Tbilisi’s main Christmas tree lit up in festive ceremony

The main Christmas tree of Tbilisi was on Friday ceremonially illuminated tonight at First Republic Square, officially ushering in the New Year and Christmas festivities in the capital. Simultaneously, all districts of the capital were lit up with New Year's illuminations.

The tree-lighting ceremony, which featured a spectacular theatrical musical performance, was attended by the Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze, alongside Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili.

The Mayor addressed the gathered public, extending his well wishes for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays and expressing his hope for peace.

“The anticipation of the New Year fills our beautiful capital with kindness. Today, the main Christmas tree is lit, and the 'New Year Village' opens, which is always associated with special memories and emotions. I am confident that our capital will be exceptional this year too”, the Mayor said.

He emphasised that peace remained the most important wish for the nation.

“When the Christmas tree is lit, people always make wishes. Naturally, there are many wishes, but there is one special one: peace, because peace brings kindness, development, progress, and prosperity. May peace prevail throughout Georgia and the world, and may our beautiful Tbilisi and Georgia be filled with kindness. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance. I congratulate you on the beginning of the New Year season”, Kaladze concluded.