LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Celebrating The Longest Night Of The Year In Athens
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.
6 Villages To Visit In Greece This Holiday Season
Here’s a hand‑picked selection of charming places to spend the holiday season and discover Greece in a way you never imagined!
Nymfaio
@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
@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
@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
@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
@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
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!
Athens Santa Run 2025
Christmas At The Maria Callas Museum
Friday, December 19 | “The Nutcracker’s Dream” at the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital by the Maria Callas Museum
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—Norma, Tosca, La 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.
The Euphoria Series At Perma Serifos
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.
- 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
- 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.
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/
Christmas At Kypseli Municipal Market
This December, the Kypseli Municipal Market comes alive with festive spirit, creativity, and community. From artisan makers and local producers to live music, theater, and unique workshops, the market is the place to discover stories, tastes, and traditions that make the holidays magical.
Events
Meet the Creators
Explore the market filled with creators, producers, and small businesses, each bringing their own stories and handcrafted products. Come meet them, taste their delights, and discover what lies behind every handmade object, flavor, and idea.
📅 Thursday 11 – Sunday 14/12 | 10:00–21:00
📍 Atrium | Free Entry
Poetry Reading: “Manaviko”
Join the publishers LOGO_TYPO for the presentation of Giannis Poulos’ poetry collection “Manaviko”. His poems are small reminders of life, showing that poetry can be found everywhere.
📅 Sunday 14/12 | 11:00–13:00
📍 Megalo F | Free Entry
Christmas Blood Drive
In collaboration with Blood-e, the market hosts a festive blood donation event, spreading holiday solidarity.
📅 Monday 15/12 | 09:00–13:00
📍 Megalo F | Free Entry
KETHEA Christmas Bazaar
The KETHEA DIAVASI Family Association invites you to its Christmas bazaar. Find handmade ornaments, gifts, and treats lovingly crafted by the families of those overcoming addiction.
📅 Monday 15/12 | 13:00–21:00
📅 Tuesday 16/12 | 10:00–21:00
📍 Atrium | Free Entry
Book Presentation: “Distinction”
Discover the brilliant graphic novel by Tiphene Rivière, exploring the political, economic, and psychological dimensions of Bourdieu’s ideas, while highlighting the aesthetics and cultural mechanisms that reproduce social inequality.
📅 Tuesday 16/12 | 19:00–21:00
📍 Megalo F | Free Entry
Angelika Dusk Live
Sing along with Angelika Dusk and her five-piece band in an energetic 80s-inspired live performance full of dance, fun, and unforgettable memories.
📅 Wednesday 17/12 | 19:00
📍 Atrium | Free Entry
Christmas Solidarity Celebration
The EKAV Social Christmas Celebration returns! Enjoy festive performances by The Hive, explore the market, play ping pong, or try giant Jenga in the Atrium.
📅 Thursday 18/12 | 13:00–21:00
📍 Atrium | Free Entry
Christmas Movie Night
The Market transforms into a cinema for families, showing beloved holiday classics:
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17:30 – The Grinch (Dubbed, 86 min)
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19:30 – Home Alone (Subtitled, 102 min)
📍 Atrium | Free Entry
Xmas Creators Market by Frau.les
Discover new brands, support independent creators, and celebrate the festive season through a modern, creative lens.
📅 Saturday 20 – Tuesday 23/12 | 12:00–21:00
📍 Atrium, Megalo F, Mikro F | Free Entry
Mythical Transformations: A Christmas Adventure
A musical and interactive theatrical performance for children (ages 5–10) by Sandy Makropoulou, exploring the magic of Christmas through time.
📅 Sunday 21/12 | 12:00–13:00
📍 Permanent Historical Exhibition | €10/child
Neighborhood Christmas Market
Celebrate Christmas in the heart of Kypseli with children’s workshops, festive music, and local vendors offering last-minute gifts.
📅 Wednesday 24/12 | 10:00–18:00
📍 Atrium | Free Entry
Christmas Book Fest
A four-day festive book festival for all ages, featuring workshops, surprises, and presentations. The first day includes a live festive program by Foufouri Editions and ATHINA 9.84, with music by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.
📅 Saturday 27 – Tuesday 30/12 | 10:00–21:00
📍 Atrium | Free Entry
Workshops & Programs
The Heart of Theater – Adult Theater Group
Through fun and complex ensemble exercises, participants build trust, develop creativity, unleash imagination, and collaborate to create together.
📅 Every Monday until June 2026 | 19:00–21:30
📍 Adult Theater Group | Tickets at the Market’s box office
Info: 21 0440 0545 | hello@dak.com.gr
Woodworking Workshop
Learn the basics of woodworking and immediately put skills into practice. By the end, each participant takes home a handmade stool.
📅 Every Wednesday until 17/12 | 18:00–20:00
📍 HOKOCRAFTS | Limited spots. Info & tickets: hokocrafts.com/workshop
Our Inner Canvas
A series of experiential workshops exploring home, safety, and personal space through art.
