Rome moves Christmas tree to Piazza del Popolo.

Rome's Christmas tree, which this year moves to a new location in Piazza del Popolo, is to be illuminated on Friday 8 December at 18.00.

The Christmas tree leaves behind its traditional base in Piazza Venezia due to major works for the Metro C subway station, part of a €700 million project set to last about a decade.

The fir tree from Como in northern Italy will be illuminated, as per tradition, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a public holiday in Italy.

"Let's start a beautiful page of light and joy" - Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri stated - "It will be a period of beautiful and important celebrations for our entire city."

The Christmas lights along the central Via del Corso will be switched on at the same time.

The Vatican's Christmas tree and Nativity Scene in St Peter's Square will be illuminated on Saturday 9 December and will remain in place until 7 January.

Image: Testing the Christmas tree lights in Piazza del Popolo. Photo Amore X Roma Facebook.