Photo credit: Armenian Government
Every December, Yerevan transforms into a winter wonderland as the festive season approaches. The city comes alive with Christmas decorations, starting in the first week of December. This creates a magical Yerevan Christmas mood that enchants both locals and tourists.
Republic Square
Photo credit: Yerevan Municipality
The highlight of the season is the grand lighting of the Christmas tree at Republic Square. The festive event took place on December 8 this year.
Streets, parks, and public spaces are filled with twinkling lights and festive decor, making Yerevan an unforgettable destination to experience the holiday spirit.
Skating Rink
Another important venue is Swan Lake which opens near the Opera House in the heart of Yerevan. The skating rinks usually start operating in December. The students from the Yerevan Figure Skating and Hockey Sports School marked the opening of the rink.
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets have become an addition to Yerevan’s festive celebrations. The markets bring a touch of European charm to the Armenian capital. While not a traditional custom, these markets have quickly gained popularity.
Near Republic Square, visitors can explore stalls filled with local goods, delicious food options, and warm drinks.
Another favorite is the Seasons Park Market, known for its elegant and creative decorations. This year, the market has expanded, welcoming even more visitors to enjoy its cozy atmosphere and festive treats.
History of Christmas Decorations
Christmas decorations have a long and fascinating history. Early on, people used greenery like holly, ivy, and mistletoe during winter solstice celebrations, believing they brought good luck and warded off evil spirits.
The Christmas tree, a central decoration today, dates back to 16th-century Germany. Devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them with fruits, nuts, and candles. This spread across Europe and reached America in the 19th century, thanks to German immigrants. Over time, trees were adorned with glass ornaments, tinsel, and electric lights, making them more vibrant and festive.
In Victorian England, Christmas decorations became more elaborate. Cards, paper decorations, and wreaths were added. By the 20th century, cities and towns worldwide began decorating streets and public squares with lights.
Street Decorations in Yerevan
The first official Christmas tree in Yerevan was set up in 1937, marking a significant moment for the New Year celebrations. However, there were times when such traditions faced challenges. During the early Soviet period, Christmas trees were banned as they were seen as a symbol of bourgeois culture. Even the New Year itself was dismissed for a while as a relic of the past. Gradually the Soviet authorities decided to restore the tradition.
Finding a Christmas tree in the 1930s to 1950s was no easy task. People decorated their homes with natural trees grown in specific areas and sold in limited numbers. Thanks to the growing chemical industry, things changed in the 1960s with the rise of artificial trees. While early synthetic trees were far from attractive, they offered convenience, freeing people from the yearly hassle of finding a fresh one.
Armenia’s connection to trees goes deeper than Christmas. The Tree of Life, symbolizing eternity, has been a cultural icon since the times of the Urartu Kingdom.