📅 Every Wednesday until 17/12 | 18:30–20:30
📍 Creative Lab | €15/session. Reserve via @clayground
Polymer Clay Date – Christmas Edition
A festive, creative session making charms, ornaments, and small jewelry with color, sparkle, and fun.
📅 Saturday 13/12 | 12:00–14:30
📍 Creative Lab | €25 (Reserve via pinkforest.gr/workshops )
Vlavi Book Club
A space to explore and discuss influential essays and literary works. Participants must read the recommended books.
📅 Saturday 13/12 | 18:00–21:00
📍 Permanent Historical Exhibition | Free Entry
Christmas Wreath Workshop
Create a traditional festive wreath in a warm, cheerful environment with all materials provided. No experience needed.
📅 Sunday 14/12 | 12:30–14:30
📍 Creative Lab | €45 (Tickets: monstera.athens@gmail.com / Instagram )
Elves in Action – Theater Workshop for Ages 3–5
A playful Christmas adventure where little elves help Santa prepare gifts and decorate the sleigh, including a mini baking workshop.
📅 Saturday 20/12 | 11:00–12:00
📍 Creative Lab | €10/child + accompanying adult
Analog Collage Workshop
Create unique handmade compositions using old images, exploring personal stories and emotions through visual art.
📅 Saturday 20/12 | 13:00–16:00
📍 Creative Lab | €25
Christmas Mystery at Kypseli Market
A festive scavenger hunt where children and adults solve puzzles and face mischievous elves that have turned the exhibition upside down.
📅 Sunday 21/12 | 16:30–18:00
📍 Exhibition | €22/child + accompanying adult
Last but not least, at the Kypseli Municipal Market, visitors can explore a vibrant mix of pop-ups and shops offering unique gifts, handmade creations, and sustainable products. From eco-conscious brands like That Gorilla Brand and natural cosmetics from Solarz and Elichrysos, to handmade jewelry, playful fashion pieces, and festive decorations, there’s something for everyone. Discover cultural and artisanal treasures at Finikalala, support social initiatives at Anthizo and Modistra Hopemade, or find books, games, and knowledge-packed items at Skrip and POLY KOOL Bookstore. Seasonal pop-ups like Christmas Friends Market and the magical Village of Three Elves make holiday shopping joyful, while creative workshops, home décor, and woodworking collectives like Hokocrafts invite hands-on experiences. Every visit promises surprises, festive spirit, and a chance to support local creators and meaningful initiatives.
Christmas At The Acropolis Museum
This Christmas, the Acropolis Museum invites you to celebrate with imaginative children’s workshops, ancient festive traditions, guided tours through the collections, live music on the ground floor, and the striking Lamassu – a winged bull by Michael Rakowitz – in the Museum gardens. Browse unique gifts, including the 2026 lucky charm, at the Museum Shop, and enjoy seasonal dishes at the restaurant for a complete festive experience.
Children’s Program & Workshop: "Winged Mythical Creatures and the New Year’s Charm"
Young explorers are invited to join archaeologists on a magical adventure through the exhibits to discover the lucky charm of the new year. Along the way, they’ll meet winged figures – guardians, messengers, or challengers – solve riddles, and collect magical objects. The journey ends in the Educational Centre, where children can decorate their own clay charms to take home.
Dates: Saturday 27/12 & Sunday 28/12, 11:00 a.m. (ages 6–12, in Greek)
Children’s Workshop: "The Iresione and the Carols"
Children will decorate the Iresione, an olive-branch ornament, just as ancient children did, and sing traditional carols celebrating the New Year. Their creations will also adorn the Museum’s Iresione in the Kids Corner.
Dates: Monday 29/12 & Tuesday 30/12, 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. (ages 6–12, in Greek)
Music on the Museum Ground Floor
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Sunday 21 December, 12:00 p.m. – El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra
Young musicians from 40 countries perform a repertoire blending classical works, Christmas melodies, and pieces promoting peace, under Kyriaki Kountouri. Artistic Direction: Zoe Zeniodi. -
Monday 22 December, 12:30 p.m. – Cretan “Vrakofori” Dance Ensemble
Experience traditional Cretan dances and carols under Giannis Petrakis. -
Saturday 27 December, 12:00 p.m. – Hellenic Air Force Band
Enjoy New Year melodies performed by the historic band, conducted by Flight Lieutenant Konstantinos Drakos.
Exploring the Galleries of the Acropolis Museum
Every Saturday at 10 a.m. in English and 1 p.m. in Greek, archaeologists guide visitors through the exhibitions, sharing hidden stories and insights from the Acropolis, its monuments, and the ancient world.
Gallery talk: "The Erechtheion: A journey through a remarkable monument"
On Sunday 28 December at 1 p.m., join archaeologists for an in-depth look at the Erechtheion, one of the Acropolis’s most iconic monuments, exploring its architecture, sculptural decoration, sacred traditions, and myths. Program held in Greek.
