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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.
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From Toronto To Athens: Elena Tzavara’s Journey With XpatAthens
~ It’s 2004, and Athens is alive with the energy of the Olympics. Stadiums are rising, the city is being “cleaned up”, and for Elena, director at XpatAthens, a lifelong dream of making Greece her home is just beginning.
Courtesty of @chromecabrio
Part of that growth is the arrival of Wellness Hub Greece as part of our non profit organization; it will be ready this December, and we’ve already introduced it on XpatAthens. This new communication and community platform is born from a deep passion for human wellbeing. WHG will be a digital space for Greece's wellness community; serving as a communication tool for the industry overall (who's doing what and where in Greece), while also a place where anyone can explore curated wellness experiences in Greece - from practitioners and retreats to workshops and tools designed to support a more balanced life.
And as we continue to grow and share the best parts of Greece, there are ways support our work, even little gestures help us to keep this community alive. There are also ways to share your offerings on our platforms, and we are most grateful for corporate sponsorships too!
A Message To Our Readers
XpatAthens has always grown through real stories and real connections, so we’d love to hear from you too. If you ever feel called to share your own experience or simply reach out, you can get in touch with us here. Conversation has always been part of the heart of this community.
Many of the insights that guided the evolution of XpatAthens — the inner clarity, the purpose-work, the storytelling — are part of Innerbloom. It’s a space dedicated to helping people and brands find their voice, refine their story, and feel more aligned with the work they’re putting into the world. If you’re curious, you can explore more at: www.innerbloom.gr
FokiaNou Art Space Presents Athens under Pressure
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 17:00 – 20:00
Athens is changing. The climate crisis, drought, fires and tree diseases are transforming the city and its natural environment. Palm trees, plane trees, mulberries, pines and cypresses are disappearing, while heat and drought are becoming the new normal. At the same time, overtourism and relentless urban development are putting additional pressure on the already burdened urban fabric.The city is drowning under the volume of visitors, the neighborhoods are changing character, the residents are being displaced, while new apartment buildings and hotel complexes are springing up in every corner of the basin, covering every trace of free land.
MONA MARCHÉ VOL IV. - A Pop-up Holiday Market
House of Shila’s most anticipated Christmas Market is back this December for its 4th Year, bridging creativity, community, and commerce.
MONA’S MARCHÉ, a signature Pop-Up Holiday gathering showcasing a handpicked selection of 25 creators in art, craft, culture, and gastronomy; transforming Mona into an immersive 48-hour celebration of the Athenian cultural landscape. Returning for its fourth edition and celebrating the anniversary of the House of Shila’s online store. MARCHÉ showcases the creative vision, continual evolution, and the heart of House of Shila. 
MONA’S MARCHÉ presents a distinguished array of local and international artists, designers, and tastemakers, featuring a variety of ceramics, textiles, artworks, garments, jewellery, floral installations, and cultural publications, forming a cultivated Holiday Gift Guide.
Staged within MONA’s 1950s Living Room and Underground Club, in the vibrant Psirri district, the event invites guests to immerse into a meticulously curated world of discovery on the weekend of 13th and 14th December. Offering the chance to acquire limited-edition holiday gifts. It serves as a refined forum where creatives convene and exchange ideas.
The weekend’s culinary experience, curated by Akra Athens, features exquisite treats, alongside a selection of their renowned signature bites. Minu Athens for a warm interlude. Jason Ligas curates a carefully selected range of characterful, low-intervention natural wines.
See below for the full list of all the participants:
PARTICIPANTS
Guests will meet and experience the artists in person, exploring the stories behind their creations, all while moving to transcendent soundscapes that traverse genres. The sets will be masterfully curated by Homcore, Athens’ cult record boutique, orchestrating the musical journey throughout the weekend. Rare LPs and EPs will be available for purchase. 
For those wishing to glimpse beyond the veil, MONA’S MARCHÉ will host intimate tarot readings by Always The Moon Tarot, providing guests with a private moment of revelation, and perhaps a subtle nudge from the universe.
A dedicated art gallery corner, curated by the House of Shila Interior Design Team, will present a selection from our esteemed art collection, offering a sophisticated alternative for those seeking a truly remarkable Christmas gift.
HOS Members get exclusive discounts on purchases. Apply here.
The Meet Market Xmas Edition - 10 Days Of Christmas
200+ #madeinGreece brands
10 days in a row, Friday 12 - Sunday 21 December, Weekdays 17:00 – 22:00 & Weekends 12:00 – 22:00
2 LineUps of makers
1 big Christmas celebration
Over 200 #MadeInGreece brands will take over the space in two amazing lineups across the 10 days — featuring designers and makers you already know and love, plus 30+ fresh new artists showing their creations for the very first time.
The first lineup will be there from December 12 to 14, while the second takes over from December 15 to 21. That means… two Meet Markets in one — with even more creators, fresh ideas, and unique gifts for everyone. So, if you love discovering one-of-a-kind products, you’ll definitely want to visit both! AND, entry is free, so don’t think twice!
The city lights up, the air smells like holiday spices,, and the Old Depot in Gazi transforms into the coziest festive hub. Browse beautifully designed clothes, statement accessories, handmade jewelry, unique home décor, natural beauty and wellness products, Greek gourmet treats, handpicked kids’ items, and so much more. You can even make your own DIY ornament — the perfect keepsake or gift. Check our program for details.
Jewelry:
Come one, come all! Lets all gather under one big urban roof, in a warm and festive atmosphere, for a mix of shopping, music, meeting, mingling, and creative experiences!