Celleno, the small village in the province of Viterbo, one hour’s drive north of Rome, presents a spectacular Christmas installation: a Christmas tree made of 300 meters of light and 2 km of illuminations that brighten the Tuscia region.
Celleno, the small village in the province of Viterbo known for its evocative “ghost town,” is lighting up Christmas with an unprecedented initiative. On Sunday, December 7, the largest illuminated Christmas tree in the province was switched on — a spectacular installation stretching over 300 meters and reshaping the landscape with more than 2 kilometers of lights that dominate the valley below.
The monumental artwork, known as ( “Il Gigante Incantato”) “The Enchanted Giant”, was designed to be visible from great distances and offers, during evening hours, a breathtaking display observable from various panoramic viewpoints, transforming the surrounding area into a true fairytale setting. “The Enchanted Giant” will be visible until January 6, 2026. The lighting ceremony took place in the presence of Celleno’s mayor, Luca Beraldo, and regional councilor Daniele Sabatini.
Celleno — also known as “the ghost village” and listed by The Telegraph among the 25 most beautiful towns lost to time in Italy — is located just 90 minutes by car from Rome.
“This initiative,” says Mayor Luca Beraldo, “was born from the desire to celebrate the Holy Christmas season and to keep alive the bond with our origins. We want to offer the community a moment to rediscover the authentic meaning of the holidays, intertwining our history with an initiative that enhances the beauty of our territory. The village will become a vibrant place where memory and innovation meet in harmonious balance.”
The early lighting of the great illuminated tree — scheduled ahead of the Immaculate Conception weekend — marks the beginning of a rich calendar of events. “This celebration,” Beraldo continues, “is not merely a Christmas event: it is a project aimed at highlighting Celleno’s cultural and landscape heritage, strengthening its role as a key cultural and tourist destination within the Tuscia region. We want to create an experience that blends authenticity, emotion, and participation.”
Throughout the festive period, the village will come alive with artisan markets, musical performances, live shows, tastings of local products, and activities for children — an array of events designed to create a warm and engaging atmosphere.
The Enchanted Giant will continue to shine every evening until January 6, 2026, becoming the luminous symbol of a village choosing to tell its story through light, history, and community spirit.
“With this event,” the mayor concludes, “we want to emphasize the importance of caring for our villages and turning them into places capable of attracting and inspiring. At a time when many small towns risk falling into oblivion, Celleno demonstrates that combining tradition and innovation can create new energy. The Enchanted Giant is a message of hope — an invitation to believe in the value of our roots and in the future of the Tuscia region.”
