Christmas in Šiauliai will smell of pretzels and fir tree sap

In 2024 December 7 The festive season will officially begin in Šiauliai, when the Christmas tree will be lit on Resurrection Square on the first Saturday of winter, the main focus of Christmas and New Year events. While cherishing traditions and aiming to create coziness, turning to authenticity and naturalness, this year a living green scarf will be decorated. It will be decorated with symbols that reveal the identity of Šiauliai and tell the history of the city. The month-long festive period will be enriched by various concerts, exhibitions, campaigns, education, traditional and completely new events and activities, which will be presented to Šiauliai residents and city guests by city institutions and organizations, providing opportunities to spend time meaningfully.
The organizer of Christmas and New Year's initiatives is Šiauliai City Municipality, the organizer is Šiauliai Culture Center.

This year, Šiauliai enters the Christmas period together with the main symbols of the City of the Sun. The bear, the bull, the duke's hat and the eye of providence are not only in the new festive image, but will also be displayed on the Christmas tree of Šiauliai city and in its vicinity: larger versions of these symbols will light up next to the tree, together with the symbol of the city's direction - the arrow. This aims to reveal the identity, rich history and heritage of the city of Šiauliai.

The Resurrection Square will be decorated with a live zalisakarė, next to it will shine small Christmas trees decorated with luminous garlands, which will complement the festive composition and create a cozy atmosphere for the residents of Šiauliai and the guests of the city. "The festive period should not become a race to see who will shine brighter. The people of Šiauliai choose tradition and simplicity when decorating a living Christmas tree. This is a sign that the most important thing is not exclusivity, but togetherness and coziness. A living fir tree is a symbol that reminds us of nature, sustainability and traditions that unite generations and Šiauliai people," says Artūras Visockas, Mayor of Šiauliai.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony - the most anticipated event of the winter holidays - will take place on December 7 this year. at 5 p.m. Resurrection Square. It includes the fairy tale "From Darkness to Light" (dir. Gildas Aleksa). A tale about the good deeds of people that bring light even in the darkest everyday life. The event will be attended by actors Arnoldas Jalianiauskas, Milda Naudžiūnaitė, groups of the Šiauliai Cultural Center and the most beloved character of the holiday season - Santa Claus.

The evening will be continued by Rokas Yan, one of the most listened-to singers and music creators of the country's young generation, who is shaking the music sky ever louder. At the concert, cozy and warming songs of the artist will be played live, which will strengthen the anticipation of the coming big holidays of the year.

New initiatives are waiting for Šiauliai residents and guests of the city at the Christmas tree lighting festival. "Riestainaių gatvė" will be open near Resurrection Square from noon and throughout the festive evening. This name, given by the mayor of Šiauliai himself, perfectly reflects the spirit of the festive fair. Here, residents of Šiauliai and guests of the city will be able to enjoy freshly baked pretzels, gingerbread and other Christmas treats, and hot drinks. A "viewing wheel" and a children's carousel will rotate in the square near the municipality, and the "Christmas train" will delight in Resurrection Square. These entertainments, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city's main Christmas tree, will invite you not only to admire the winter scenery of Šiauliai, but also to share moments of coziness, peace and attention with your loved ones, to give each other the most precious thing - time together.

Traditionally, the Christmas post office will operate on Resurrection Square. Until December 15, all the little people from Šiauliai are invited to share their most secret letters of wishes and dreams with Santa Claus. Please note that Santa reads all letters, so be sure to include the correct address so that each child receives a reply from Santa.

As every year, the birth of baby Jesus and the sacredness of the holidays will be given meaning by a prequel. This year it will be placed in Resurrection Square. It is hoped that this composition will remind everyone of the biblical story, where one can see plaster figures of Mary, Joseph, shepherds and sheep.

December 19 6:30 p.m. A Christmas carol evening will be held in Resurrection Square. Šiauliai Culture Center's chamber choir "Atžalynas", led by Mindaugos Žalalis, will perform well-known Christmas carols. Everyone is invited to sing along with the choir - it's a great opportunity to be together, share joy and give meaning to festive anticipation.

December 31 11.30 p.m. New Year's parties will take place. Saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new - the year of the Green Wooden Snakes will be hosted by DJ David Less. The organizers point out that the heart of the city - Resurrection Square - is a place without fireworks, so residents and guests of the city are asked to be aware.

The festive events that started at the beginning of December will continue until Three Kings. Residents and guests of the city will have a great opportunity to spend their time actively, participating in various concerts, exhibitions, promotions and other events organized by city institutions. The entire program of events can be found on the websites of Šiauliai City Municipality (www.siauliai.lt) and Šiauliai Cultural Center (www.siauliukc.lt).

Informational sponsors of Christmas and New Year's events: Lithuanian National Radio and Television, "Miestos nauzienos", "Saulės Radijas", "Etaplius" media group, "Šiaulių krastas" daily newspaper, IĮ "Owexx".

The information is provided by Edita Smindriūnaitė, Deputy Head of the Event Organization Department of the Šiauliai Culture Center, mobile. +370 656 13 886, e-mail Mr. edita.smindriunaite@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Rolandas Parafinavičius, Liubov Yarmoshenko, Adamas Kaikaris.