Sofia welcomed the holiday season on Tuesday evening with the official lighting of its Christmas tree, transforming the square in front of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral into a vibrant spectacle of color, music, and community spirit.
The event, attended by hundreds of residents and visitors, marked the traditional beginning of Christmas festivities in the Bulgarian capital. Mayor Vasil Terziev presided over the ceremony, stepping onto the illuminated stage just moments before the tree burst into light.
Standing against the majestic backdrop of the cathedral, Terziev spoke warmly about the meaning of the season, noting that “however many lights we put in the city, they will never match the light we carry in our hearts.”
His message of kindness and unity resonated with the gathered crowd as the city officially embraced the holiday atmosphere.
This year’s Christmas tree shines brighter than ever, adorned with more than 1,300 ornaments ranging from white and red figurines to festive flowers. The decorations are complemented by over 20,000 lights, creating a striking visual display that adds warmth and brilliance to the cathedral square.
Children from Sofia’s Temporary Accommodation Centers joined the mayor onstage to help switch on the lights, adding a touching and symbolic moment to the festivities. The evening’s celebration began at 6:00 p.m., launching a rich program of musical and artistic performances.
The choir of the Sofia Theological Seminary “St. John of Rila,” under the direction of conductor Nikolay Georgiev, opened the cultural portion of the event with traditional arrangements that echoed beautifully across the square. Their performance set a reverent and festive tone for the night.
Popular Bulgarian artists Poli Genova and Orlin Pavlov later took the stage, energizing the crowd with holiday classics and contemporary hits. Their presence added a modern and cheerful flair to the ceremony, especially among younger audience members who sang along enthusiastically.
The children’s vocal ensemble “Smehorancheta,” led by Galina Kodzhamanova, also performed, delighting families with spirited renditions of beloved seasonal songs.
Adding to the musical diversity, the Combo Ensemble of the National Academy of Music “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov,” conducted by Mihail Yosifov, delivered soulful instrumental pieces accompanied by soloists Monika Velcheva and Daria Boeva.
This blend of young and established talent created a dynamic program that celebrated Bulgaria’s cultural richness and musical heritage. Actress Ventsislava Asenova served as the evening’s host, guiding the festivities with warmth and charm.
In keeping with tradition, a special Christmas mailbox has been placed near the tree, inviting children to send their letters to Santa Claus. The bright red mailbox quickly became a point of excitement, with dozens of children rushing to drop off their carefully written messages and wish lists.
This year marks the first time Sofia has expanded its holiday decorations beyond the central areas, adding festive lighting to major streets and boulevards including Maria Luiza, Rakovska, Vasil Levski, Patriarch Evtimiy, Graf Ignatiev, and Stamboliyski.
The addition has transformed the city’s broader landscape, creating extended corridors of glowing lights that enhance the overall festive experience.
Residents strolling through the city can now enjoy an expanded array of displays, from glittering street ornaments to themed holiday installations. Parks and pedestrian zones have also been decorated, strengthening the sense of communal celebration and inviting both locals and visitors to explore Sofia’s seasonal beauty.
As the tree lighting ceremony concluded, the festive spirit continued to spread across the square. Families lingered to take photographs in front of the illuminated tree, children played under the falling artificial snow, and music echoed through the cathedral’s open plaza.
The event not only celebrated the arrival of the holiday season but also emphasized Sofia’s commitment to creating inclusive and memorable experiences for all its residents.
With its dazzling tree, enhanced decorations, and community-focused festivities, Sofia has officially embraced the warmth and joy of Christmas, setting the tone for a vibrant and cheerful holiday season throughout the capital.