XpatAthens

XpatAthens

If you’ve ever wondered what happened when ancient Greek women finally got a festival just for themselves, welcome to the Haloa, a celebration so shrouded in secrecy, gossip, and male imagination that historians are still trying to untangle facts from fantasy.

Held in Attica around the winter solstice, the Haloa honored Demeter, Dionysus, and, maybe, Poseidon. But unlike most Greek festivals, this one was strictly no men allowed. And that’s precisely where the mystery begins…

The Haloa was led entirely by women; no male priests, no hierophants, no patriarchal supervision. The first priestess presided over the rituals, which began with a bloodless offering to Demeter. After that, the tone shifted dramatically: an all-night feast, wine flowing freely, jokes that would make Aristophanes blush, and pastries shaped like… well, let’s say the ancient Greeks were not subtle about fertility symbolism.

But here’s the twist: almost everything we know about the Haloa comes from male authors who never attended. They relied on hearsay, imagination, or centuries-later commentary. So when they describe women shouting obscenities, waving giant phallic props, or being encouraged to pursue “illicit loves,” we have to ask: is this ethnography, or is it fantasy?

The Haloa was almost certainly a fertility festival. The symbolism is everywhere: fruits, grains, wine, sexual imagery, and even the burial of symbolic genitalia in the earth to “wake up” the soil for spring. But the more scandalous details (the wild dancing, the provocative songs, the supposed sexual license) may reflect male projections more than women’s actual behavior.

Modern scholars now suspect that the Haloa was less a debauched orgy and more a rare moment of communal joy, solidarity, and ritual empowerment for women. A space where they could breathe, joke, eat, drink, and reconnect with their bodies and each other, without the constant gaze of men. 

After all, Athenian women were politically marginalized, confined to the household, and excluded from most public life. A festival where they could speak freely, laugh loudly, and mock social norms must have seemed terrifying to some male writers. Cue centuries of exaggeration.

But because the sources are fragmentary, biased, or simply unreliable, the Haloa remains one of antiquity’s most tantalizing enigmas. A festival glimpsed through a fog of satire, moral panic, and wishful thinking.

And maybe that’s what makes the Haloa so captivating today. It’s a reminder that ancient women had their own rituals, their own humor, their own agency. The Haloa invites us to imagine a world where women gathered in winter to celebrate life, fertility, and each other, far from the constraints of the everyday.

A girls’ night out, yes! but one wrapped in mystery, myth, and the delicious possibility that the truth was far more complex (and far more human) than the ancient gossip suggests.

From sun‑kissed islands to mountain hideaways and everything in between, Greece is a playground for every kind of traveller. Every season, every mood, every personality finds its match here, whether you’re chasing adventure, craving pure relaxation, or dreaming of wandering through ancient ruins and legendary landscapes or secretly hoping for something a little… unconventional. And in the category of delightfully unconventional, today’s spotlight goes to the haunted village of Timboulis!

Are you a lover of eerie, quirky atmospheres? A compulsive collector with a soft spot for the bizarre? Then this wonderfully odd museum is calling your name!

Hidden in the Peloponnese, it can be rightfully considered one of the most surreal vilalges of Greece, and is the creation of Uli and Tibor, a couple who go by the whimsical nickname the Timboulis. They took an old café‑grocery store and transformed it into a fully functioning… dolls village.

These passionate collectors gathered and recycled everything they could, from valuable vintage treasures to objects destined for the trash, and used them to build an entire world for their plastic inhabitants. And the result is astonishing. The dolls look uncannily like real villagers: sitting under the pergola sipping coffee, spying on visitors from the balcony, going about their daily lives inside the house. A little creepy? Maybe. But also wildly creative and strangely inspiring. Giving a second life to discarded objects, mixing them into a chaotic yet meaningful universe, they’ve built a place that feels bizarre, charming, and unforgettable.

As you stroll through this curious open‑air museum, you’ll weave between old telephones, vintage televisions, cart wheels, faded photographs, even boats stacked in corners... Every inch of the place is packed with stories, so let your imagination run wild!

And just when you think you’ve seen it all… the dolls move. Haunted dolls? Not quite. But the scenes are regularly rearranged, giving the plastic villagers new lives, new poses, new stories. So no matter how many times you visit, you’ll never see the same scene twice (which is a chance because entrance is free!)!

