On Saturday evening, Klaipėda lit up its unique rotating Christmas tree with colorful lights and graceful spins. Continuing a nine-year tradition of a living tree, a natural 11-meter-tall Christmas tree adorned with thousands of colorful lights was unveiled, reminiscent of the famous Rockefeller Center. Alongside the tree, a distinctive ice rink illuminated by a giant full moon was also inaugurated. During the lighting event, a surprise musical performance was revealed – one of Lithuania’s brightest artists, Andrius Mamontovas, graced the stage.
In addition to the tree, three symbolic lighthouses and all the installations of the festive route came to life, inviting visitors to explore Klaipėda’s winter charm.
“Dear Klaipėda residents and guests, it is wonderful to see you gathered here in the heart of Klaipėda. Thank you for being here and helping us light the Klaipėda Christmas tree, which this year will be exceptional – a rotating tree. Klaipėda is the city of lighthouses, guiding sailors with hope and direction. We, too, can be a light and warmth to one another, providing hope to those who need it most. I wish you all a wonderful mood, and a surprise of the evening awaits. Love in your hearts and warmth in your homes. Happy holidays!” wished Klaipėda’s mayor, Arvydas Vaitkus.
True to Christmas traditions, Klaipėda continues to amaze with its refined interpretations. This year, Lithuania’s sole port city lit a unique rotating tree decorated with four kilometers of colorful garlands. According to the organizers, Klaipėda Festivals, the tree’s deep branches were adorned with golden garlands for a special effect, followed by colorful lights.
The festive evening’s theme, “Klaipėda – the Christmas Lighthouse,” concluded the city’s celebration of the Year of Lighthouses. Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus kicked off the event by greeting the crowd. The first musical note came from Klaipėda’s Jeronimas Kačinskas Music School’s vocal ensemble “Vocalis,” led by Erlanda Tverijonienė, offering a heartfelt performance. Singer Paulina Paukštaitytė followed, enchanting the audience with her powerful voice and the song “If I Lived on the Moon.”
Klaipėda’s own Vilius Popendikis later performed “Šiurpuliukai,” followed by a duet with Paulina, presenting the classic “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Children from the figure skating club “Speigas” showcased their talents on the ice during the magical ceremony.
Popular Lithuanian artist Justinas Jarutis energized the audience with his charisma and well-loved songs, leading up to the grand surprise of the evening. Musical greetings from notable Klaipėda personalities filled the screen, including Olympian rower Viktorija Senkutė, actor Giedrius Savickas, and traveler Aurimas Mockus, before Andrius Mamontovas stunned the audience with a live performance of “Viršūnė.”
As the evening approached its peak, Santa Claus joined to lead the countdown, lighting Klaipėda’s Christmas tree. The celebration culminated with Justinas Jarutis’s song “Kalėdos ištinka” and a colorful fireworks display.
The ice rink, one of the most iconic symbols of classic Christmas festivities, shone under the full moon throughout December. After lighting the tree, opening the long-awaited ice rink, and receiving Santa’s greetings, the evening transformed into a “Towards Christmas!” disco in Theatre Square with DJ Montello.