The tradition of placing a Christmas Tree and the Nativity Scene at the Vatican started in 1982, during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. The first-ever Christmas Tree came from Italy, and since then, every year, a tree is donated by a different European country or region. So the tree changes every year!
For Christmas 2025, the magnificent Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican comes from the Alto Adige region in northern Italy.
The tree is a tall Norway Spruce (approximately 25-27 meters high) harvested from the Ultimo Valley (Val d'Ultimo) in the province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige. It is being gifted to the Vatican by the Italian municipalities of Lagundo and Ultimo.
This region, known for its stunning Alpine landscapes, donates the tree as a symbol of its "spiritual and emotional bond" with the Pope and the universal Church. The selection process is noted to follow sustainable forestry management principles.
The tree will be accompanied by the Nativity scene (presepe) for St. Peter's Square, which this year comes from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno in the southern Italian region of Campania.
The tree is seen as complementing the Nativity scene, which has been a much older tradition. The tree's symbolism is tied to Christ as the light of the world:
Evergreen: Symbolizes the eternal life and light of Christ.
Lights: Remind the faithful that Jesus is the light that drives away the darkness of sin.
Height: Symbolizes God lifting humanity up to Himself.
The Vatican tree and the Nativity scene are unveiled and lit in a formal ceremony in early December and remain on display until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.
Pope St. John Paul II instituted this beautiful Christmas tradition at the Vatican. Discover this wonderful mug with his papal motto, Be Not Afraid! Purchase yours today at The Catholic Company!
