Christmas trees light up around the world from Bethlehem to Vatican City

The Vatican's giant Christmas tree and nativity scene in St. Peter's Square were illuminated on Dec. 3.

This year's Christmas tree, which will be in place until Jan. 8, 2023, is a majestic white fir that comes from Rosello, a town in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Its lighting takes place as part of a tradition started by Pope John Paul II in 1982.