When do the celebrations start?
For Catholics, the season of Advent began on November 30 this year – and with it, the Christmas spirit began.
At the Vatican, celebrations begin with the official lighting of the Christmas tree and the opening of the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, both of which took place on December 15 this year.
What kind of Christmas tree is made in the Vatican?
Every year, a different Roman Catholic diocese has the honor of donating a Christmas tree to the Vatican.
This year’s tree is a Norway spruce from the Bolzano-Bressoney diocese in the Italian province of South Tyrol. The 27-meter Christmas tree weighs approximately eight tons.
In an interview on the Vatican website, Bishop Ivo Musser of the Diocese of Bolzano-Bresnanone said: “I hope that the miracle before creation will also be inspired by our Christmas tree and that it will inspire reflection.” He also called on people to be careful, respectful and “prepared to adopt a sustainable and moderate lifestyle.”
Whether this is possible, given the lavish decorations and festive lights flashing in constantly changing colours, remains to be seen.
For the fifth consecutive time the Christmas tree is from Italy. A total of four Christmas trees have been donated so far in Germany and in 2028, Deggendorf in Bavaria is set to donate the fifth German Christmas tree.
You can experience St. Peter’s Square here and follow the festivities online:
Grand Christmas celebrations have been held at the Vatican for at least 500 years, but the tradition of planting a Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square began in 1982 during the tenure of Pope John Paul II.
Nativity scenes from around the world
The nativity scene was designed and produced by the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno, located in the province of Salerno in Campania, southern Italy. The scene features life-size figures and includes architectural elements typical of the area around Nocera.
At the inauguration of the Nativity scene, Bishop Giuseppe Giudice called it “a great opportunity for the evangelization and redevelopment of the entire area.”
The “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican” exhibition, held for the eighth time, is also being shown under the left pillar of St. Peter’s Square. The exhibition features nativity scenes designed by artists from 23 countries. This year’s edition is part of the cultural event series “Jubilee is Culture”. According to Vatican News, the exhibition serves as “an expression of gratitude for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope”.
What happens on Christmas Eve?
Pope Leo XIV will lead Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 p.m. You need a ticket to enter, but they are free – which is why all tickets are booked months in advance.
What other Christmas season events take place after Christmas Eve?
No ticket is required to attend the “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) papal blessing on Christmas Day.
Leo XIV will deliver his message and blessing from the top of the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thousands of people gathered around St. Peter’s Square.
The “Urbi et Orbi” address starts at 12 noon and here, too, you should arrive early – especially as this is the highlight of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which ends after the Christmas season.
On New Year’s Eve, the Pope will hold New Year’s Eve Vespers, and the hymn “Te Deum” will be sung to give thanks for the past year.
When do the celebrations end?
The celebration concluded with a mass to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord on January 6 at 9:30 am, led by Leo XIV. This anniversary also marks the end of the year.
This article was originally written in German.