Gubbio è Natale: the markets with the largest Christmas tree in the world

Christmas is about to knock on the doors of all Italians, and Gubbio is already ready to answer.
This romantic city, located in the heart of Italy at the foot of Mount Ingino, hosts a Guinness World Record Christmas tree: it is the largest in the world!
It will serve as the backdrop for the Christmas Markets that will enliven the city during the holidays. Let’s discover together the surprises Gubbio has in store!

Christmas Markets of Gubbio

With the initiative "Gubbio is Christmas," the city wraps itself in a festive atmosphere from November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, with numerous activities planned.
Among them, the Christmas Markets in Piazza Quaranta Martiri are a must, where music, colors, and lights create a unique festive mood.
In the wooden stands, you can taste many local delicacies and, why not, do some shopping: handcrafted creations and Christmas decorations are always great gift ideas!

In the Market area, there is also space for children, who can enjoy the Enchanted Carousel. It is also accessible to people with disabilities.

Gubbio Express Christmas

Also in Piazza Quaranta Martiri, you will find the stop for the Gubbio Express Christmas. This tourist train takes you around the city on a 7-kilometer route with 62 points of interest. Take this opportunity to discover Gubbio’s millennia-old history!

The Christmas Tree of Gubbio

Since 1981, a group of volunteers has built a gigantic Christmas tree every year, which has entered the Guinness World Records: as mentioned, it is the largest Christmas tree in the world.
The tree is made up of hundreds of lights arranged along the slopes of Mount Ingino, totaling over 7,500 meters of electrical cables. Its base is 450 meters long, while its height exceeds 750 meters.
At the top of the tree sits a star made of 200 lights, covering an area of over 1,000 square meters. These features allow the tree to illuminate the medieval city skyline all the way to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, Patron Saint of Gubbio.

This tree was created as a symbol of devotion to the Patron Saint, but it is also an expression of hope, peace, and solidarity.
It is lit every year on December 7, the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and remains illuminated from dusk until late at night every day until January 6.
The lighting of this tree is a public event, and each year a notable figure or institution is invited to light it: this year it was the turn of the Amerigo Vespucci.

The Great North Pole Wheel

If you want to enjoy Gubbio’s Christmas tree even more, you can take advantage of the Great North Pole Wheel to see it from above.
By climbing the Ferris wheel in Piazza Quaranta Martiri, you can gaze upon Gubbio’s skyline and be enchanted by the breathtaking view of the city, dominated by the majestic tree.

Nearby is another popular Christmas attraction: the ice skating rink.

The Colle Eletto Cable Car

Another way to admire the city’s panorama is the Colle Eletto Cable Car. In just 6 minutes, it takes you from the center of Gubbio to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo. Here lies the urn of the Patron Saint and the resting place of the Three Ceri.

ChristmasLand

Would you like to live in a fairy tale, even just for a few minutes?
Then get ready: at the Museum of Arts and Crafts, the ChristmasLand event returns this year, offering a multisensory journey to discover nativity scenes from around the world and Gubbio’s artistic treasures.
Thanks to virtual reality, you will have the chance to fly over the city of Gubbio aboard Santa Claus’s sleigh.
Children can also write a letter to Santa and meet him in his room.

The life-size Nativity scene

In the streets of the San Martino district, a life-size nativity scene is created for Christmas, taking you back to medieval Gubbio.
Starting from the Bargello Fountain, follow the Nativity Path, featuring 120 statues. Along this route, you will discover typical medieval trades and reach the stable where Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph await.

For more information, visit the official Gubbio è Natale website.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Christmas in all its glory!