What does a true Christian Christmas look like in the Vatican? A Christmas tree and traditions are a matter of course

Are you interested in what Christmas looks like in the Vatican, a state where all citizens are Christians?

Do they have a Christmas tree in the square?

Can you make it to the famous midnight mass?

See what you can find in the Vatican during the Christmas period.

Christmas traditions in the Vatican

Apart from being known to be the smallest country in the world, the Vatican largely attracts attention for its Christmas celebrations and holiday rituals. Well-lit markets, decorated Christmas trees, soothing Christmas carols, and lively masses, Christmas is a magical 21-day affair in the Vatican.

Each year, a different nativity scene is displayed in St. Peter’s Square, made by experienced artists. The nativity scene displays figurines and models representing Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, farm animals, angels, etc., which stage the birth of the Lord Jesus.

The Christmas season in the Vatican begins on December 8 (the Immaculate Conception) and ends on January 6.

A Christmas concert has been held in the Vatican every year since 1993. The event is held mainly for charitable purposes and is called Concerto di Natale and brings together internationally renowned musical artists.

Christmas tree in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica

The festive season officially begins with the unveiling of the Vatican Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square. This tree stands bright and lit in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.

This tradition was started by the then Pope John Paul II. in 1982 as a symbolic sign that Christ is evergreen.

Every year I donate Christmas trees to various EU countries including Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Ukraine, and Poland. The height of these trees varies from 25 to 30 meters. They are beautifully decorated with LED lights, ornaments, and other decorations.

Thematic nativity scenes in Saint Peter’s Square

During the Christmas season, a beautiful nativity scene is created in St. Peter’s Square, along with the Christmas tree, which is a popular attraction for tourists. The nativity scenes are donated by various countries and each year there is a new theme and design. The Vatican nativity scene for 2021 was gifted by Peru and featured 30 figurines crafted by artists from the Andean region of Peru.

In the nativity scene, Jesus was depicted wrapped in a “chumpi,” which is a type of woven belt. The Three Wise Men brought superfoods such as quinoa, kiwicha, cañihua, and potatoes. Additionally, the nativity scene included depictions of local Peruvian animals such as llamas, alpacas, vicunas, Andean flamingos, and others.

Who brings gifts to the Vatican and how is Christmas Day celebrated?

If you think that Santa brings gifts here for Christmas, you are wrong. As in the whole of Italy, La Befana, an old witch who flies on a broomstick, carries gifts in the Vatican.

It is said that good children are rewarded with sweets and if they are naughty, they get a lump of coal.

It will come as no surprise that families of Vatican employees fast before Christmas Eve dinner.

After fasting, on December 24, they can enjoy a rich dinner called Vigilia.

Fish and chips traditionally dominate the menu here, and it’s a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and make their dish.

Popular dishes include linguine pasta with tuna or anchovies or the delicious and crispy fritto misto alla Romana with vegetables such as zucchini, artichokes, broccoli, and especially fried cod (baccala).

This is followed by spaghetti with clams, roasted sea bass, and salmon.

Christmas mass in the Vatican

Christmas Eve Mass is traditionally held on December 24 in the Basilica of St. Petra, because of its huge capacity.

While you need a ticket for most other Masses with the Pope, tickets for the Christmas Eve Mass are always free. However, if you’re hoping to attend Christmas Eve Mass, also known as Midnight Mass or Natale del Signore, book your ticket early!

If you can’t get a ticket, don’t worry. Every year you can watch the Mass live from the big screens located in St. Peter’s Square. Arrive early to grab good seats.

If you don’t want to travel to the Vatican, you can also watch Midnight Mass online from the comfort of your home.

The Pope and his tasks during Christmas

The Pope has many duties and traditions during Christmas. One of them is the Christmas address, which the Pope gives every year to the whole of St. Peter’s Square from his balcony at noon on December 25.

This speech is called Urbi et Orbi, which translates as “to the city of Rome and the world”.

Since 1985, access to this papal address has been extended not only to people in the Vatican but to the whole world. This speech is broadcast worldwide in several languages.

Another of his duties is to give the benediction, which is usually given on Sundays and involves a short speech and a series of prayers. The blessing is planned to commemorate the mystery of the Incarnation and to pay tribute to Mary’s role in the history of salvation. The blessing is usually accompanied by the ringing of the Angelus bell, which serves as a call to prayer and to spread goodwill to all.

The Christmas season does not end in the Vatican until January 6. On this day, the Vatican celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany, which is based on the story of the three wise men (also known as kings or magi) who brought gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold to Jesus. In the Catholic Church, it is the 12th day of Christmas.

The Vatican will celebrate this day with a special mass and a parade of believers carrying symbolic gifts for the Pope.