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@artem1s_ale

Main image credit: @_athinadal


Join XpatAthens for a refreshing and relaxed hike on Mount Ymittos, one of Athens’ most beautiful natural escapes, just minutes from the city centre.
 
Hosted in collaboration with Nefeli Nine Retreats, this easy, scenic route - approximately 3.5 km - is suitable for all fitness levels, making it comfortable for those new to hiking as well as anyone simply craving a calm break in nature.

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday February 15th 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00

Hike Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15–30 minutes
📍 Starting Point: Google Maps link

Participation Contribution: €12
👉 How to Join: Please RSVP your full name and number of participants to info@xpatathens.com.

💡Space is limited to 15 people. This event is subject to favorable weather conditions.

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As we make our way along the trail, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over Athens, watching the city unfold beneath you. What makes this experience truly special is the sense of peace and connection to nature. You’ll feel a world away from the urban buzz, even though it’s right nearby. Fresh air, open skies, and tranquil surroundings create the perfect setting to slow down, reset, and enjoy the moment.
 
This hike is a wonderful opportunity to experience a quieter, more mindful side of Athens while staying close to home, and share time with good company.

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Optional Lunch Afterwards

For those who’d like to continue the experience, we’ll head to Plateia Kaisariani for lunch together. Recommended spots include Rakaki or To Koutouki tou Kallinikou, both perfect for a relaxed meal after the hike.

Come for the views, stay for the atmosphere ~ this experience is about enjoying a gentle adventure just outside the city!

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday February 15th 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00

Hike Duration: Approximately 1 hour 15–30 minutes
📍 Starting Point: Google Maps link

Participation Contribution: €12
👉 How to Join: Please RSVP your full name and number of participants to info@xpatathens.com.

💡Space is limited to 15 people. This event is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Thursday, 18 December 2025 14:22

3 Christmas Villages Around Athens

When December arrives, Athens doesn’t just decorate; it transforms. Across the wider metropolitan area, Christmas villages spring to life, each with its own personality, scale, and sense of wonder. From sprawling fantasy kingdoms to seaside spectacles and neighborhood traditions, these festive worlds are designed to immerse families in the magic of the season.

 

Santa Claus Kingdom – The Ultimate Christmas Universe

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Until 6 January | M.E.C. Peania (Paiania)

If Christmas had an official capital, it would be Santa Claus Kingdom. Housed inside the vast M.E.C. Peania conference center, this is Greece’s most ambitious and high-energy festive destination, a full-scale holiday realm built for wonder, movement, and nonstop excitement.

The space expands into an indoor Christmas universe filled with lights, themed zones, performances, games, and activities that keep children engaged for hours on end. Everything is bigger, brighter, and louder here, a place where imagination runs at full speed and the festive spirit never slows down. Ideal for families looking for a grand, all-in Christmas experience.

Book your tickets HERE!

Paradise Park – Wishes, Play & New Beginnings

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Until 6 January | Acharnes

Paradise Park in Acharnes offers a more immersive and thoughtfully structured holiday experience, designed especially for children. This year, the park is divided into two themed villages: the Christmas Village, centered on wishes and imagination, and the New Year’s Village, focused on hope and fresh starts.

Children participate in age-specific groups, guided by trained educators through creative, playful, and educational activities. Each visit lasts around three and a half hours, making it feel like a complete festive journey rather than a quick stop. It’s an ideal choice for families who value meaningful engagement alongside seasonal fun.

Book your tickets HERE!

Christmas by the Sea – Marina Flisvos Christmas Village

Until late December | Marina Flisvos

At Marina Flisvos, Christmas meets the waterfront,  and the result is pure cinematic charm. The marina transforms into a glittering holiday playground where twinkling lights reflect off the water and festive energy fills the air.

Expect trampolines that bounce sky-high, a miniature train winding through the village, nostalgic carousels, bumper cars, and a roller-skating zone that feels like a retro holiday dream. For younger visitors, the magic multiplies with face painting, Santa’s workshops, photo booths, the ever-mysterious Wishing Phone, and appearances by the beloved Fivos Mascot.

It’s playful, polished, and irresistibly joyful, a Christmas village designed to delight both children and the adults reliving the magic through them.

