Italy gets ready to light up world’s largest Xmas tree on 7 December

And in case you can’t make it to the town of Gubbio in person, there will be a live stream online

The town of Gubbio, in central Italy, is ready to once again light up its major attraction – the world’s largest Christmas tree. The event will take place on 7 December, at 18:00 (CET), but in case you can’t be there, you can still follow it live on its Facebook page.

Reportedly, this will be the 42^nd ceremony of the Guinness-approved event, but in case you’re expecting to see a massive sequoia decorated with garlands and balls, you should readjust your idea of a Tannenbaum.

Il Albero di Natale più grande del Mondo, or the World’s Largest Christmas Tree, is actually a large lights installation that takes over the face of Monte Ingino, the hill towering over Gubbio.

A holiday sight to behold

Topped with a giant star, the tree representation measures 750m in height. There are 8.5 kilometres 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, San Ubaldo, at the peak of the mountain. The whole set when lit is visible some 50 kilometres away!

Each of the tree's lights has been 'adopted' by locals (for a cost of 10 euros) who dedicate a light to their loved ones, with messages ranging from welcoming newborn babies to saluting dearly-missed grandparents.

Every year, the star at the top of Monte sulla Rocca is also reserved for a special message decided by the organizers. This year, it is dedicated to the populations of Umbria and Marche regions affected by the mid-September floods.