Rome’s Christmas tree, known as Spelacchio, will be illuminated by the city’s mayor Virginia Raggi on 8 December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Sponsored for the 2nd year running by US media provider Netflix, the 22-m high fir tree will be decorated with 80,000 led lights and 1,000 red and gold baubles.
Spelacchio will be illuminated for 24 hours a day over the festive season, remaining in the city’s central Piazza Venezia until 6 January. Children visiting the tree will also have the chance to meet Klaus and Jesper, the stars of Christmas movie Klaus.
The Vatican’s Christmas tree and Nativity scene will be illuminated in St Peter’s Square at 16.30 on 5 December while Milan’s Christmas tree – the subject of much derision in Rome – will be lit up in Piazza del Duomo on 6 December.