A City of Many Christmas Worlds

What makes Christmas in Athens special is its variety. Whether you’re drawn to large-scale fantasy kingdoms, creative festivities, magic lights, seaside spectacles, or neighborhood celebrations, there’s a festive village waiting to be explored.

Each one offers a different version of Christmas — but all share the same promise: lights in the eyes of children, moments of joy, and memories that linger long after the decorations come down.

So bundle up, follow the lights, and step into the Christmas world that feels most like yours. 



Athens welcomes the festive season with a rich calendar of events that blend tradition, creativity, and city-wide celebration. From lively Christmas markets and spectacular countdowns to intimate cultural experiences and family-friendly workshops, the capital transforms into a winter playground filled with light, sound, and seasonal charm.

Here’s a curated guide to the highlights you won’t want to miss:

The Heart Of The Festivities

Athens Christmas Market

20 December 2025 – 6 January 2026 | Kotzia Square

Kotzia Square once again becomes Athens’ main festive meeting point. Wooden chalets line the square with holiday treats, street food, gifts, and decorations, while a carousel and a free children’s area make it a favorite stop for families.

This year’s expanded edition brings daily live radio broadcasts, a fully programmed kids’ corner with creative workshops, and a continuous schedule of concerts and DJ sets on the main stage. Lively, accessible, and central, it’s the city’s most reliable festive hub for both locals and visitors.

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Big Nights & Citywide Celebrations

Night of Wishes

24 December 2025 | Kotzia Square

One of Athens’ most touching Christmas Eve traditions returns as biodegradable lanterns rise into the night sky, carrying the wishes of thousands gathered in the square. Radio station Athens 9.84 broadcasts live from the site starting at 17:00, creating a shared soundtrack for this quietly magical ritual.

Athens New Year’s Eve Celebration

31 December 2025 | Syntagma Square

The city’s official New Year’s Eve countdown takes place in front of the Parliament, with live performances, dancing crowds, and fireworks lighting up the Athenian sky. The evening opens with festive selections by the Athens Philharmonic Band, setting the tone for the capital’s largest public celebration.

Music & Innovation

AI Christmas Orchestra

21 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Various Neighborhoods

In a unique collaboration between OPANDA and the Athens Digital Arts Festival, musicians perform live alongside an AI system that responds in real time, creating ever-changing soundscapes and light visuals. Performances pop up in neighborhood squares including Kypseli, Thymarakia, Agios Dimitrios, Mesolongiou, and Sepolia, bringing experimental holiday music into everyday city life.

Culture & Quiet Festive Escapes

Carols – Embroidered Songs of Christmas

Until 11 January 2026 | Museum of Folk Art & Tradition ‘Angeliki Hatzimichali’

A beautifully atmospheric exhibition in Plaka that explores Christmas and New Year carols from Greece, Southern Italy, and Cyprus, told through intricate embroidery. Ceramic and metal artworks produced by the city’s Clay Centre accompany the textiles, offering a reflective counterpoint to the city’s louder festivities.

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Dickens: The Christmas Writer

31 December 2025 | Municipal Library

A thoughtful literary session for adults focusing on Charles Dickens’ enduring Christmas legacy. Combining reading and writing elements, the event takes place on the final morning of the year—an ideal pause before the night’s celebrations begin.

Family Activities & Learning Through Play

Christmas Bubble Shows & Festive Parades

20, 21 & 28 December 2025 | Kotzia Square & Athens Book Space

Aerial performances, giant bubble displays, and whimsical parades fill the streets with color and movement. The beloved La Petite Marguerite troupe returns with fantasy characters and bubble parades, creating joyful, crowd-pleasing moments for all ages.

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Salt-Dough & Festive Boat Workshops

27 December 2025 | Athens Children’s Museum

Children aged 3–12 can drop in to create Christmas boats and holiday ornaments in hands-on workshops, held within the museum’s “Hello Pythagoras” exhibition space.

Astronomy Night

21 December 2025 | Parko Eleftherias (Athens Book Space)

A winter stargazing evening led by astronomers from the National Observatory. Participants can observe Saturn, the Moon, and other celestial highlights through telescopes, with guided explanations adding depth to the experience.




Athens is stepping into the festive season with a dynamic programme of open-air celebrations that culminate in one of the most exciting nights of the year. As part of the Municipality of Athens Festival, the city invites residents and visitors to experience a series of outdoor events that turn Athens itself into a living stage, full of music, movement, and holiday spirit.

