With a dazzling celebration, the Municipality of Rethymno welcomes the Christmas and New Year season, inviting young and old to enjoy the most magical days of the year! 

The city and its Christmas tree will be lit on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Unknown Soldier’s Square. The event will be hosted by Mr. Nikos Mavros.

“Lights, music, songs and festive happenings will fill the city,” says Deputy Mayor of Culture, Manos Tsakonas, who with his team has prepared a rich programme of events.

The celebration begins with the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra of Rethymno, creating a warm atmosphere. The event continues with the Children’s Choir of the Municipal Conservatory, highlighting the city’s high standard in music education.

At the square, visitors will enjoy the magical performance:
“The Adventures of the Elf from the North Pole” – a Christmas circus show with magic tricks, tightrope walking, stilt walkers, juggling and many surprises!

The Team14 dance-theatre group and UBA LUBA will help light the Christmas tree. The ceremony will peak with a spectacular fireworks show, using silent visual fireworks to avoid distressing the animals of the city.

The evening concludes with a live concert by Sofia Manousaki!
Described by Mikis Theodorakis as a "revelation of magnitude", she comes to Rethymno with a brilliant band, full of energy and sparkle, and a broad repertoire of beloved Greek and international songs.

Including:
"Agios Erotas", "O Aggelos mou", "Se echo eroteutei", "I don't wanna miss a thing" (covered with official permission from Aerosmith), "Den eisai edo", and tracks from her latest album “Music Box Sessions”.

The acclaimed performer, holder of three gold records, has collaborated with artists like Alkistis Protopsalti, Stefanos Korkolis, Maria Farantouri, Mario Frangoulis, Panos Mouzourakis, Giannis Spanos, Mimis Plessas, Giorgos Chatzinasios. She will present a show full of passion, truth, and musical expression.