The digital Christmas tree overlooking Venice's famous St Mark's Square might not please traditionalists, but artist Fabrizio Plessi is confident his design will light up Venetians' Yuletide.

Plessi was commissioned to create two works in the square to help provide some festive cheer after the most difficult year in the city's recent history.

A spring lockdown instigated after Italy's high prevalence of COVID-19 decimated tourist numbers in a city famous for romantic holidays.

Constructed in the shape of a traditional spruce tree, the installation consists of large rectangular screens that project golden lights resembling waterfalls. The screens flood the area with warm light at night, as they reflect off the paving stones. 

His second work, entitled The Golden Age, consists of similar screens installed between the windows of the Museo Correr.

Eighty-year-old Plessi said he hopes to brighten the lives of locals and visitors alike, although tourist numbers remain well below normal. 

"My purpose is to light up this town, which needs light, which needs culture, which needs new emotions," he said. 

As part of a conscious decision to illuminate Venice's major attractions, the Rialto Bridge across the Grand Canal has also been nocturnally transformed by digital lights.