On Saturday, December 20, neighborhoods across the capital, from Monastiraki and Victoria Square to Pangrati, Lambrini, Ermou, and Omonia, will come alive with ten different events unfolding simultaneously. From live bands and DJ-led street parties to jazz, classical music, dance happenings, and even wellness activities, the city encourages everyone to wander, celebrate, and rediscover Athens through sound and rhythm.

Dancing To Global Beats

Latin Christmas Party – Kerameikos (2:30 p.m.)
Salaminos Street transforms into a lively Latin-inspired celebration, complete with vibrant vinyl sets, street food aromas, and rhythms that evoke Rio, Havana, and beyond. A festive escape with a summery twist right in the heart of Athens.

Protogenous Street Festival (5 p.m.)
Protogenous Street becomes a creative hub filled with music, open shops, and a buzzing crowd. DJs kick off the festivities on December 20, while up-and-coming alternative bands take the stage the following evening, creating a two-night celebration of sound and local culture.

Lambrini Street Party (7 p.m.)
Electronic music takes over Lambrini as ENDEKA Athens hosts a high-energy event featuring some of the city’s most exciting DJs and producers. Lights, beats, and a lively crowd turn the northern neighborhood into a festive hotspot.

Calm & Wellness

Night Yoga – Rizari Park (7 p.m.)
For those seeking a slower pace, an evening yoga session beneath the trees of Rizari Park offers a peaceful pause from the holiday buzz. Open to all levels, this guided practice blends relaxation with the magic of a winter night outdoors.

Balkan Brass & Timeless Jazz

Agia Fanfara Parade (7:30 p.m.)
A 25-member ensemble of brass, woodwinds, and percussion fills the streets with Balkan-inspired rhythms, moving through Monastiraki and Avyssinia Square and inviting passersby to dance along.

A Christmas Piano Tale – Victoria Square (7:30 p.m.)
Solo pianist Melachrinos Velenzas demonstrates the storytelling power of the piano, weaving festive melodies into an intimate musical experience that captures the essence of the season.

Sinatra Reimagined – Pangrati (8 p.m.)
Classic Frank Sinatra songs receive a fresh jazz interpretation in Mesolongiou Square, with Dutch vocalist Alexandros Affolter joined by drummer Serafim Bello for a warm and soulful holiday performance.

Music, Dance, & Classical Flair 

Omonia Dance Takeover (8 p.m.)
The arcade of the Moxy Athens City Hotel turns into a vibrant dance floor, with well-known DJs and radio producers energising the city center through beats and movement.

The Storyville Ragtimers – Voukourestiou Street (9 p.m.)
Swing back in time to 1920s New Orleans as this ensemble revives early jazz traditions. Vintage sounds, lively rhythms, and nostalgic flair fill the pedestrian street with festive charm.

De Profundis Ensemble – Ermou Street (9 p.m.)
Classical music meets urban energy as De Profundis performs along Ermou, proving that timeless compositions can resonate just as powerfully in the open air as they do in concert halls.

These events form part of the initiative “Actions to Promote Tourism in the Municipality of Athens”, under the Attica 2021–2027 Programme, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, reinforcing Athens’ position as a vibrant holiday destination.

When we think of Greece, paradisiac islands and sizzling summers usually steal the spotlight. Winter? Hardly ever… and that’s a shame! Because beyond the beaches and fresh salads, Greece reveals a cozy, festive winter side that glitters just as brightly. 

Here’s a hand‑picked selection of charming places to spend the holiday season and discover Greece in a way you never imagined!


Nymfaio

NYMPHAIO

@alexiasarikaki

At just 57 km from Florina, Nymfaio is a mountain jewel protected as a traditional settlement since 1978 and even crowned by UNESCO as one of Europe’s most beautiful villages. From the late 17th century and for nearly three centuries, it glittered as one of the Balkans’ most important silversmithing centres (so don’t miss its Museum of Silversmithing, Folklore and History!). This prosperous past enabled the construction of its grand stone mansions; strolling through the cobbled streets, you’ll admire beautiful architecture such as the Boutaris residence or the Sossidis houses, charmingly linked by a stone bridge. The St. Nicholas church, first built in 1867, destroyed in 1947, and lovingly rebuilt, adds a touch of resilience to this fairytale setting.