Lamassu of Nineveh – Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Cultures, Part 2
Visitors can view the Lamassu of Nineveh, a 4.3-metre winged bull with a human face, reconstructed from Iraqi date syrup cans. This striking installation dialogues with the archaeological layers beneath the Museum, the sacred Acropolis above, and the modern city surrounding it.
At the Museum Restaurant with a View of the Acropolis
Every Friday and Saturday evening (except 26/12), enjoy festive dinners overlooking the illuminated Acropolis until midnight. On other days, combine your visit with coffee, dessert, and holiday musical events. Reservations: (0030) 210 9000 915
Festive Gifts at the Museum Shop
Discover beautiful decorative items and unique gifts, including the Museum’s 2026 lucky charm, inspired by the 6th-century mosaic floor patterns of Building Z. These pieces reflect the wealth, prosperity, and craftsmanship of the ancient Acropolis, making perfect festive gifts.
For more information, please visit theacropolismuseum.gr.
The Most Beautiful Christmas Lights In Athens
Syntagma’s lights, the most iconic
@ranniabcreative
On November 27, not even the rain could stop the crowd from gathering at Syntagma Square for the official start of Athens’ holiday season! Mayor Haris Doukas lit up a spectacular 19‑meter Christmas tree, sparkling with no less than 5 km of lights and 60,000 bulbs! The celebration also switched on the festive glow across central Athens, from Panepistimiou and Stadiou to Ermou and Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.
Since that joyful kickoff, you can wander through Syntagma Square, the beating heart of Christmas in Athens, and soak up the festive vibe as local musicians keep the spirit alive all December long.
Christmas Factory’s lights, the most family-friendly
@georgespanosphotography
Once again, the Christmas Factory lights up Technopolis in Athens! The old factory turns into a festive funfair as Santa and his elves open up their magical universe to us.
This year’s theme, Find Your Star, invites kids of all ages to join unique missions across 10 interactive workshops, from fairy‑tale storytelling and painting to music, not to forget the famous little train and ice rink. Thousands of sparkling lights paint scenes in the sky… and who knows, while strolling through the wonderland, you might just bump into Santa himself!
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Christmas World, the most artsy 
@karanikolas
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center kicks off a month of artsy, festive events, peaking on New Year’s Eve. Glide across the canal ice rink or wander through the Festival of Lights in the park, with dancing fountains and sparkling trees. This fairytale world, created by international and local artists under the theme BioLumina, hosts a rich program of concerts, performances, DJ sets, workshops, and screenings. From butterflies emerging on the green roof to dandelions floating around the dome, the Light Installations Festival stages a poetic dialogue between nature and festive season.
Pedion Tou Aeros, the most immersive
@athensfrow
Pedion tou Areos, one of Athens’ most frequented parks of the city, has transformed into a glowing Christmas Village with its own illuminated tree and a month‑long celebration of holiday cheer. After the success of 2024, concerts, ice rink and lively shows return to brighten the festive season. Wooden chalets overflow with handmade creations, gift ideas, and Christmas treats but the star attraction is an impressive illuminated trail inspired by the park’s design, inviting you to wander along the glowing river or beneath trees alive with vivid beams of light. Rediscover your favorite park by night, shimmering under the magic of Christmas illuminations!
Little Kook, the most delicious
@karmaclaudia
In the heart of Psyrri, a café goes all‑out with jaw‑dropping seasonal décor that changes every time of year, turning into a daily attraction for both locals and tourists. This Christmas, the theme is Circus, with dazzling festive touches everywhere. And don’t forget to snack while you’re there… after all, it’s still a café!
Karavaki, the most traditional
Before the Christmas tree became a universal symbol, Greeks celebrated with the karavaki, a small wooden boat adorned with lights, a meaning far beyond decoration. They symbolized hope, protection, and the wish for a safe return, for sailors far from their families, especially during this season of gathering with loved ones.
The tradition usually begins on December 6, in honor of Saint Nicholas, protector of seafarers, and fills the season with prayers for safety and togetherness. Stroll through Athens in December and you will surely come across this motif scattered throughout the city, shimmering among the Christmas decorations, for instance, you can spot a large illuminated one in the Gazi district, right across the Christmas Factory!
And if you can’t decide between all these dazzling spots (why choose, really?), head up to Mount Lycabettus for a sweeping view of it all! It’s the perfect spot to catch Athens dressed in Christmas lights or the New Year’s fireworks, while savoring Melomakarona and Kourabiedes.
The Athens Singers Christmas Concert 2025
As in previous years, the festive reception after the concert is included in the ticket price.
The concert will begin at 8:30PM at the War Museum Amphitheatre at Rizari 2, conveniently located near the Evangelismo Metro stop.
Tickets are €15, CASH ONLY.
Open Call For Creative Collaborators
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate starting at 25€\40€ per hour workshops delivered.
Support: Provision of teaching materials budget and administrative support.
