Known as the largest Christmas tree in the world, the one in Gubbio is a true installation featuring over 500 lights.
Entered into the Guinness World Records in 1991, the Gubbio Christmas Tree stretches 650 meters along Mount Igino, from its slopes to the summit. Shaped in green light, it is topped by a truly large star covering 1000 sqm. Every year, the “alberaioli,” volunteers who properly set up all the electrical cables and lights, prepare this extraordinary installation to illuminate Christmas for the people of Gubbio and the thousands of tourists who arrive annually to witness the lighting of the Gubbio Christmas Tree.
The event is eagerly awaited and, as a deeply rooted tradition, always happens on the same day: December 7th, the eve of the Immaculate Conception. A personality, chosen each year, is honored with pressing the button that at 7 PM triggers the dazzling illumination of the Christmas Tree.
The striking view, visible from kilometers away, is very powerful but Gubbio is not only renowned as the town of the world’s largest Christmas tree but also for its nativity scenes, another art form of the people of Gubbio and above all a tangible sign of devotion to Saint Francis. Indeed, the Saint took refuge in Gubbio where he performed several miracles and tamed a wolf.
The nativity scene in the San Martino district is very special, as it consists of life-sized statues placed along various streets in this part of Gubbio; there is also the permanent nativity scene at the Church of Saint Augustine.
Far from being just a Christian symbol, the Gubbio Christmas Tree should also be seen as an emblem of peace and a meeting point for anyone wishing to discover Gubbio and its joyful traditions.