Here, architecture is as practical as it is picturesque: stone walls topped with tin roofs designed to let heavy snow slide away safely. And when winter arrives, the whole village turns into a snowy wonderland from guesthouses offering cozy warmth.

Surrounded by forests and pastures, Nymfaio is a haven of calm, home to 141 bird species and 150 plant varieties. The famous Arcturos Bear Sanctuary, founded in 1992, spreads across 28 hectares of oak forest and shelters bears, wolves, shepherd dogs, wild goats, otters, deer, roe deer, jackals, and even lynxes : a true wildlife fairytale!

Lagadia

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@travelmaniaworld

Perched on the edge of a steep canyon, Lagadia is the proud homeland of master craftsmen and artisans who, for generations, perfected the art of stone and built houses, churches, and schools all across Greece. The village itself is a picture of tradition, with its upper neighborhood, Pano Geitonia, offering magnificent views and postcard‑perfect charm. The Folklore Museum keeps local heritage alive with stories of everyday life and artistry.

The surroundings are just as enchanting: explore adorable neighboring villages like Tropea, with its folklore and charming shops full of local handicrafts or Vytina and Stemnitsa, centers of craftsmanship and artisanal tradition. Loutra’s thermal springs, famous for their healing waters, invite you to slow down and soak in nature’s gifts. Hiking lovers will find plenty to enjoy here, from short loop trails and gentle walks to longer crossings, while, for ski enthusiasts, the nearby Mainalo ski resort adds a dash of winter adventure.

Trikala Corinth


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@lexidada

Just two hours from Athens (with a quick stop at the famous Corinth Canal on the way) Trikala welcomes you with clean air, good wine, and spring waters, the “three good things” from which it takes its name. These settlements, founded around the 10th century by Corinthians fleeing raiders, are tucked among firs, plane trees, and pines, with fountains and breathtaking views of both mountains and sea, especially from the highest quarter, Ano Trikala.

Modern comforts blend seamlessly with tradition: hotels, suites, wooden chalets, stone houses,and spa resorts recall the area’s past as a popular health retreat, once attracting patients for its thermal environment. And food lovers, take note: the local walnut pie is a must‑taste treat!

History buffs will love exploring Agios Nikolaos with its 10th‑century frescoes, Agios Dimitrios from 1697 with expressive paintings, the Monastery of Panagia or the fortified Notarades mansion, a striking example of Ottoman‑era architecture listed as a historic monument since 1962.

Adventurers and/or mythology enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy here: Mesaia Trikala is the starting point for countless hiking and mountaineering routes toward Megali Ziria, through the Flambouritsa Valley, even on horseback! Nearby Lake Doxa, an artificial lake nestled between the mountains of Ziria, Helmos, and Feneos, is often called the “Corinthian Switzerland,” with landscapes that echo the Alps when snow arrives. For winter fun, the Ziria Ski Center, opened in 2007 at 1,500 meters, offers gentle slopes perfect for beginners.

The mythology of Mount Kyllini adds another layer of magic: said to be the birthplace of Hermes and home to Hera and Hercules, it invites you to visit the Cave of Hermes on its eastern slope. With eight chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, reached by a dreamy downhill road, it feels like stepping straight into legend.

Metsovo

metsovo
@euampenou

On the northern slopes of the Pindus mountains, Metsovo is a picturesque mountain town where local traditions are still very much alive, and the perfect destination for food lovers: famous for its cheeses, it proudly offers the smoky AOP Metsovone, made mainly from cow’s milk, aged for three months and smoked with herbs for twelve days, as well as Metsovela, Graviera, Grana, Galotyri, and variety of other cheeses marinated in red wine and wild herbs. Wine lovers are equally spoiled: the family‑run Katogi Averoff estate, with vineyards at 1,050 meters, is among the highest in Greece. Its cellars hold 1,200 oak barrels and showcase both traditional and modern winemaking methods. Guided tours let you imagine daily life in an isolated mountain village of earlier times, with collections of icons, weapons, and everyday tools on display, plus a tasting room to savor the region’s best vintages.

Culture thrives here too. The Tossizza Folklore Museum houses traditional costumes, embroidery, weapons, and objects from 1650–1850. The Averoff Gallery, founded in 1988, presents 200 works by Greek artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, alongside temporary exhibitions from museums and galleries across Greece and abroad.

