Sofia Gears Up for a Festive Christmas Season
Bulgaria’s capital city is getting ready to sparkle and shine for the holiday season, with a series of celebratory events kicking off this weekend.
The festivities start on Saturday, November 25th, with a festive workshop for crafting ornaments. Children will have the opportunity to create their own decorations alongside celebrities, adding a touch of homemade charm to the city’s holiday décor. This same day marks the beginning of Coca-Cola’s annual truck tour across the country, spreading Christmas cheer throughout Bulgaria.
On Sunday, December 1st, the city will embrace the spirit of giving. "Let’s Decorate the Christmas Tree Together" initiative returns for its fourth year, uniting children from Sofia, Pernik, and Elin Pelin. These children will have the chance to write their wishes and place them in a special box beneath the decorated tree. This heartwarming event is a collaboration between Widows Sons & Masonic Riders Grand Chapter Bulgaria, the Sofia Municipality, and the support of several foundations, including Fondation “Charity and Mercy,” Foundation “Bulgarian Mothers’ Movement,” and PULS Foundation.
Following the tree decorating, at noon, a special six-meter Christmas tree created by children from 199 kindergartens and social services will be unveiled in front of the National Palace of Culture. This tree, adorned with ornaments made by children, symbolizes the unity of the community and the power of children’s creativity. The participating children and Deputy Mayor Nadezhda Bacheva will be present at the unveiling.
As dusk settles on Sunday evening, the city’s main square, "Sveta Nedelya", will transform into a winter wonderland. At 7:25 pm, a concert featuring singer Orlin Pavlov and children’s choirs will fill the air with festive melodies. The moment everyone awaits will arrive at 7:00 pm, when Mayor Vasil Terziev will officially light the magnificent 15-meter Christmas tree standing tall before the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
"This Christmas, Sofia will shine with its festive decoration on over 50 locations. Streets, squares, and parks will be transformed in the spirit of Christmas," wrote Terziev in a recent Facebook post.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, themed photo zones will be set up in front of Lado Art Center and the National Theatre. Meanwhile, Christmas markets will sprout up in prominent locations like the National Palace of Culture (NDK), the City Garden by the National Theater, and various neighborhoods throughout the city.
Decorated trams will add to the holiday spirit as Sofia lights up for the season.
The festive cheer extends beyond the city center. For residents and visitors of the "Little Five" neighborhood, December 1st will be a day dedicated to celebration and community spirit. From 11 am to 10 pm, the annual "Christmas Day for the Little Five" festival will bring together families, local businesses, and good cheer.
"This festive is inspired by Christmas symbols, charity, community, small businesses, and the remarkable people of the ‘Little Five,’" organizers say.
In preparation for the festival, streets in the "Little Five" neighborhood will face temporary traffic restrictions, including banned parking and road closures from the evening of November 30th through December 1st.
2024-12-01 02:30:00
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## Sofia Sparkle & Shine: An interview with Festive Season Expert
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive:**
**Sofia’s streets are already beginning to twinkle, and it seems everyone’s abuzz with excitement for the upcoming Christmas season. To get an insider’s perspective on what makes Sofia’s holiday celebrations unique, we sat down with Elena Ivanova, a local historian and traditions expert.**
**WTN:** Elena, thank you for joining us. Sofia is known for its vibrant cultural scene. How is that reflected in the city’s approach to Christmas?
**Elena Ivanova:** Absolutely.Sofia’s Christmas celebrations are a stunning blend of ancient traditions and modern festivity. You’ll see conventional crafts like **kukeri** masks and **martinitsa** charms interwoven with dazzling lights and contemporary music. It’s this unique fusion that creates such a special atmosphere.
**WTN:** The city seems to kick off the festivities early this year, with events starting as early as November 25th.
**Elena:** Indeed! This year, the celebrations are starting with a bang, with a fantastic workshop for crafting ornaments on the 25th. It’s a brilliant way to involve children and families right from the get-go.
**WTN:** We’ve also heard about Coca-cola’s iconic truck tour making a stop in Sofia. Can you tell us more about that?
**Elena Ivanova:** It’s become a cherished tradition for Bulgarians.The arrival of the coca-Cola truck marks the official start of Christmas for many, and seeing it roll into town always brings a wave of excitement. It’s not just about the soft drink; it symbolizes the shared joy and festive spirit that surrounds the season.
**WTN:** On December 1st, Sofia will host the “Let’s Decorate the Christmas Tree Together” event. What can locals and visitors expect from this event?
**Elena Ivanova:** This event is a highlight of the season, bringing people together to adorn our city’s magnificent Christmas tree. It’s a truly communal experience packed with music, carol singing, and tasty traditional treats. It embodies the warmth and generosity that define Sofia’s holiday spirit.
**WTN:** what advice would you give to someone experiencing Sofia’s Christmas celebrations for the first time?
**Elena Ivanova:** Be prepared to be enchanted! Immerse yourself in the warmth of the city, savor the delicious traditional foods, and lose yourself in the magic of Sofia’s festive spirit. And don’t forget to try a cup of “kobotka” – a sweet,spiced wine that’s a must-have during the holidays.
**WTN:** Elena, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
