Each year people sponsor lights from the famous Christmas tree display in central Italy.

The "world's largest Christmas tree" is lit up each year on the slopes of Monte Ingino, overlooking the mediaeval town of Gubbio in Italy's central Umbria region.

To mark the festive season, the town illuminates its magical Christmas tree-shaped installation with more than 700 lights in an annual ceremony that started in 1981.

This year the lighting-up event will be streamed live on the social channels of the Albero di Natale più Grande del Mondo on Thursday 7 December at 18.30. 

Topped with a giant star, the tree measures 750m in height.

È arrivata la Stella Cometa

Domenica intensa e impegnativa per gli #alberaioli alle prese con il montaggio della Stella dell'#alberodigubbio.
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Un ringraziamento a pizzeria Al Casellino Gubbio e ristorante Bar "La Cia" Gubbio per la colazione e pranzo gentilmente offerta pic.twitter.com/wVIdPEUe85

— Albero di Natale (@Alberodigubbio) November 20, 2023

There are 8.5 km worth of cables powering the lights of the enormous tree display which entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1991.

The tree is outlined with 300 green lights while the interior is lit up with 400 multicoloured lights.

The 'roots' of the tree stretch from near Gubbio's ancient walls while its star reaches the basilica of the town's patron saint, S. Ubaldo, at the peak of the mountain.

Tra meno di 24 ore torna la possibilità di adottare le luci dell'Albero di Natale più grande del Mondo

La procedura si potrà effettuare a partire da domani 22 Novembre 2023 dalle ore 12:00
Link https://t.co/S7VjciosS7
#alberodigubbio pic.twitter.com/M5k2iRguFy

— Albero di Natale (@Alberodigubbio) November 21, 2023

Each of the tree's lights is 'adopted' by locals who dedicate a light to their loved ones, with messages ranging from welcoming new-born babies to saluting dearly-missed grandparents.

The Christmas tree will remain lit from dusk to late at night until January 2024. For full information see website.

Photo Albero di Natale più Grande del Mondo