Above the main square, the Averoff Gardens open onto incredible views of the Pindus National Park. Their trees and plants represent the local flora, while at the center stands the church of St. George, where Georgios Averoff, having made his fortune in Egypt, he later financed the reconstruction of Metsovo after its destruction in the 1854 uprising against the Ottomans. He called upon a gardener from Alexandria, to recreate a special atmosphere around the church, which still holds precious 18th‑century icons.

For outdoor fun, the Anilio Adventure Park, newest ski resort in Greece, lies just 25 minutes away, offering climbing, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and skiing. And while spotting a bear is rare, you might find paw prints along your walk, especially on the Ursa Trail (named after the Vlach word for “bear”). The surroundings of Metsovo are full of scenic paths and host an unforgettable trail running event each year.

Paleos Agios Athanasios



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@kyriakos.pipis

Rising 1,200 meters above sea level on Mount Voras, Paleos Agios Athanasios is a traditional mountain village that feels like stepping into a winter postcard. Its stone houses and cozy streets invite you to wander, shop for winter accessories, and pick up local products that make perfect souvenirs.

The area beyond is no less breathtaking. A short excursion takes you to Loutraki and the famous Pozar thermal springs, open year‑round with outdoor pools at a constant 37°C - no reservation needed. The nearby village of Orma charms with its picturesque atmosphere, while Edessa, the “city of waterfalls,” lies only half an hour away. Here you’ll find the spectacular Karanos waterfall plunging 70 meters, alongside the historic Varosi quarter with its church and traditional architecture. And for snow lovers, the Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort is less than a 30‑minutes drive away, offering slopes for all levels and a chance to enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Steni Dirfyos

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Less than two hours from Athens, Steni Dirfyos is a semi‑mountain village that proves altitude isn’t everything : at just 400 meters, it still enjoys frequent winter snowfalls that turn the landscape into a sparkling white escape. Built amphitheatre‑style, the village unfolds around a picturesque paved square lined with cafés and tavernas, the perfect spot to sip something warm while watching the snowflakes fall.

A short stroll brings you to the “Doctor’s Fountain,” a leafy corner shaded by plane trees. Beyond the square lies the Steni Forest, one of Greece's aesthetic forests, a magical mix of pines, plane trees, oaks, chestnuts, and firs, a natural playground for hikers, dreamers, and anyone who loves the scent of the woods in winter!

Whether you come for the cozy village atmosphere, the snowy charm, or the forest trails, Steni Dirfyos is a delightful mountain getaway that feels worlds away from Athens, yet close enough for a spontaneous escape.

In winter, Greece truly has something for everyone: wild landscapes for nature and animal lovers, snowy peaks for adventurers and outdoor sports fans, winding alleys steeped in myth for history buffs, cozy retreats for those who prefer wellness and cocooning, and of course, irresistible tables for food enthusiasts. So for your next winter getaway, don’t forget to add Greece to your destinations list!

Monday, 15 December 2025 11:50

Athens Santa Run 2025

The City of Athens, together with Greece’s largest running club, the Offline Running Association, proudly presents the most festive event for those who love running and Christmas: the Athens Santa Run 2025.

This Christmas celebration—filled with holiday spirit, joy, smiles, and a bit of exercise—will take place on Sunday, December 21, 2025, starting at Athens City Hall (63 Athinas Street).

The event encourages both children and adults to participate in an activity with a strong social mission, spreading a message of solidarity while transforming the city center into a vibrant holiday festivity. Athens is ready to fill its streets with Christmas color and cheer.

The Santa Run is a global phenomenon and a beloved tradition in major cities such as Tokyo, New York, London, Athens, Venice, Budapest, and Madrid.

The Route

The charitable, festive, and symbolic Athens Santa Run 2025 (2.8 km) will begin at 10:00 AM from Athens City Hall. The route will continue along Athinas Street—with views of the Acropolis—toward Ermou Street, turn at Agion Asomaton, then head to Peiraios Street, reach Omonoia Square, and finally return to City Hall. 

For a Good Cause

Part of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the City of Athens Reception and Solidarity Center (KYADA), supporting vulnerable social groups facing poverty, exclusion, and social isolation. KYADA provides daily social assistance, shelter, food, and social integration services to individuals and families in need.

