As the last month of the year begins, Christmas decorations light up the centre of Liepāja and its neighbourhoods, bringing both locals and visitors joy. This year, new decorations have been added to the existing holiday displays, highlighting the magical season and showcasing the creativity of the city and its people.
The centrepiece of the city, the large Christmas tree in Square of Roses, has been given a fresh look. Its top features a magician’s hat, and the tree itself is adorned with sparkling brushstrokes, symbolizing artistic magic.
This is just one of many new visual designs seen in the city’s holiday decorations. These decorations emphasize Liepāja’s cultural and artistic spirit while also marking the upcoming year when the city will celebrate its 400th anniversary.
A new festive touch has been added to the square opposite Liepāja University on Lielā Street. Here, a giant magician’s hat—similar to the one on the main Christmas tree—can be admired up close by dreamers, artists, creators, and doers of all ages. It is said that each visitor can make a wish near the hat, hoping it comes true in the coming year.
The Christmas season also brings back the cosy old tram, which no longer runs on the city’s streets daily due to the arrival of new low-floor trams. This vintage tram, now decorated with a magician’s hat, becomes part of the festive atmosphere. Its location can be tracked live through the “Liepāja City” public transport app.
Light installations are spread across the city, including in Kurzeme Square, Zivju Street, Tirgoņu Street, Kūrmājas Avenue roundabout, and on several bridges—Oskars Kalpaks Bridge, Tram Bridge, and the New Bridge. These lights also brighten areas near Liepāja Regional Hospital, residential buildings, and Kārlis Zāle Square, which features a “Path of Light.”
A beloved feature, the airplane installation, has been relocated closer to the popular children’s playground in Seaside Park.
As always, decorations are also placed in the square near the Liepāja Latvian Society House, where children can slide down a large ornament-shaped slide. Meanwhile, the Anna Market Square and Awakening Garden are lit up by a large Christmas tree adorned with festive symbols.
Main streets like Lielā, Brīvības, Ganību, Klaipēda, Zirņu, Mirdza Ķempe, and Jūras are also decorated to bring more light during the dark season.
In Square of Roses, a large Advent wreath made of natural fir branches is displayed again this year. It features Advent candles and a small bridge that crosses the wreath. Closer to Christmas Eve, a nativity scene will light up Kurzeme Square.
Liepāja’s churches also contribute to the festive atmosphere. The largest church—St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Luther’s Church, Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. Annes Church, and St. Paul’s Parish—are illuminated with a Bethlehem Star, spreading hope and light even in challenging times.
The decorations light up in the evening and turn off with the city’s streetlights in the morning. However, the main decorations in Square of Roses remain lit throughout the day. The displays will be up until the end of January.
Everyone is encouraged to create their walking route through Liepāja to enjoy the beautifully decorated city and share a bright and cheerful mood with their families.
The city’s decorations are organized by the Liepāja Construction Board. Following a public procurement process, Liepāja Municipality signed a two-year contract with the company “First Service,” which won the bid to create and implement the city’s Christmas decoration concept for 2024 and 2025. Next year, even more new decorations are planned, including in new locations, with about 30% of the current decorations set to be replaced.