The Games Tree illuminates Piazza Duomo

The magic of sport lights the first Christmas tree dedicated to the next Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy.

The Winter Olympics and Paralympics light up Christmas in Milan. The Milano Cortina 2026 Games Tree was lit in Piazza Duomo during the traditional ceremony that symbolically inaugurates the beginning of the Christmas period in the Milanese capital.    

The tree-lighting ceremony of the Games was made possible thanks to the support and involvement of Esselunga, Partner of the Organising Committee of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala, the President of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana, the President of the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 Giovanni Malagò, the Executive President of Esselunga, Marina Caprotti, and the CEO of the Organising Committee, Andrea Varnier.

The magic of sport is lit

"We are grateful to the Municipality of Milan for choosing Milano Cortina 2026 to create the Tree in Piazza del Duomo," said the President of the Foundation, Giovanni Malagò, on the sidelines of the ceremony. "This year one of the most important events for the Milanese is coloured by sport, taking on an even more transversal value. For the first time, the iconic Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo, one of the most significant and magical images of the city of Milan in this period, lights up with the values of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Christmas period together, reminding us of the advent of an extraordinary opportunity for Italy and for the areas that will host the Games".
 

Homage to the Italian history of the Winter Games

The Tree of the Games of Milan Cortina 2026 is a majestic Nordmann fir tree from the nearby Province of Varese. It is 28 metres high and is decorated with the 221 gold, silver and bronze medals won by Italy at the Winter Olympics and Paralympics from 1948 to today. There are also 300 silver and red Christmas balls. To illuminate everything are about 100 thousand amber micro-LED lights. At the top, a snowflake. The tree is therefore a celebration of the successes of Italian athletes in winter sports and, at the same time, a homage to the city that wanted the Games and will host them.

Magic is coming!

With the elegance and beauty of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games Tree, Milan celebrates the magic of Christmas, reminding all Milanese citizens that in just over two years they will be experiencing the Winter Olympics and Paralympics at home.
Magic is coming!