau, Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany
2014
Fir
25 meters (82 ft.)
Calabria, Southern Italy
2013
Fir
25 meters (82 ft.)
Waldmünchen, Bavaria, Germany
2012
Silver Fir
30 meters (98 ft.)
Pescopennataro, Italy
2011
Spruce
30 meters (98 ft.)
Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine
2010
Spruce
33.5 meters (110 ft.)
Bolzano, South Tyrol, northern Italy
2009
Norway Spruce
30 meters (98 ft.)
Ardennes forests near Spa, Wallonia, Belgium
2008
Norway spruce
33 meters (108 ft.)
Municipality of Gutenstein, Lower Austria, Austria
2007
Fir
30 meters (98 ft.)
Val Badia, in the Dolomites mountains, Italy
2006
Fir
33.5 meters (110 ft.)
Taverna, Calabria, Italy
2005
Fir
33 meters (108 ft.)
Afiesl, Upper Austria, Austria
2004
Fir
32.5 meters (107 ft.)
Pinzolo, Trento region, Alps mountains, Italy
2003
Spruce
32 meters (105 ft.)
Pré-Saint-Didier, Valle D’Aosta, Italy
2002
Fir
28 meters (92 ft.)
Gorski kotar, Croatia
2001
Transylvania, Romania
2000
Carinthia, Austria
1999
Moravka, Czech Republic
1998
Schwarzwald, Germany
1997
Zakopane, Tatra Mountains, Poland
1996
Kočevje, Slovenia
1995
Obertraubling, Regensburg, Germany
1994
Žilina, Slovakia
1993
Graz-Seckau, Styria, Austria
1992
South Tyrol, Italy
1991
Vorarlberg, Austria
1990
Ponte di Legno, Brescia, Italy
1989
Schärding, Upper Austria, Austria
1988
Cadore, Italy
1987
Carinthia, Austria
1986
Toblach, South Tyrol
1985
South Tyrol, Italy
1984
Waldmünchen, Bavaria, Germany
1983
Tyrol, Austria
1982
Fir
Alban Hills, Italy
Book Tickets To Vatican
Frequently asked questions about the Christmas tree at Vatican
Is there a Christmas tree at the Vatican?
Every year a tree is donated to the Vatican by a different region in Europe. Unveiling of the Vatican Christmas Tree, or the Saint Peter's Square Christmas Tree, kickstarts the Christmas celebrations at Vatican.
What is special about the 2023 Christmas tree at Vatican?
This year's Christmas tree is an 91 ft. tall White Spruce tree that comes from the Italian Alps close to the French border. The tree will be decorated not with traditional ornaments but with white edelweiss flowers found in the Alps region, making it a rather unique Christmas tree.
What happens to the Vatican's Christmas tree after the holidays?
After the Vatican's holiday celebrations, the Christmas tree will be repurposed. Its wood will be transformed into toys for children in need through Caritas, ensuring the tree's legacy continues to bring joy beyond the festive season.
Is the Vatican Christmas tree decorated with specific themes?
Yes, the decorations on the tree often have symbolic or thematic significance, sometimes reflecting the spirit of the season or commemorating special events or anniversaries.
When did the tradition of putting up Christmas tree start in Vatican?
The first Christmas tree was erected in Saint Peter's Square in 1982, under the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
Are there special events or activities associated with the Vatican's Christmas tree?
Apart from the lighting ceremony, various events such as concerts or exhibitions may be organized during the Christmas season in the Vatican.
Is the Vatican City open during Christmas time?
Most landmarks, including the Vatican museum, and the Sistine chapel, are closed during Christmas time i.e. 25-26 December. However, the Vatican City is open during this time, and you can partake in the festivities of the holiday season, by viewing the Christmas tree, the nativity scene and even attending the mass at St. Peter's Basilica.
Can visitors attend the Vatican's Christmas tree lighting ceremony?
Yes, the lighting ceremony in St. Peter's Square is open to the public, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to witness the festive inauguration.
Is the Vatican Christmas tree connected to the Nativity scene?
While the tree and the Nativity scene are displayed in close proximity in St. Peter's Square, they are distinct symbols of the Christmas season, each with its own significance.
What can I see at the Vatican during Christmas?
You can explore the beautiful country, its artsy streets, the picturesque Christmas tree and nativity scene, pretty markets and of course, experience the popular Christmas Mass from Peter's Square.
How early should one plan to visit for the Vatican Christmas Eve mass?
Booking tickets for the Vatican Christmas Eve mass should ideally be done at least two months in advance due to high demand for this globally watched mass.
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