Additionally, part of the proceeds will be allocated toward sports equipment for the City of Athens' Culture, Sports & Youth Organization.


REGISTER HERE and support the charitable mission of the Athens Santa Run 2025:

Participation is limited to 1,000 adults and 300 children. Children participate free of charge.

Race Pack Collection

Race pack collection will take place on the day of the event at the registration point in Kotzia Square.

All participants will receive a Santa Claus costume, a commemorative finisher’s medal, and gifts from event sponsors.

Sponsors

The event is supported by the following sponsors:

Silver Sponsors: Hotel Grande Bretagne, VIKOS COLA

Official Sponsors: MOTODYNAMICS Group, NIO, SIXT, YAMAHA, Mailo's - The Pasta Project, Venetis Bakery, Armando Pizzeria

Organizers

Organization of Culture, Sports & Youth of the Municipality of Athens, Offline Running Association, ActiveMedia Group
Thursday, 11 December 2025 22:33

Christmas At The Maria Callas Museum

This December, the Maria Callas Museum brings the magic of the season to life through a rich program of music, storytelling, creativity, and family activities across Athens. From heartfelt performances for children at the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital to winter listening sessions, hands-on art workshops, imaginative theatre, guided tours, and festive educational experiences for all ages, the Museum invites audiences to celebrate Christmas through culture, imagination, and community.

Friday, December 19 | “The Nutcracker’s Dream” at the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital by the Maria Callas Museum

The Maria Callas Museum of the City of Athens, in collaboration with composer Markella Skourti, brings a new Christmas music-theatre experience to the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital for children who are hospitalized or hosted there.

Following the successful cycle of music-education workshops in spring 2025, the Museum presents the immersive storytelling performance “The Nutcracker’s Dream”, a festive experiential journey inspired by the book “The Orchestra Tells the Story – The Nutcracker” (Katy Flint, Patakis Publishers). With piano accompaniment, theatrical narration and the children’s active participation, the world of the Nutcracker comes alive, offering moments of imagination, joy, and Christmas spirit within the hospital setting.

Learn more here.

Sunday, December 21 | Listening Club: Songs for Winter / Christmas in Athens

After the warm reception of last year’s Christmas Listening Club, radio producer of ERT’s Third Programme and Kosmos 93.6, Giorgos Florakis, returns to the Maria Callas Museum for a second year. This time, he invites us on a winter musical journey titled “Songs for Winter.” 

Free admission with complimentary entry ticket – Learn more here.

December 28–30, 2025 & January 2, 2026 | Stencil Art in the City: Create the Most Inspired Christmas Postcards! / Christmas in Athens

The Maria Callas Museum and the Industrial Gas Museum invite children and adults to a unique creative experience at Kotzia Square during the Christmas season! The two museums join forces to offer the most festive artistic event filled with color, light, and imagination. Children aged 3+ and adults will use stencil techniques to create their own Christmas postcards, inspired by the brilliance of Maria Callas and the magic of industrial architecture.

Free participation – Learn more here.

Tuesday, December 30 | Children’s Performance: Zacharias the Wolf’s Christmas / Christmas in Athens

The Maria Callas Museum hosts the children’s theatre performance “Zacharias the Wolf’s Christmas” for ages 4–8 by the theatre group “Anemomyloi.”

Wolf Zacharias does not like Christmas at all! He wanders around grumpy, looking for someone to play snowball with. But everyone is busy with holiday preparations—decorating trees, cooking festive treats, writing letters to Santa… Luckily, his friends help him get into the holiday spirit. And, of course, a wonderful surprise awaits him in the end!

Free admission with complimentary entry ticket – Learn more here.

GUIDED TOURS

Saturday, December 20, 12:00 & 13:30 | Adult & Family Tours

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Sunday, December 14 | MCM KIDS | Opera Becomes Play

A hands-on music-education journey into the magical world of opera and sound awaits children and their caregivers at the Maria Callas Museum, accompanied by a piano! Inspired by the voice and personality of the great diva, children will explore set-like rooms from three iconic operas—NormaToscaLa Traviata—play with rhythm, move with imagination, and finally discover Orff instruments and create their own group composition with piano accompaniment.

Opera becomes play—and play becomes expression, collaboration, and creativity!

11:30–12:30

Ages: 5–10
Learn more here.

