The inauguration of the Christmas lights in the historic centre of the Azorean city, which took place on Friday night, is the first event on the Christmas agenda for that municipality on the island of São Miguel.

According to the city hall, this year, gardens, squares and the main streets of the city centre are once again illuminated with various decorative elements and ornamented trees, one of the highlights being the traditional Christmas tree installed on the south sidewalk of Avenida Infante D. Henrique, which is 15 meters high and seven meters in diameter.

The municipality emphasises, in a press release, that all of Ponta Delgada's Christmas decorative lighting uses LED technology, guaranteeing an average reduction of 90% in energy consumption compared to traditional lamps and contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.

The lighting will remain on until the end of the holiday, and it is expected to boost local commerce and attract visitors to the city.

The contract for the assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the lighting and sound equipment for Christmas 2025 in Ponta Delgada was awarded for €202,500.00, plus VAT at the legal rate of 16%, according to the tender procedure published on the municipality's official website.

The mayor, quoted in the press release, explained that this investment continues the municipality's strategy to "reduce tourist seasonality and establish Ponta Delgada as a Christmas and New Year's destination."

“We are taking an important step to enhance this festive season, meeting the aspirations of our merchants and contributing to Ponta Delgada fully experiencing the spirit of Christmas,” said Pedro Nascimento Cabral, who inaugurated the lighting.

According to the mayor, “being in the Top 5 of the most sought-after national destinations in winter demonstrates the potential of Ponta Delgada.”

“This is, therefore, a strategic investment: an investment in people, in our local commerce, in the hotel and restaurant industry. It is a commitment to wealth creation, to strengthening our identity as a benchmark destination and, above all, to improving the quality of life of those who live, work or visit us here,” he emphasized.