Vatican unveils giant Christmas tree and nativity scene

Video. Vatican unveils giant Christmas tree and nativity scene

The Vatican officially unveiled a giant Christmas tree and a nativity scene made of sand at a ceremony celebrating the festive season on Friday. 

The Vatican officially unveiled a giant Christmas tree and a nativity scene made of sand at a ceremony celebrating the festive season on Friday. 

Crowds watched as the lights on the 21-metre-tall (68 feet) tree were turned on.

The annual nativity scene took on a new form this year. Joseph, Mary, Jesus and others were sculpted from 720 tons of sand.