Sunday, December 14 | MCM BABIES | Museum Goblins, Garlands, and Music

Can goblins really enter a museum? And if they do, do they bring only mischief—or also music? In this festive program, babies and their caregivers meet tiny creatures with pointy hats and playful moods that tangle melodies and twist garlands. Will we manage to untangle them? And if so, which music will guide us? Babies and caregivers will experience the magic of music and Christmas through the goblins’ cheeky antics.

We will sing, explore materials, move, and listen to sounds and melodies that warm the heart.

9:30–10:15

Ages: 8 months – 2.5 years
Learn more here.

Sunday, December 28 | MCM KIDS | Avanti Maestro! Christmas Edition / Christmas in Athens

What could a paintbrush, a piano, and a few Christmas smudges be doing inside a museum? Children and their caregivers will discover the answer through a magical festive music-art game! Guided by the melodies of a live piano and accompanied by brushes and colors, we will explore rhythm and create the most wonderful “musical smudges.” Through these playful creations, festive stories full of shapes and colors will unfold, taking us to bright, imaginary worlds where music becomes painting and the art of opera meets the magic of Christmas.

12:30–13:30

Ages: 3–5
Free participation with complimentary entry ticket
Learn more here.




Thursday, 11 December 2025 11:12

The Euphoria Series At Perma Serifos

With Penelope Dimitrakopoulou Psychologist, Professional & Leadership Coach, Mentor And Christina Exarchou Authorised Level II Ashtanga teacher
 

The environment shapes the experience. For this retreat, we wanted to connect deeply with the place that hosts us, and so we will be exploring the idea of taking SPACE.

The villas are arranged to provide privacy while keeping a sense of connection, supporting both me-time and communal time. Sustainability is built into the space itself, encouraging us to live with attention and intention. The island’s openness and wind add another layer: a landscape that asks us to ground ourselves while staying flexible to ever-changing conditions.

Focusing on the concept of SPACE as growth, our sessions create room to pause and recalibrate. Each is complemented by yoga practices that anchor awareness in the body. Together they work as parallel tracks: one for reflection and exchange, the other for movement and release.

The rest of the retreat follows the Euphoria Series rhythm: shared dinners, wine tasting, and quiet moments by the sea. Each becomes a way of practicing how space works in daily life, showing how privacy and connection, stillness and activity, can coexist in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

Who It's For

This retreat is designed for modern professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to prevent burnout and reconnect with their values, as well as wellness seekers, eco-conscious travelers, and food and wine enthusiasts looking for meaningful experiences in a sustainable setting. It’s ideal for individuals or small groups who want both privacy and community, inspiration and rest.

What’s Included
  • Three-night stay at Perma Serifos
  • Breathwork & intention-setting on arrival day
  • Three group workshops on Space as Growth with Penelope Dimitrakopoulou, Psychologist, Professional & Leadership Coach, Mentor
  • Three Vinyasa yoga sessions with Christina Exarchou
  • All meals included:
    • Daily brunch
    • Two private dinners at Perma with local cooks
    • Wine tasting at Chrysoloras Winery• Dinner at a traditional local tavern
  • Free time for beach, rest, and island exploration
What To Expect
  • Master stress regulation: Learn practical techniques to move out of pressure-driven reactivity and access clarity under demanding conditions.
  • Strengthen leadership presence: Develop the ability to set boundaries, communicate needs with authority, and foster trust without losing autonomy.
  • Align decisions with values: Step back, gain perspective, and refine career or business choices so they compound toward long-term impact.
  • Integrate mind–body awareness: Daily yoga and breathwork practices embed resilience and focus into your physical and mental routines.
  • Experience intentional luxury: Private villas, curated dining, and authentic wine experiences provide the space to pause, recharge, and think differently.
Retreat Info

When: May 22-25, 2026
Where: Perma, Serifos
Price: €1560 per person in shared room / €2760 per person for single occupancy  

To reserve your spot or request more information: 📩 DM @theeuphoriaseries 📧 Or reply directly to info@theeuphoriaseries.com

Alternatively, you can book directly via this Booking Link. Select 1 person for the dates 22–25/05, and we will assign the rooms so that you stay with your group. It would be very helpful if you could send us an email once your booking is completed.

Organizer's page: https://www.theeuphoriaseries.com/the-euphoria-series-at-perma-serifos-22-25-05-2026/

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