Towns across Cyprus have begun the Christmas period with many public celebrations, turning city centres into lively places full of holiday spirit. From lighting large Christmas trees to starting new street festivals, local governments have planned a variety of events. These aim to bring people together and attract tourists. The coordinated activities, from the capital Nicosia to coastal cities like Larnaca and Limassol, show a clear effort to make good use of public spaces and help local businesses during this busy season.
The celebrations started in Nicosia on November 23rd, where the mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, led the main tree-lighting ceremony. Soon after, other towns followed. Paphos lit its tree in Kennedy Square the next Friday, while Larnaca and Limassol held their big events the following Saturday. Large crowds gathered at Europe Square in Larnaca and on Anexartisias Avenue in Limassol. These opening events often included music from popular artists, setting a joyful mood for the weeks of festivities to come.
Beyond these first ceremonies, towns are offering more detailed experiences. A key new event is the first Christmas street festival in the historic Old Strovolos area of Nicosia, planned for December 6th and 7th. The street will become a walking area with craft markets, local food, and live music. There will also be a special community art project where visitors can help create a large ceramic pot, making a shared memory of the season. Separately, Nicosia has announced a plan to close a central part of Makarios Avenue to cars on weekends in December 2025, allowing for parades, concerts, and drone shows.
The idea behind these projects is about more than just fun. As Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis explained, the real meaning of the season is found in "humanity, solidarity and the joy of giving." To reflect this, towns are working with charity groups to include a spirit of giving in the celebrations. Nicosia's mayor also shared a similar vision, hoping to fill the holidays with "joy and creativity" to bring energy to older neighbourhoods and help the local economy.
The large number of people attending these events shows a clear public interest. Future plans, like the road closures in central Nicosia, suggest a longer-term strategy to sometimes put community and culture before cars. If successful, this year's new events, especially the Old Strovolos festival, could become a model for future Christmas celebrations in Cyprus.